CRIME TIME : February 15-21

The Week in Blue

Car thieves had a field day this week with one successful vehicle theft, one stolen moped, two attempted thefts, and two more vehicle tampering incidents—all using similar smash-and-grab tactics. Meanwhile, a serial garage burglar hit twice in one morning, and the usual downtown disorder continued. Here's what happened.

Vehicle Crime Spree

Car Stolen from Manhattan Avenue
On February 20-21, thieves shattered a vehicle's window on Manhattan Avenue and made off with the car. This was the second successful vehicle theft of the week.

Unlocked Car Vanishes from Pier Avenue
A victim parked their vehicle unlocked on Pier Avenue on February 13th. When they returned in the early morning hours of February 14th, the car was gone. PSA: Lock your cars.

Moped Stolen from Parking Garage
A moped was stolen from a parking garage on Ardmore Avenue overnight February 16-17.

Multiple Attempted Thefts
Car thieves struck twice more but failed to steal the vehicles:

• 7th Court & Hermosa Avenue: Rear passenger window smashed, steering column and ignition tampered with (February 20-21)
• 4th Street & Bayview Drive: Ignition punched in an attempt to steal vehicle (February 20-21)

Vehicle Tampering on 4th Street
The right passenger window was smashed and ignition punched on 4th Street in another attempted theft. A USB cable was stolen (February 20-21).

All these incidents appear to use similar methods—smashing windows and tampering with ignition systems—suggesting organized theft activity.

Serial Garage Burglar

Thief Returns for More E-Bikes
In a brazen early-morning crime spree on February 17th, a subject entered a garage on 29th Street, stole a bicycle, and moved it to a new location. The thief then returned to the same garage and took two backpacks and another electric bicycle before fleeing. One bicycle was recovered locally, but the suspect and other items remain at large.

Other Property Crimes

Retail Theft
Multiple incidents of shoplifting were reported:

• Subjects entered a store on PCH, grabbed alcohol, cosmetics, and various items and left without paying (February 16th)
• Subject took multiple oral care items from Pier Avenue store (February 16th)

Bicycle Theft from Unlocked Garage
A bicycle left inside an unlocked garage was stolen on 6th Street (February 17-18).

EBT Card & Medication Missing
An EBT card and medication went missing from a residence on 2nd Street (February 16th).

Fraud & Forgery

IRS Check Washed and Cashed
An IRS check from June 2025 was intercepted, washed, altered, and cashed—not discovered until February 16th. This is becoming a recurring theme in our crime reports. If you're expecting tax documents or IRS checks, monitor your accounts carefully.

REI Account Hacked
A victim's REI account was used to purchase items without permission overnight February 19-20.

Assault Incident

Moving Day Dispute Turns Threatening
Movers damaged a refrigerator and walls during a move on Manhattan Avenue. When the resident said he would contact the manager, a mover physically stopped him from heading downstairs and threatened him (February 19th).

ABC Violation

Unlicensed Alcohol Tasting
A business on Cypress Avenue was found operating an alcohol tasting experience without a license for sales of alcohol on January 30th (late report)

Ex-Chamber CEO Cited for Allegedly Serving Alcohol Without License at Cypress ‘Studio’

Second undercover sting operation at Cypress Avenue venue by ABC officers results in citation and court date.

The Hermosa ReviewHermosa Review

DUI & Public Intoxication

Two DUI arrests were made:

• February 16th at 8th Street & Cypress Avenue
• February 17th in Redondo Beach (resisting arrest)

Three public intoxication incidents:

• Subject arrested on 11th Street (February 20th)
• Subject arrested at Pier & Valley (February 15th)
• Intoxicated subject fell and was transported for medical care on Hermosa Avenue (February 16th)

Quality of Life Issues

Property Loiterers
Two subjects were found on private property on 2nd Street, charging phones and leaving possessions behind (February 17th).

Public Urination
One citation issued on 13th Court (February 21st).

Traffic Incident

An officer attempted to contact a subject who walked away from a vehicle and refused commands to stop at Longfellow & Valley. The vehicle was towed due to expired registration—more than six months overdue (February 17th).

Lost & Found Property

Lost: wallet, backpack with items
Found: clothing, credit cards, and other items on 8th Place

If you're missing any of these items, contact HbPD.