Three men are behind bars after Irvine and Newport Beach police teamed up on what they say was an alleged transnational residential burglary crew prowling upscale hillside neighborhoods. Detectives say a watchful mix of video and in-person surveillance in Turtle Rock and Shady Canyon cut the operation short before any homes were actually broken into. The men were arrested and booked on burglary charges at the Orange County Jail, according to authorities.
In a joint update shared by the Irvine Police Department, Newport Beach detectives first developed a strong lead, then pulled in Irvine investigators to help track the suspects. Police say the trio drove in from Los Angeles County and headed into the Turtle Rock and Shady Canyon areas, where there had already been multiple recent reports of residential burglaries. Booking information connected to the case lists the arrests and charges.
Surveillance Cut Short What Police Say Was a Burglary Run
According to the Irvine Police Department, video and detective surveillance captured the suspects moving through open space near a Shady Canyon home, then "jumping over a fence while carrying backpacks" and crouching in nearby bushes. Investigators say the men then bolted back to a vehicle and took off at high speed. Police contend the surveillance work disrupted the plan before anyone managed to get inside a residence. Detectives say the investigation is still active and that they are searching for at least one additional suspect.
Names, Bookings and Detective Contacts
Police identified the arrested men as Daniel Mejias-Reinoso, 22, listed from Northridge; John Brayan Soliz-Reinoso, 32, listed from Reseda; and Francisco Alegria, 32, also listed from Reseda. All three were booked into the Orange County Jail on burglary charges. The departments’ notice and booking records provided the names and ages, and Orange County’s inmate information system can be used to verify recent bookings tied to the case. Investigators asked anyone with additional footage or tips to contact Irvine Detective Mike Ward or Newport Beach Detective Joshua Granger.
How Detectives Say This Fits a Bigger Burglary Pattern
Law enforcement agencies across Southern California have been warning about fast-moving burglary crews that favor homes connected to canyons, trails or other open space, spots that can offer a quick escape route. The pattern described by local detectives mirrors broader coverage of so-called "burglary tourism" targeting affluent neighborhoods, as reported by the Los Angeles Times. Newport Beach police have also posted multiple recent residential burglary notices on their alerts page. Local investigators say coordinated surveillance and neighborhood video have been key tools in tracking suspects and making arrests in these kinds of cases.
What Police Want Neighbors to Do Next
Detectives are asking residents in Turtle Rock, Shady Canyon and nearby neighborhoods to review home security and doorbell camera footage from the first two weeks of January and to report anything that looks suspicious. Tip lines listed in the departments’ release direct callers to Irvine Detective Mike Ward and Newport Beach Detective Joshua Granger, and residents can also check the Newport Beach Police Department for recent alerts and details on how to submit video or information. Orange County’s inmate information pages remain available for anyone who wants to confirm recent bookings and related charges.
