The Manhattan Beach Police Department released its latest weekly crime summary, highlighting a surge in auto thefts and a couple of residential break-ins as the local constabulary remains vigilant against a backdrop of holiday cheer that often, ironically, gives rise to such criminal acts.
Between November 27 and December 3, officers responded to a hefty 760 calls for service, these included both dispatched and officer-initiated contacts; amid their duties, they made 9 arrests and took 38 reports but not solely because of joy-riding thrill-seekers, four vehicles were reported stolen last week—the pilfered rides spanning models from a 2016 Kia Soul to a 2017 Toyota Camry, the latter two thankfully recovered according to information published by Manhattan Beach PD.
In a particularly bold incident, one unfortunate resident returned from Thanksgiving travels to find their abode ransacked, with the police summarizing, "The victim told officers they were out of town, and when he returned home, he discovered his house had been ransacked," the thieves seemingly having made off with purses and what one can imagine as a holiday's worth of savings or spending money. In another incident of theft, as bikes become increasingly en vogue for both recreation and transportation, a strand resident experienced firsthand the sting of vulnerability that comes when a garage fortuitously left ajar becomes a criminal's treasure trove, the victory spoils including an e-bike and its accompanying accessories.
As a preemptive measure, the MBPD has shared a slew of tips aimed at preventing holiday-season home burglaries, suggestions include refraining from social media vacation boasts and considering the installation of alarm features such as cameras and glass break sensors, as well as notifying MBPD of vacation plans for security checks—and for anyone expecting an influx of festive parcels, the advice is clear, "Do not have packages and mail delivered to your residence if you are away," a sensible recommendation aimed at deterring thieves scouting for unattended homes boosted by undisturbed deliveries.
While the report catalogs an array of crime statistics, the MBPD reminder to call the police on any suspicious activity manages to resonate as the essential takeaway, as proactive community engagement becomes a pivotal force in the battle against unlawful exploits, its centrality underscored by law enforcement's ever-present call to be the eyes and ears on the ground.
