Huntington Beach burglary suspect caught on camera

HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. (KABC) -- Security photos show the suspect wearing a backpack just after walking inside the Pier Colony Condominium complex at 200 Pacific Coast Highway in downtown Huntington Beach.

"The male suspect entered the parking garage through a pedestrian gate which can only be accessed through remote control or a key," said Huntington Beach Police Officer Jennifer Marlatt. "He was able to reach through the door and unlock the door from the inside and walk in."

Marlatt said he then took the elevator to the underground parking structure, then started trying door handles of vehicles.

Police said the suspect spent about 45 minutes inside, then left by just opening the door, using a remote he stole from one of the vehicles.

Surveillance photos show the suspect riding out on a stolen bike -- a child's bike trailer hooked on the back. A new barbecue -- still in its box -- is piled on top of the trailer, along with another bike.

The crime spree was discovered after a resident noticed her new barbecue was missing from her car. She called police.

Police say it was a crime of opportunity, reminding people to lock their vehicles.

"Take all of your belongings out of the vehicle. Don't leave them in view," said Marlatt.

Others wonder how no one appeared to notice the suspect leaving with such a huge load. The condos sit beach-front right along PCH near Main Street. The thefts happened mid-week on June 29 between 6 a.m. and 7 a.m.

"It's a little surprising. We're all walking around with blinkers on. People are looking at phones, people too busy to see what's going on elsewhere rather than what's around us," said James Whiteley, a West Los Angeles resident, as he walked by the condo complex.

Officials with the condominiums say there is 24-hour security Fridays and Saturdays, but the other days -- including the day of the incident -- the guards' shift doesn't start until 8 a.m. The suspect had already left with the goods about one hour before.

"We don't know if he's a local, if he's a transient, but we're hoping someone recognizes him," said Marlatt.

She described him as a white male with brown hair, tattoos on his right arm and right calf. He also has a star tattoo on his right elbow. At the time, he was wearing a white T-shirt, khaki knee-length shorts and black and white sneakers.

You can give information anonymously by calling OC Crime Stoppers at (855) TIP-OCCS.