CRIME TIME: January 11-17

E-Bike Theft Epidemic Continues with Three More Incidents

The city's ongoing e-bike theft problem showed no signs of abating during the week, with three separate incidents e-bikes across downtown locations.

On January 14-15, thieves broke a slide lock to a garage in the 1200 block of Bayview Drive and stole an e-motorcycle. The forced entry marks an escalation from earlier thefts where perpetrators accessed secured parking garages through other means.

In the most brazen incident of the week, two locked e-bikes secured to a parking sign were stolen on January 16 at 10th Street and Beach Drive. The theft occurred in broad daylight between 2:00 PM and 3:00 PM, demonstrating that thieves are no longer limiting their activity to overnight hours.

In a positive development, an e-bike was found and turned in to police on January 16 at 2nd Street and Hermosa Avenue, though it's unclear if this bike was from a previous theft.

These incidents bring the total e-bike and e-motorcycle thefts since early December to at least nine reported cases, with most occurring in Area 1 (downtown/pier area). The pattern suggests organized theft activity with thieves equipped to defeat various security measures including locks, garage doors, and secured parking facilities.

Hit-and-Run Surge on Pacific Coast Highway

The week saw a spike in hit-and-run incidents with property damage, with four separate crashes reported along Pacific Coast Highway between January 7-9. The incidents occurred at the 2500 block, 1100 block, and 1200 block of PCH, along with one at 10th Street and Owosso Avenue.

Handgun Brandished After Business Altercation

On January 17, subjects involved in a verbal altercation inside a business in the 400 block of Pacific Coast Highway escalated the conflict when one subject brandished a handgun after returning to their vehicle.

Multiple Vehicle Vandalism

Unknown subjects vandalized multiple vehicles in the 1200 block of 8th Street overnight between January 10-11. The targeting of several vehicles suggests either random vandalism or a dispute with residents in that specific location.

Fraud and Scams

Two distinct fraud cases were reported during the week. On January 11, a victim in the 100 block of 35th Street was contacted and told her Instagram account had been accessed. After the victim reset codes—which actually gave the suspects access to the account—she sent photos to the subjects before being told it was a scam. This represents a social engineering attack using Instagram account compromise.

On January 15-16, a former employee forged a check on a business account in the 300 block of 10th Street, demonstrating the ongoing risk of internal fraud.

A rental scam was reported on January 17 when a residence in the 800 block of 1st Street was listed for rent fraudulently, likely targeting prospective renters with fake listings.

Vehicle Crimes

A known subject took a vehicle without permission from the 700 block of Palm Drive on January 10, classified as a stolen vehicle incident.

A vehicle in the 500 block of 16th Street was entered by unknown means overnight on January 9-10, with multiple items stolen from inside.

Public Intoxication Enforcement

Officers made multiple contacts for public intoxication during the week. Two arrests were made—one on January 12 in the 1100 block of Loma Drive and another on January 11 at 14th Street and Hermosa Avenue. Two citations were issued on January 17, one at 2nd Street and The Strand and another at 800 block of Cypress Avenue.

Traffic Violations

Six citations or arrests were made for driving on suspended or revoked licenses at various locations throughout the week, continuing the pattern of enforcement for this violation.

One citation was issued on January 12 for multiple violations including expired registration, failure to maintain light equipment, and driving with a suspended license.

DUI Arrest

One DUI arrest was made on January 11 at Pier Avenue and Valley Drive.

Other Incidents

A dumpster fire was reported in the 700 block of 21st Street in the early morning hours of January 14.

A subject believes she was possibly drugged while out drinking on Pier Avenue on January 10-11.

On January 16, a subject in a vehicle blocking a driveway exited and threatened the reporting party. The subjects are known to one another.

A public urination citation was issued in the early morning hours of January 17 in the 00 block of 11th Street.