Monterey Peninsula law enforcement agencies report 25 car thefts in March

Monterey Peninsula law enforcement agencies noticed an uptick in car thefts this month.

According to the Peninsula Regional Violence and Narcotics Team, there were 25 cars reported stolen just in March.

Marina Police Department – seven vehicle thefts.
Seaside Police Department – nine vehicle thefts.
Monterey Police Department – six vehicle thefts.
Pacific Grove Police Department- two vehicle thefts.
Carmel Police Department – one vehicle theft.

On March 17, Pacific Grove police officers attempted to pull over an Acura sedan for a vehicle code violation in the 300 block of David Avenue.

“The Acura drove into the city of Monterey on Hawthorne Street at speeds in excess of 50 mph and at one point drove on the wrong side of the road. Due to the risk posed to the community by the Acura’s reckless driving, the law enforcement pursuit was terminated,” said Lt. Ethan Andrews.

The Acura struck three parked cars and became disabled near Hoffman Avenue and Belden Street in Monterey. Monterey and Pacific Grove police responded, but they did not find the driver. Investigators discovered the car was stolen out of Seaside on March 6.

Detectives were able to identify the suspect as Michael Balesteri, 35. Balesteri already had three warrants for his arrest for vehicle tampering, possession of stolen property, possession of narcotics and failure to appear in court.

On March 27, Balesteri was spotted driving an Acura sedan in Monterey. PRVNT detectives determined the Acura had been reported stolen out of Seaside earlier in the day.

Balesteri was arrested on Davis Lane in Monterey.

Balesteri had tools used to commit vehicle thefts, methamphetamine and counterfeit money, according to police.

PRVNT detectives performed a probation search at Balesteri’s home in the 800 block of Belden in Monterey.

Andrews said: “At Balesteri’s residence, detectives located additional evidence Balesteri was creating counterfeit currency, including a computer, printer, specialized paper and additional counterfeit currency. Detectives also located property stolen from the Acura involved in the vehicle pursuit and crash on March 17, 2019, drug paraphernalia and methamphetamine.”

Balesteri was booked into the Monterey County Jail. His bail was set at $35,000.