Residents of Manhattan Beach witnessed a mix of criminal activities in the past week ranging from vehicle theft to brazen burglaries, according to the Manhattan Beach Police Department's latest crime summary. Patrol areas 1, 3, and 4, in particular, seemed to be the hot spots, with residential burglaries totaling four incidents. Auto theft remained absent from the week's crime statistic; however, a 2025 Genesis was notably swiped from a resident's garage early in the week, only to be recovered later in a neighboring city. The Manhattan Beach Police Department's report, published on August 7th, details that the car was stolen after a masked suspect gain entry through an unlocked door, with the entire act caught on video surveillance.
A concerning incident was reported on August 5th, around 3:40 a.m., where a homeowner's burglary alarm on N. Meadows Avenue was triggered by a suspect in a hoodie. The would-be thief was caught on camera scouting the property, fleeing once the alarm disrupted their plans. "The video surveillance showed a suspect wearing a hoodie and holding a flashlight looking in the victim's garage through the windows," noted the official report from the City of Manhattan Beach. Shortly after, at 2:10 p.m. the same day, another burglary attempt rattled a construction site on N. Rowell Avenue, where a suspect was unsuccessful in breaking into the property, despite their efforts to pry open a sliding door.
Vandalism also left its mark on the community, with two vehicles sustaining scratches — a Lexus on the 100 block of 13th Street and a Toyota on the 1400 block of 21st Street. These deliberate acts of property damage contribute to the weekly crime summary's overall count, reminding residents of the persisting need for vigilance. Adding to the summary's insights, the Manhattan Beach Police Department issued a slew of crime prevention tips focused on preventing vehicle burglaries — suggesting always locking doors, never leaving valuables in plain sight, and using car alarms.
To assist in mitigating risks, the MBPD underscored the importance of being alert and reporting any suspicious activity. "Be alert to suspicious activity around your vehicle or parking area," the department advised. Sharing practical suggestions such as parking in well-lit areas, concealing garage door openers, and removing indicators of in-car valuables, the police department highlights proactive measures as paramount tools for community safety. All incidents, from the garage break-in to the attempted burglaries, underscore the necessity of such precautions and the ongoing dialogue between law enforcement and the community in mantaining Manhattan Beach's safety and security.
