PRESS RELEASE: Vehicle Burglaries & Theft from Motor Vehicles
Posted Date: 5/13/2008

The Manhattan Beach Police Department is releasing recent statistics on vehicle burglaries (theft of property from secured vehicles) and theft from motor vehicles (theft of property from unsecured vehicles) in hopes of reducing these crimes through prevention.

During the first quarter of 2008 the Manhattan Beach Police Department investigated 97 crimes involving property stolen from vehicles, compared to only 79 reported the same period last year - a 23% increase. Of the 97 crimes reported, 37 occurred to unsecured vehicles, and nearly all of the vehicles had valuables inside that could be seen from outside the vehicle. Had these vehicles been secured, and items of value concealed or removed from inside the vehicle, these crimes may not have occurred.

The Manhattan Beach Police Department would like to stress the importance in the value of prevention. By simply being cognizant and taking a few simple steps in securing one’s property, the chances of becoming a victim of property theft can be considerably reduced.

The Manhattan Beach Police Department recommends taking the following steps to help minimize theft from vehicles.

Lock Your Car. Lock your vehicle and take your keys, even during quick errands. Lock the trunk, hatchback or tailgate to block access into the car. Close all windows, including vent or wing windows and sunroofs. Buy an alarm and use it. Many people believe that alarms no longer make a difference; however, they do remain an effective deterrent to a burglar. Criminals will choose the easiest target. If they have two cars to choose from, one with an alarm and one without, they will likely burglarize the one without.

Remove visible items from your vehicle. If you leave items visible in your car, you are a target. Be aware someone may be watching as you put a wallet, purse, MP3 player, or cell-phone under your seat, especially in a public parking lot. Take these items with you or lock them in your trunk before arriving home or to a parking lot. Don’t forget your GPS systems, as these portable devices are targets too.


PRESS RELEASE: Theft from Vehicles
Posted Date: 1/25/2008

The Manhattan Beach Tree Section has seen a spike in thefts from vehicles over the last few days. Property was stolen from 18 cars, with over half of the crimes occurring due to the car not being locked by the owner. The suspect/s in each of these thefts took items that were readily carried away. Items taken include: change, electronic devices, gift cards, backpacks, etc. Vehicles were broken into primarily in the area of Blanche Road to Laurel Avenue from 25th Street to Rosecrans Avenue.

Vehicle burglaries are crimes of opportunity; however, residents can minimize their chances of being a victim by taking a few simple steps: keep all car doors and windows closed and locked – even if it’s a quick errand. Do not leave valuables or packages in plain sight in your vehicle. Park your vehicle in an area that is visible to the public and well-lit at night. If possible, park your car in the garage. Keep a list of serial numbers (include make and model information, as well) for the commonly used electronic equipment you may keep in the car, like CD players, stereo faceplates, MP3 players, GPS units, etc. We also suggest that you engrave your driver’s license number on your valuables to aid in their recovery, should they be lost or stolen.

If you see something that looks suspicious, call 9-1-1. Suspicious activity may include: A person looking into parked cars who may be looking for a car to steal or for valuables left in plain view inside. The sound of breaking glass or a car alarm could mean a vehicle break-in. Any vehicle without lights at night, cruising slowly, or following a course that seems aimless or repetitive is suspicious in any location. Occupants may be "casing" for a burglary. Persons walking around a neighborhood pulling on car door handles may be looking for unlocked vehicles to steal from.

Residents are encouraged to call 9-1-1 immediately about all suspicious activity. We need the community’s eyes and ears to assist with catching these criminals.


PRESS RELEASE: Reduce Your Risk of Vehicle Burglary
Posted Date: 8/27/2007

The Manhattan Beach community has seen an increase in thefts from vehicles over the last few months. Thirty-five cars were burglarized in the month of July 2007 (compared to 25 in July 2006). These crimes are spread out all over the community, during all times of the day, and all days of the week.

The Manhattan Beach Police Department is doing all we can, and we need the public's help in preventing and stopping these crimes.

Most of these crimes occur because people leave car doors unlocked or leave valuables in plain sight. The most likely targets for theft are briefcases, purses, wallets, expensive sunglasses, watches, camera gear, MP3 players, PDAs, gym bags, sports equipment, auto parts, CDs, speakers, power tools, spare change, and mail.

Vehicle burglaries are crimes of opportunity, and carelessness often results in vehicles being broken into; however, residents can minimize their chances of being a victim by taking a few simple steps:

• Keep all car doors and windows closed and locked – even if it’s a quick errand. This sounds like common sense, but about 30% of vehicle burglaries are from vehicles where the doors were not locked or a window was down.
• Do not leave valuables or packages in plain sight in your vehicle. This may sound like a simple solution, but it happens all the time where items of value are left in plain view. It automatically makes you a target. If you must leave valuables in the car, put them in the trunk.
• If your vehicle has a built in security system, use it. If you don’t have a security system installed, it is worth the investment - it may also qualify you for a discount on your auto insurance.
• Park your vehicle in an area that is visible to the public and well-lit at night. If possible, park your car in the garage. If garage parking is not available, the next best option is to park your car in the driveway and install motion-sensor security lighting on your home.
• Never leave an electronic garage opener in the car. It can provide a thief easy access to your home.
  Headed to the beach? Burglars are, too. When you pack the car, bring as few items as possible with you - leave jewelry, watches, laptops, etc at home. Keep any necessary valuables like keys, identification, and credit cards on your person.
• Keep a list of serial numbers (include make and model information, as well) for the commonly used electronic equipment you may keep in the car, like CD players, stereo faceplates, MP3 players, etc. Keep a copy of this inventory in a safe place such as a safe deposit box. We also suggest that you engrave your driver’s license number on your valuables to aid in their recovery, should they be lost or stolen.
• If your car is burglarized, please report it to the police department immediately.

These simple steps should be used whenever you park your car, whether you are just “running in for a minute” or parking for the evening.

In addition to protecting your own property from criminals, you can be a good neighbor by watching out for suspicious persons or activities in your area. No one knows a neighborhood better than the people who live there, so the Police Department depends on the assistance of concerned, responsible residents to report suspicious persons or activity. If you see something that looks suspicious, call 9-1-1. Suspicious activity may include:

• A person looking into parked cars may be looking for a car to steal or for valuables left in plain view inside.
• The sound of breaking glass or car alarm could mean a vehicle break-in.
• Any vehicle without lights at night, cruising slowly, or following a course that seems aimless or repetitive is suspicious in any location. Occupants may be "casing" for a burglary.
• Persons walking around a neighborhood pulling on car door handles may be looking for unlocked vehicles to steal from.

Residents are encouraged to call 9-1-1 immediately about all suspicious activity. Don’t worry about feeling embarrassed if your suspicions are wrong; think instead about what could happen if your suspicions are right and you don't call. It is the Police Department’s job to investigate suspicious matters, and any assistance in spotting suspicious persons or activities is appreciated.

View a Map of Vehicle Burglaries from January 2007 through July 2007.