Last month, someone broke into a vehicle at Lifetime Fitness, according to the Irvine Police Department.
The victim’s credit cards were taken and fraudulently used to purchase items at CVS and Walmart stores.
Two female suspects were seen on surveillance cameras using the stolen credit cards.
They were both wearing black when they used the stolen credit cards. One of them was a bit super-sized. They both appeared to be Latinas.
The IPD has now released their pictures on social media. If you recognize them, please contact Detective Mena at amena@cityofirvine.org.
Based on the reported incident at Lifetime Fitness in Irvine, the two female suspects could face multiple charges under California law. Here’s a breakdown of the potential penalties:
- Auto Burglary (Penal Code § 459)
- Entering a locked vehicle with intent to steal is considered auto burglary.
- This is a “wobbler” offense, meaning it can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony.
- Misdemeanor: Up to 1 year in county jail.
- Felony: 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years in state prison.
- Vandalism (Penal Code § 594)
- If the damage to the vehicle exceeds $400 (in this case, $1,400), it qualifies as felony vandalism.
- Felony: Up to 3 years in state prison and/or a fine up to $10,000.
- Grand Theft (Penal Code § 487)
- Stealing property valued over $950 (here, $5,472 worth of goods) is grand theft.
- Misdemeanor: Up to 1 year in county jail.
- Felony: 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years in state prison.
- Credit Card Fraud (Penal Code §§ 484e–484g)
- Using stolen credit cards to make $2,581 in purchases qualifies as felony-level fraud.
- Misdemeanor: Up to 1 year in county jail.
- Felony: 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years in state prison.
- Identity Theft (Penal Code § 530.5)
- If the suspects used the victim’s personal information (e.g., name, card number), they could also face identity theft charges.
- Misdemeanor: Up to 1 year in county jail.
- Felony: Up to 3 years in state prison.
These penalties can be stacked if the suspects are charged with multiple counts, and they may face enhanced sentencing if they have prior convictions.