POLICE FILES - Aug. 24, 2000

COSTA MESA

* Harbor Boulevard: A thief in need of a ride opted not to steal a

car, but took a $1,000 bicycle from the parking lot of Norm’s Restaurant

in the 2100 block between 1:30 and 2:15 p.m. Aug. 13.

* Baker Street: A brave custodian was ready to defend a church in the

1000 block when a prowler ventured inside, then fled, at 11:20 p.m. Aug.

12.

NEWPORT BEACH

* Newport Center Drive: A disgruntled employee of The Four Seasons

Hotel is suspected of causing $400 in damage by slashing four tires and

scratching the paint of a car parked in the 690 block between 7:15 a.m.

and 4:45 p.m. Monday.

* Fullerton Avenue: Someone stole a $300 compact disc player from a

car parked in the 500 block between 10:30 p.m. Monday and 6:30 a.m.

Tuesday. They obviously didn’t hear about Best Buy’s sale this weekend.

* West Coast Highway: Bored with stealing items from cars, someone

climbed aboard an open deck boat in the 2200 block between 5 p.m. Sunday

and 1 p.m. Tuesday and stole $995 worth of items.

* Iris Avenue: A woman eating lunch at Gina’s Pizza in the 400 block

Sunday was victimized by the area’s cellular phone bandit when her $250

phone was stolen.