Man, 19, arrested after string of thefts from unlocked vehicles in Irvine

Police arrested a man suspected of stealing from a string of unlocked cars in an Irvine neighborhood early Sunday.

Officers chased Matthew Kozlov, 19, of Anaheim Hills, after two cars were ransacked at a home on Winterfield Road about 3 a.m., Irvine police Cmdr. Julia Engen said.

Police said someone stole items from a car in the driveway and then used a garage-door opener in the car to gain access to another vehicle.

Police arrived and saw Kozlov leaving, Engen said. He ran through neighboring properties and was found in a backyard, according to police.

Police said Kozlov had stolen items from at least three other cars in the neighborhood. All five cars that were ransacked were unlocked, Engen said.

Kozlov was booked into Orange County Jail on suspicion of residential burglary, possession of stolen property, petty theft and resisting or obstructing officers.

He is free after posting $50,000 bond, according to Orange County Sheriff’s Department records.

Police said about half the thefts from cars in Irvine involve unlocked vehicles with valuables left in plain sight.

Officials urged residents to lock their cars and close the windows even when the vehicles are in a garage.