The Manhattan Beach Police Department has released its weekly crime summary for the period of December 26, 2024, through January 1, which has been a rather busy week for local law enforcement. Statistically, the department reported 5 arrests from a total of 642 calls for service. Of these, 250 calls were dispatched, and officers initiated 392 contacts. Traffic collisions numbered 8, and the police took 36 crime reports in total, as noted by the Manhattan Beach Police Department. The top eight crime categories listed in their summary included a single auto theft, three residential burglaries, one robbery, nine thefts, one vehicle burglary, and two instances of vandalism spread across various patrol areas.
One notable incident occurred when officers were alerted to three individuals jumping over a wall sporting dark clothing and ski masks, with bags and a ladder in tow. Despite the quick response to the affected area, the culprits evaded the officers and burglarized a home while the residents were away, making off with jewelry, according to the City of Manhattan Beach's report. Thefts were also spotlighted in another case where a suspect was detained by civilians after stealing goods. The victims used GPS trackers in their bags to locate and retrieve some of the stolen items before a successful arrest was made.
Another confrontation on New Year’s Eve involved four male juveniles being accosted by six to seven individuals near the Manhattan Beach pier. The majority managed to escape, though one was strong-armed into giving up their shirt and shoes. In the same release, the MBPD detailed preventative measures to combat residential burglaries, such as investing in alarm systems, security cameras, and motion-activated lights. Social media discretion and neighborhood watches are also encouraged, such as checking for unexpected devices like Wi-Fi jammers around the home.
Moreover, the summary touched on the city's efforts to cope with the bird flu, officially named Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1. This disease has been active in Californian wildlife since mid-2022, prompting increased surveillance and preventive action by Manhattan Beach Animal Control, aligned with LA County regulations. Two confirmed cases were identified at the Manhattan Beach waterline this year, emphasizing the importance of such measures. More details about symptoms and treatment facilities are available through bulletins on the CDC and DPH websites, for those who seek additional information.
