wow, one guy organized a criminal gang to steal from surfers cars, and nabbed a million dollars worth in under 2 years at beaches from Malibu to San Diego. Lesson to learn? Don't leave your stuff in your car, and don't allow your phone to access your banking, or any financial apps (Venmo, Paypal, etc)

From April 2021 to December 2022, the group carried out a scheme where a spotter on the beach would confirm when a surfer had entered the water, then signal to another accomplice, who would break into the surfer’s unattended car. 

Their phone and wallet were retrieved and passed on to Kamil, who would proceed to gain access to the phone’s financial apps. After bank accounts, crypto wallets, and other money holding programs were emptied, the person’s stolen bank cards would then be used to purchase luxury goods and electronics. 

When credit card companies would call to check on the fraudulent activity, the thieves would answer the phones and approve the purchases.

https://www.theinertia.com/surf/stealing-surfers-parked-cars-orange-county-man/