Report: Car burglaries up

Comparing 2004 with 2005, incidents rise 18% in Newport.Yearly crime statistics for 2005 show a spike in vehicle-related thefts in Newport Beach, something police say they’re aware of and want the public’s help in solving.

Vehicle burglaries and thefts from vehicles rose by more than 18% from last year. There were 803 reported burglaries or thefts from vehicles in 2005 compared with 677 in 2004.

The number of stolen cars also increased, 196 in 2005 compared with 153 in 2004.

“Those crimes are basically opportunistic crimes,” said Newport Beach Sgt. Bill Hartford.

As a resort city, Newport Beach has a high number of people traveling through it each day -- a situation that increases the risk of opportunity crimes, Hartford said.

“Their [visitors] mind really isn’t on ... the concern of crime. Our crime is extremely small; we’re a very safe city,” Hartford said.

Police are aware of the increase in vehicle-related thefts and are asking for the community’s help. People should lock cars and park in safe locations; most important, they shouldn’t leave valuables in plain sight in vehicles, Hartford said.

The Newport Beach Police Department updates monthly crime statistics on its website; it also lists crimes by location.

“It tells us where we should focus our resources,” Hartford said.

The Costa Mesa Police Department maintains its own crime statistics but typically waits to release them until the FBI releases national crime statistics later this year, said Costa Mesa Police Lt. Dale Birney.

According to a December report from the state attorney general’s office, burglaries and car thefts in Costa Mesa increased sharply in the first half of the year compared with the same period in 2004.

The report also showed that the number of violent crimes -- murder, rape, robbery and assault -- dropped by 4.4% in Costa Mesa this year.