Residents of Manhattan Beach have been greeted with a rather unwelcome holiday season gift – a smattering of crime, as per the Manhattan Beach Police Department's weekly summary. Between November 20th and November 26th, the community experienced an assault, a residential burglary, multiple thefts, vehicle burglaries, and a bout of vandalism. A total of 34 reports were taken during this week, arising from 824 calls for service. The week also saw 6 arrests made and 21 traffic collisions reported.
One notable event occurred on November 21st, with a vehicle owner returning to their car on 11th Street to find their driver's side rear window shattered and an undisclosed amount of change stolen. On the following day, a suspect reportedly took to quickly abscond with laundry pods from a Sepulveda Boulevard store. Later that evening, a home invasion ruffled the peace in the 1600 block of Voorhees. Here, the residents discovered their side door shattered, and their primary bedroom ransacked, resulting in the loss of a safe. According to the MBPD, surveillance footage indicates that three suspects in dark clothing executed the burglary, later fleeing in a dark-colored SUV.
In response to these events, the MBPD has put forth several crime prevention tips to help locals safeguard their homes during the holidays. Residents are advised not to broadcast their vacation plans on social media and to consider investing in an alarm system complete with cameras and glass break sensors. The department also offers security checks for those who notify them of their travel plans. They further suggest arranging for neighbors to collect any parcels during time spent away to avoid signaling an empty house to potential burglars. "Call the police on suspicious activity in your neighborhood," the MBPD emphasizes, seeking proactive community engagement to deter criminal activity.
As families prepare to deck the halls and gather near, the MBPD's message is clear: stay vigilant, partner with your neighbors, and take the necessary precautions to ensure the holiday season remains a joyous time. Tips such as avoiding inadvertently notifying potential thieves of an empty house, the installation of modern security tech, and community-based vigilance can make all the difference in maintaining the serenity and safety of these beachside environs. For full details on the recent criminal activity and the MBPD's prevention tips, visit their official website at Manhattan Beach Police Department Weekly Crime Summary.
