The Manhattan Beach Police Department released its weekly crime summary, highlighting various incidents that occurred between January 9 and January 15. According to the official report, the department responded to a total of 665 calls for service. The report also detailed 12 arrests, 8 traffic collisions, and 41 crime reports taken during this period.
Notably, the crime summary outlined several burglaries. A commercial break-in at the 1700 block of Rosecrans Avenue saw thieves cut a chain securing the front door and abscond with tools from inside the building. The incident was said to have occurred between 2:00 p.m. on January 8 and 5:00 a.m. on January 9. Attempting to prevent future occurrences, the report included tips like investing in monitored alarm systems and installing security cameras and motion-activated lights.
Residential areas were particularly hit with a string of burglaries. On January 10, a home in the 1400 block of 5th Street fell victim to four suspects who, as surveillance footage revealed, used a ladder to reach a balcony and then maneuvered the camera to avoid detection. The intruders made off with watches, jewelry, and currency. Another attempted burglary was thwarted by motion sensor lights on January 10 at the 400 block of South Prospect Avenue, as per the Manhattan Beach Police Department. The suspects were reportedly scared away before they could break in.
The Beach Cities Learning Center also suffered a security breach with suspects, one recognized as a current 17-year-old student, accessing a classroom to use a school computer to visit a pornographic video site. As reported by the Manhattan Beach Police Department, the individuals gained entry between January 11 and January 13 by climbing over a fence and then through an unlocked window. The department suggestively reminded residents not to share travel plans on social media, a simple measure to strengthen home security.
In their effort to reduce crime, the MBPD also recommended the adoption of a neighborhood watch and being on the lookout for unfamiliar devices such as Wifi jammers around properties. With these strategies in place, the MBPD aims to foster a safer community through vigilance and awareness.
