Police Warn of Unlocked Car Burglaries

The is investigating a rash of overnight car burglaries in North Redondo Beach, according to a statement from the department released by Councilman Steven Diels.

Police began receiving calls about vehicle burglaries at about 7 a.m. Monday, and responding officers discovered five cars that had been "ransacked," according to the statement.

Sgt. Dave Christian confirmed the information.

"There were quite a few [cars] broken into," he said; however, he noted that at least five of the vehicles were unlocked, making the crime "thefts from open vehicles."

"People still believe they can leave their car open," Christian said.

A total of five cars were burgled on Carver Street, and two additional burglaries—one in the 2000 block of Nelson Avenue and one in the 1700 block of Harriman Lane—were reported later Monday.

On Carver Street, two of the vehicles had items stolen; the other three weren't missing anything, police said. The thief actually left items in two of the cars on Carver Street.

The thief also left items—including a cell phone—in the cars on Nelson and Harriman, police said.

Items stolen included an iPad, purses, a wallet, cell phone and change from ashtrays.

Christian said that residents should always lock their cars and stow valuables out of sight and out of the console. "[Thieves will] take anything visible or that's in the console," Christian said.

Detectives are investigating the thefts.