News Summary
A report by The Action Network has revealed that North Carolina hosts three of the most theft-prone beaches in the United States, including Ocracoke lifeguarded beach, which topped the list. Concerns have been raised about safety and security for residents and visitors alike, prompting advice from local law enforcement to secure valuables and stay in populated areas. The findings highlight a growing trend of property crime in coastal regions across the U.S.
North Carolina has recently been highlighted in a report by The Action Network, which identified three beaches in the state as among the most theft-prone locations in the United States. The report analyzed property crime data from 520 beach zip codes across the country, focusing on incidents of theft, robbery, vehicle theft, and burglary.
The Ocracoke lifeguarded beach in Hyde County was ranked as the most theft-prone beach in the nation. Meanwhile, Currituck beach and Carova beach, both situated in the popular Outer Banks region, were tied for the seventh position. These findings have raised concerns for both residents and visitors regarding safety and security while enjoying North Carolina’s coastal areas.
In light of the report, Michael Panzarella, the Police Chief of Emerald Isle, a different beach area not included on the infamous list, stressed the importance of remaining vigilant. He advised beachgoers to minimize risk by securing their valuables. Specifically, he recommended that visitors leave items such as cell phones and large amounts of cash locked inside their cars to deter theft.
Furthermore, Panzarella suggested that beachgoers should remain in well-populated areas of the beach to reduce their chances of encountering property theft. This advice aims to promote a safer environment for everyone looking to relax and enjoy the sun.
Local beachgoer Bill Mcooey also offered a suggestion for securing personal belongings at the beach. He recommended the use of a beach cart, which can help individuals transport their valuables securely while enjoying their time along the shore.
The Action Network’s study not only highlights the specific risks faced by beaches in North Carolina but also identifies a broader concern regarding crime at coastal communities across the U.S. Notably, California, North Carolina, and Hawaii each have three beaches listed among the top ten most theft-prone locations. California leads the nation with seven of its beaches in the top twenty theft-prone beaches.
One notable mention in the California section is Santa Monica State Beach, which has the highest property crime rate among its coastal beaches and is ranked as the second most risky beach in the country for theft. Another California beach, Baker Beach in San Francisco, holds the sixth position in the national rankings of theft-prone beaches.
The report’s analysis also included theft rates calculated per 1,000 residents, shedding light on the concentrated risks at certain coastal areas. The findings point to a significant problem of theft that appears to be more severe in California, North Carolina, and Hawaii as compared to other coastal states.
Conversely, states like South Carolina, Washington, and Oregon were mentioned but reported lower risks of theft at their beaches. Additionally, Florida, Massachusetts, and Maine exhibited the lowest risks of theft, with none of their beaches appearing on the top-ten list for theft-prone locations.
This new report serves as a critical reminder for beachgoers to remain alert and take appropriate safety measures while enjoying North Carolina’s beautiful coastline. As theft risks gain attention, it becomes increasingly important for visitors to stay informed and proactive in safeguarding their belongings during their beach outings.
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Additional Resources
- WNCT: North Carolina Beaches Rank in Top 10 Most Theft-Prone in Country
- The Action Network: The Most and Least Theft-Prone US Beaches in 2025
- Desert Sun: Three California Beaches Named among Most Theft-Prone in the Nation
- World Atlas: 10 Safest Towns in North Carolina for Senior Living
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Beach Safety
Author: STAFF HERE OUTER BANKS WRITER
The OBX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOBX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in the Outer Banks, Dare County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Outer Banks Seafood Festival, NC VIP Fishing Tournament, and NCBBA Red Drum Tournament. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce and Outer Banks Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in tourism, retail, and hospitality that power the local economy such as Kitty Hawk Kites, Outer Banks Mall, and Avon Fishing Pier. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HERERaleigh.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
