Manhattan Beach residents returned to a spate of burglaries and thefts last week, as detailed in the Manhattan Beach Police Department's latest crime summary. The period from December 31, 2025, to January 7, 2026, saw a total of 906 calls for service, with 17 arrests made, and 45 reports taken. In a concerning trend, residential burglaries appear to be on the rise with two incidents reported in Patrol Areas 1 and 2—both involving shattered rear glass doors.
According to the Manhattan Beach Police Department's official release, on January 2, one homeowner returned from a family vacation only to discover their sense of security shattered along with their glass door, though no immediate loss was reported. Another similar incident occurred that evening on the 1500 block of 6 Street, where a rear glass door was found shattered, the homeowner has yet to report any loss. In both cases, residents were advised to conduct an inventory to assess any potential theft.
Later that same night, an alarm incident was reported when a homeowner's surveillance system, complete with automated lights and alarms, scared off potential burglars. The would-be intruders, described as three subjects wearing hoodies and masks, fled in an SUV. These instances drive home the importance of surveillance and security systems as deterrents against property crimes.
Other thefts included a seemingly trivial yet personal loss where a victim's air pressure gauge was snatched right off his driveway. "The victim walked into the house for a few minutes, and when they returned, the air pressure gauge was stolen." said the report. The theft was recorded on his surveillance camera, capturing a male subject committing the act. Another resident from the 100 block on 31 Place reported missing ski equipment after leaving it unattended outside their residence. It's these everyday oversights that can lead to unexpected losses, underlining the pervasive opportunity for petty crimes in our community.
The Manhattan Beach Police Department also offered crucial crime prevention tips to the locality. Recommendations included investing in monitored home alarm systems with loud sirens, installing hardwired security cameras, and being cautious about sharing travel plans online. Such measures are essential in a community awareness strategy, aimed at enhancing neighborhood security beyond just independent vigilance. Moreover, the MBPD encouraged locals to participate in neighborhood watch programs and to be wary of devices like WI-FI Jammers that could indicate attempts at cyber interference or crimes.
