A man was arrested last week for allegedly stealing several paddle boards from docks and homes around Newport Beach, police reported Wednesday.
Dan Patrick Elias, 45, of Costa Mesa was taken into custody Friday by Newport Beach detectives for possession of stolen property. According to police, an investigation revealed over the last 10 months Elias allegedly stole paddle boards from docks and home throughout the city.
"In several cases, the paddle boards were locked, and Elias would simply cut the lock and remove the board," Andi Querry, crime prevention specialist, said in a released statement. "He would also remove unattended, unsecured boards and if questioned, he would say he was moving it for a friend."
Police said Elias would then sell the stolen paddle boards on Craigslist or to local shops. Detectives posed as potential buyers and contacted Elias, asking to see one of the paddle boards. It was later determined two paddle boards and a kayak that were in Elias' possession were stolen and he was arrested, police reported.
Police have since returned the stolen items to their rightful owners.
Anyone with more information, or who thinks they may have been a victim of a paddle board theft, is asked to call Det. Christopher Kimble at 949-644-3767 or the Newport Beach Police Department’s Hotline at 1-800-550-NBPD where messages can be left anonymously.
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