2 held in burglaries

Newport Beach police arrested a couple suspected of burglarizing a number of vehicles in Newport Beach since December. Police arrested Nidal Malki, 49, of Cypress at noon Monday as he left the Gelson's Markets at 1660 San Miguel Drive, police said.

Malki's girlfriend, Vicki Stafford, 40, was also arrested in connection with the alleged burglaries around 5:30 p.m. on Monday at her home in Hawaiian Gardens, Sailor said. Malki allegedly told police that Stafford was with him when some of the cars were burglarized, Sgt. Evan Sailor said Tuesday.

Malki is suspected of burglarizing 15 vehicles near the Back Bay, police said. Malki is accused of hanging around and looking in the vehicles to see if there were any wallets or purses lying out in the open, Sailor said.

The burglar used broken pieces of porcelain spark plugs, called "ninja rocks," that can break glass almost noiselessly when thrown, Sailor said.

"If you're a few feet away, you won't hear a thing," Sailor said.

Malki allegedly bought gift cards with the stolen credit cards at nearby Gelson's and Pavilions grocery stores, police said. Malki had a number of gift cards and stolen credit cards on him when he was arrested, police said.

Police estimate the total loss for victims exceeds $10,000, although that number may grow as the investigation continues, Sailor said.

Malki and Stafford were arrested on suspicion of commercial burglary and are being held on $20,000 bail, police said.