Manhattan Beach has seen a flurry of criminal activity leading up to the holidays, according to the latest weekly crime snapshot released by the Manhattan Beach Police Department. The report, which details incidents occurring between December 21 and December 27, has been made available to the public on the city’s website.
Authorities registered 16 arrests and responded to 494 calls for service. Seven traffic collisions occurred, and officers took a total of 45 crime reports. The police department highlighted the top eight crime categories which strangely seem to appear to have a concentration in patrol areas 1, 2, 3, and 4 encompassing various offenses, including assault, auto theft, burglaries, robbery, theft, vehicle burglary, and vandalism.
Among the noted incidents, a high-profile armed robbery took center stage. On the evening of December 27, a male suspect brandished a handgun at Macy’s employees, making off with gold jewelry from the display cases before fleeing through the north exit. Details of the case were shared by the MBPD, who stated in their crime summary report, that "an armed robbery occurred" on that date, and the case is under "ongoing investigation."
Another significant event was a smash-and-grab theft at the Apple Store in Manhattan Village Mall earlier in the week. The suspect managed, during the early hours, to shatter the mall's west entrance and the storefront's glass to abscond with numerous display phones. The Manhattan Beach Police Department noted, "Officers were later notified by Gardena PD that they were out with one of the suspects who fled." The suspect has since been taken into custody and is currently undergoing the process to be charged.
The report also shed light on other burglaries, which included businesses being ransacked and a residential break-in leading to vehicle theft. As these investigations are ongoing, the Manhattan Beach Police Department provided crucial crime prevention tips to help residents secure their property. The advice ranges from installing better lighting, securing doors and windows, and using alarm systems to the importance of fostering community ties and exercising caution when posting travel plans on social media platforms.
