The Manhattan Beach Police Department (MBPD) released their weekly crime summary for July 25 through July 31, showing a total of 38 crime reports taken and 16 arrests made in the period. According to the summary, there were 848 calls for service, with 385 dispatched and 463 being officer-initiated contacts. The MBPD also reported a total of 23 traffic collisions within the same span.
In a notable event, a potential burglary was disrupted on July 29. A suspect, who was in all black clothing, was spotted by a victim in the backyard of their property on the 300 block of 9th Street. The suspect fled when confronted by the homeowner, who saw them attempting to remove items from the garage that had been accessed through an unlocked side door. "The victim yelled at the suspect and they ran away yelling toward someone else in the alley," as detailed by the official report.
Another significant incident occurred on July 25, when a stolen vehicle entered Manhattan Beach and was promptly identified by an MBPD officer. A high-risk traffic stop was conducted at the intersection of Manhattan Beach Boulevard and Aviation Boulevard. "The suspect was on probation, had a felony warrant for vehicle theft, suspended license, and was in possession of drugs," the report states. The officer's intervention led to the suspect's arrest and transport to MBPD jail.
Apart from highlighting recent criminal activity, MBPD's weekly crime summary also includes valuable crime prevention tips for the community. The department stresses the importance of keeping purses and handbags secure, especially when dining or shopping. Tips include ensuring handbags are visible and never leaving them unattended. Residents are also reminded "to be aware of their surroundings" and "report any suspicious activity to police immediately."
The MBPD is additionally gearing up for community events. The upcoming annual Charlie Saikley 6-man beach volleyball tournament this weekend is expected to draw crowds, and the department is encouraging safety. They are inviting the community to visit the Community/Recruiting tent for information on community affairs and opportunities. Furthermore, residents are invited to sign up for the National Night Out block party set for August 6, 2024, a community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships.
