Fri. Jul 25th, 2025

In the early morning of July 21, 2025, a blue 2023 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 was stolen in Anaheim near Euclid and W. Romneya, reportedly at gunpoint. The robbers pointed air rifles at the house while they took the Camaro.

Authorities are seeking information about the theft. Apparently the robbers were also involved an attempt to steal a Jeep at the OC Fair. They were in a Dodge Durango.

This incident in Anaheim is currently under investigation, according to an Instagram post.

A separate incident involving a stolen Chevy Camaro occurred on March 24, 2025. Two minors led police on a chase from San Juan Capistrano to Anaheim in a reportedly stolen Camaro. The pursuit concluded at the Pixar Pals parking structure at Disneyland, where the suspects attempted to evade capture.

The parking structure was temporarily closed while officers searched for the suspects. Both individuals were ultimately apprehended. The driver was taken to juvenile hall, while the passenger was released to a guardian.

Instagram Influencer’s $150K Custom Camaro ZL1 Stolen

In another related incident, an automotive influencer’s custom $150,000 Chevy Camaro ZL1 was stolen at an event in Costa Mesa on June 7, 2025.

That car was being displayed by a toy company for the launch of a die-cast replica when it was stolen. While this theft did not occur in Anaheim, it’s part of a broader context of Camaro thefts in Southern California.

To report a crime to the Anaheim Police Department, you can use the following contact information:

  • Emergency: Call 911
  • Non-Emergency / Crime Reporting: Call (714) 765-1900 — available 24/7 

If you need to file a report online or access other services, you can visit their official site: anaheim.net.

Camaro thefts are on the rise in Southern California, including Orange County. Some areas have seen a 500% increase in Camaro thefts.

Thieves are using key cloning devices to steal newer models.

Despite this, overall vehicle thefts in Orange County dropped by about 16% from 2023 to 2024.

Camaros are still among the top 40 most stolen vehicles in California:

  • 2018 Camaro: 435 thefts
  • 2017 Camaro: 416 thefts
  • 2016 Camaro: 320 thefts

Here’s a list of ways to help prevent your Camaro from being stolen:

  1. Use a steering wheel lock – It’s a visible deterrent and makes the car harder to drive away.
  2. Install a kill switch – This disables the ignition unless a hidden switch is flipped.
  3. Get an aftermarket alarm system – Choose one with motion sensors and GPS tracking.
  4. Use a GPS tracker – Devices like LoJack or even an Apple AirTag can help locate your car if it’s stolen.
  5. Park in safe areas – Well-lit, secure places or garages are best.
  6. Protect your key fob – Use a Faraday pouch to block thieves from copying the signal.
  7. Don’t leave valuables in sight – It can attract thieves.
  8. Etch your VIN on windows – Makes it harder for thieves to sell parts.
  9. Activate built-in security features – Like OnStar or remote tracking if your Camaro has them.

Stealing a Camaro—or any car—in Orange County, California is considered auto theft and is a serious crime. Here’s a plain breakdown of the penalties:

  • Auto theft can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the situation and the person’s criminal history.
  • Misdemeanor penalties:
    • Up to 1 year in county jail
    • Fines up to $5,000
  • Felony penalties:
    • 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years in state prison
    • Fines up to $10,000
  • If the person has prior convictions or if the theft involved a high-value vehicle like a Camaro SS or ZL1, the penalties can be more severe.

By Art Pedroza

Our Editor, Art Pedroza, worked at the O.C. Register and the OC Weekly and studied journalism at CSUF and UCI. He has lived in Santa Ana for over 30 years and has served on several city and county commissions. When he is not writing or editing Pedroza specializes in risk control and occupational safety. He also teaches part time at Cerritos College and CSUF. Pedroza has an MBA from Keller University.

One thought on “Thieves armed with air rifles stole a Camaro in Anaheim”
  1. The “automotive influencer” was likely too busy taking pictures of herself to notice her car being stolen.

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