Weekly Activity Highlights for November 20 - 26, 2011

http://www.ci.arcadia.ca.us/docs/10443830112011weekly_11-20.pdf

Weekly Tip - Thieves Shop in Parking Lots

Vehicle burglaries are reported to local police throughout the year. However, during the holiday season, mall parking lots and parking structures are packed with vehicles that are sometimes stuffed with presents and packages. Just like presents under your family Christmas tree being an invite for a child's curiosity, your car filled with packages is an invitation for theft and auto burglary. Here are some tips to help prevent you from becoming a victim this holiday season:

•Park in well lighted areas.

•Lock your vehicle and set your alarm.

•If you must leave packages in your car, keep them out of sight. Some stores and malls offer to hold your packages while you shop. Pick all of them up when you are done shopping.

•Do NOT make multiple trips to your vehicle. Thieves watch and wait in parking lots targeting persons leaving items in their cars.

•Be aware of your surroundings! Look about and see who is around when you park.

News Release: Residential Burglary & Pursuit Lead to Arrests

Incident:                                      Residential Burglary and Vehicle Pursuit

Date and Time of Release             November 28, 2011 5:00 PM

On Monday November 28, 2011at approximately 12:54 PM, Arcadia Police Officers observed a male Hispanic exiting a side gate from a residence in the 800 Blk of Victoria Dr.  The male was carrying some property, concealed under his jacket, as he ran to an awaiting vehicle being driven by another suspect.  The male got into the front passenger seat and the vehicle drove away from the residence.  Arcadia Police Officers attempted to pull the vehicle over when the vehicle sped up and failed to yield.

The suspects led police on a chase through the streets of Arcadia, San Gabriel, and Rosemead reaching speeds up to 70 miles per hour.  The suspects ended up crashing into another vehicle in the City of Rosemead.  All three suspects were apprehended immediately after the crash.  No injuries were sustained by officers or the suspects. The driver of the other involved vehicle in the crash was transported to a local hospital with chest pains as a precautionary measure.

Stolen property from the residence was recovered from one of the suspect’s person as well as from inside of the suspect vehicle.

Arrested were:

1. Raymond Jurado, male Hispanic, 42 yrs old from Baldwin Park, $50 k bail
2. David Rojas, male Hispanic, 23 yrs old from El Monte, $100k bail
3. Maribel Sanchez, female Hispanic, 26 yrs old from Baldwin Park, $105k bail

The suspects are held at the Arcadia Police Department Jail charged with residential burglary and felony evading of a police officer.

For any questions or concerns, contact the Arcadia Police Department at 626/574-5150.

Robert T. Guthrie, Chief of Police

By:  Lieutenant Mike Castro

Refer Case # 11-5800

Happy Thanksgiving 2011!

The Arcadia Police Department wishes everyone the best on this Thanksgiving 2011! Enjoy a safe holiday with family and friends. And, a special thanks to all the public safety members at work today - be safe, and know that we are thankful for all of you!

Weekly Activity Highlights for November 13 - 19, 2011

http://www.ci.arcadia.ca.us/docs/weekly_11-13.pdf

Weekly Tip - Tis the Season...Don't Become a Victim

With "Black Friday" upon us, tis the season for thieves to be looking for an easy target. Shoppers everywhere will be crowding stores and check-out counters in search of grabbing bargains and deals. But just as you may be shopping for a gift, the bad guys (and gals) may be shopping for your wallet, credit & debit cards, car keys, or your recently purchased treasures. What can you do to help protect yourself?

Start by shopping smart. Always be aware of your surroundings and who is near you. Don't become so engrossed in your shopping or check-out that you fail to see the person sliding up next to you or your cart. Never leave your purse or purchased items unattended in a cart, on a counter, or at a table...not even for "just a minute." Thieves will look for easy targets and persons who may be inattentive to their belongings. That open purse or wallet next to you while you are making your purchase is an invitation for theft.

Be mindful of your personal space. If you are "bumped" on the side or someone just happens to slide up close to you, check your wallet or purse and make sure that you have not become the target of a thief.

Watch your cards! Credit, debit, charge cards are easily "skimmed" by use of portable devices meant to quickly capture your card information. Your information can be later transferred to a magnetic strip on a different card and used for theft. The employee should be sliding your card right in front of you. If there is a need to move to a different register, go with them.

Keep an eye on your accounts. Check your balances and statements often. Watch for any unauthorized activity and report it immediately if discovered.

Don't leave valuable items in your vehicle. Do your best not to use your car as a storage compartment. Thieves will target persons who load up their vehicle and then walk away. Keep any items out of plain sight.

Tis the season for celebrations, not for becoming the unfortunate victim of theft. Do what you can to help prevent a crime before it happens! Don't become a victim!

Introducing Social Media to our Emergency Operations Center

The Emergency Operations Center (EOC) for the City of Arcadia was activated during a mock earthquake drill on Thursday, October 20, 2011. The drill was conducted in conjunction with the Great California ShakeOut, a statewide earthquake and preparedness drill. Participation in this type of drill is not new for the Arcadia Police Department; however, this was the first time that social media monitoring was introduced to the event.

In the event of a true emergency or disaster, it is likely there will be interruptions in traditional communications platforms, such as landline phones and even cellular service. As evidenced by actions after the Haiti and Christchurch earthquakes, community members may very well turn to alternative means of attempting to communicate with public safety and other emergency response organizations. Social media platforms, like Twitter, were widely used by those seeking aid when conventional phone lines did not work. By introducing social media platforms to our EOC operations, the Arcadia Police Department can offer our community alternative access to public safety services during a disaster or large scale emergency. This social media monitoring is in no way meant to replace 9-1-1 or standard methods of reporting to public safety, but rather, to enhance our capabilities to better serve our community.

Current staffing levels and equipment do not allow day-to-day monitoring of social media platforms by our department. This new implementation of potential monitoring will only be used during full-scale activations of our EOC. The primary mission of social media use by the Arcadia Police Department remains community engagement and information sharing, not as an immediate response means of communication. Always dial 9-1-1 to report emergencies or in-progress calls for service.

During this drill, personnel monitored two primary social media platforms: Facebook and Twitter. The Arcadia Police Department accounts on each platform were monitored, along with keyword searches for terms associated with the City of Arcadia and our agency. Other keywords dealing with community specific sites, such as Methodist Hospital, the IS 210 Freeway, and Santa Anita, were monitored and queried. Additional methods and tools were utilized for monitoring Internet traffic to include, “geo-tagged” photos and messages within our community.

The intent of this proactive social media monitoring drill was to better prepare our personnel for our response to disasters or emergencies. Although the social media engagement on behalf of our agency started a little over two years ago, this is the first application within emergency management. Through our presence online, we have been able to build a base of users within and around our community before the need arises. Some of the many benefits to social media participation within emergency management may include: the ability to proactively listen and potentially see problems before they are reported to staff, potential for additional “eyes” on a problem, the ability to assess and verify incoming information, influence rumor control, provide information such as shelters or evacuation points, and to act as an alternative reporting and communications venue.

And, it is not just social media that we have added to our tool kit in the EOC. The Arcadia Police Department also uses the instant messaging service, Nixle, to deliver messages direct to our community and beyond. Nixle allows the department to send emergency, advisory or community alert messages to the subscriber via text (SMS) and/or email. Unlike social media, this form of instant messaging is only for outbound communication, but nonetheless, a valuable tool. Nixle will be used in addition to our social media, as well as the “Alert LA County” call-back program, which targets primarily landline phones within a geographic area.

Introduction of these services to our Emergency Operations Center will only enhance and improve our service delivery in a disaster or large scale emergency. It is imperative to remember though, that public safety resources will be taxed when disaster strikes. Daily services and response times will be “out the window,” and our community must be prepared to assist themselves and one another, quite possibly without public safety assistance. Please take the time to visit online resources, such as the American Red Cross and ShakeOut, and make use of the resource information they provide.

NEWS RELEASE: Street Closures for 58th Annual Festival of Bands Parade

NEWS RELEASE

STREET CLOSURES FOR 58^TH ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF BANDS PARADE

The City of Arcadia is hosting the 58^th Annual Festival of Bands Parade on Saturday, November 19, 2011.  Forty high school bands will compete in this prestigious event.  There will be a number of street closures associated with the event that may affect vehicular travel.  The parade will take place on Baldwin Avenue and Duarte Road in Arcadia on Saturday, November 19, 2011.  Street closures will be as follows:

q  Baldwin Avenue between Huntington Drive and Naomi Avenue – CLOSED for vehicular traffic from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

q  Duarte Road between Golden West and El Monte Avenue – CLOSED of vehicular traffic from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

q  Campus Drive between Santa Anita Avenue and Holly Avenue – CLOSED from 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Residents living south of Huntington Drive, north of Duarte Road, east of Baldwin Ave, and west of Holly Ave are asked to use the intersection of La Cadena and Huntington Drive as the primary entrance and exit from the area.  Other residents will be allowed into the surrounding areas with proof of residency. 

Robert T. Guthrie, Chief of Police

By:      Bob Anderson, Lieutenant

            (626) 574-5156

Congrats to our Promotees!

Four members of the Arcadia Police Department took their ceremonial oath yesterday during a promotional ceremony held in a packed Council Chambers at Arcadia City Hall. Chief Bob Guthrie officiated at the event, with Mayor Gary Kovacic, Mayor Pro-tem Bob Harbicht, City Manager Don Penman, and well over a hundred family, friends, co-workers, and other members of local law enforcement, in attendance. Each of the promotions was made formal on November 6, 2011, and the ceremony was to celebrate and acknowledge our personnel publically.

Chief Guthrie proudly introduced newly appointed Captains Paul Foley and Larry Goodman, along with Lieutenant Mike Castro and Sergeant John Bonomo. City Clerk Jim Barrows lead the four in the swearing-in and City Manager Don Penman presented each with their new badge. Chief Guthrie spoke about each promotee and their careers, inviting family members to participate in a traditional badge pinning.

Captain Paul Foley began his career with APD as a Police Reserve Officer in 1991. Paul became a regular sworn member of the department in 1994, served as a Field Training Officer and Traffic Detective, and was promoted to Sergeant in 2002. Paul promoted to Lieutenant in 2006 and will now serve as the Uniform Services Division Commander, as Captain.

Captain Larry Goodman began his career as an APD Police Cadet in 1983 and became a Police Officer in 1986. Larry served as a Traffic Officer, Juvenile Detective, and worked as a Community Services Officer. He promoted to Sergeant in 1995 and to Lieutenant in 2007. Captain Goodman is now the Administrative Division Commander.

Lieutenant Mike Castro began his career as a Police Cadet in 1988 here at APD. Mike became a Police Officer in 1991 and worked assignments as a Field Training Officer, Traffic Officer, Fraud Detective, and Community Services. He was promoted to Sergeant in 2008. Lieutenant Castro is currently a Patrol Watch Commander.

Sergeant John Bonomo, like Captain Goodman and Lieutenant Castro, also served as an APD Police Cadet, being hired in 1996. John became a Police Officer in 1999 and worked as a Field Training Officer, Gang Detective, and Community Service Officer. Sergeant Bonomo is now working as a Field Supervisor in Patrol.

This is but a brief look at four great careers and accomplishments of these men. Please join us in congratulating Captain Paul Foley, Captain Larry Goodman, Lieutenant Mike Castro, and Sergeant John Bonomo!

(Pictured left to right are: Capt. Foley, Lt. Castro, Chief Guthrie, Capt. Goodman, & Sgt. Bonomo)

Weekly Activity Highlights for November 6 - 12, 2011

http://www.ci.arcadia.ca.us/docs/weekly_11-6.pdf

Holiday Crime Prevention Tips

Some excellent "Holiday Crime Prevention" tips from our partners at Newport Beach Police Department!

Weekly Tip - Protecting Your Laptop

Who does not own a laptop computer? Students, professionals, the "tweeting" mom, just about everyone these days is using a portable computer to communicate and manage their lives. We take them with us and many times, persons are victimized by thieves stealing the laptop. Laptops are stolen from vehicles, dorm rooms, tables in a coffee shop, a hotel lobby, you name it. What can you do to help recover your property? There are companies that offer tracking services to assist in the recovery of stolen computers, both that are fee based and some free. Query "recovering a stolen laptop" or "laptop tracking" online and find the option that is best for you.

The best defense is obviously prevention. Don't give thieves the opportunity to take your property. However, this type of product is like an insurance policy and can possibly help law enforcement in recovering your property.

"Top Sniper" Award in Pasadena Police SWAT Competition

The Pasadena Police Department held their inaugural SWAT Competition at the Burro Canyon Shooting Range on October 25, 2011.  Ten SWAT teams competed in the event which raised $5,000 for the South Pasadena Police Department Officer Kevin Sandoval Scholarship Fund.  Officer Sandoval, who suffered from an unrelated medical condition, collapsed and died while training at Burro Canyon with his agency earlier this year, in June.  Participants, family, friends, and members of the South Pasadena Police Department gathered for a ceremony honoring Officer Sandoval before the competition.

Team members competed in a variety of tactical courses, including shoot courses with movement and physical activity, a rescue drill, sniper courses, and other drills associated with a tactical mission.  Our APD sniper team took home the award for "Top Sniper".  The SWAT team from Long Beach Police Department took overall honors in the competition.

Honoring Those Who Served - Veterans Day 2011

We salute and give thanks to those who have served our Nation. And, a special nod of gratitude to those members of the Arcadia Police Department, past and present, who have committed themselves not only the City of Arcadia, but to our Nation as well, in military service.

Weekly Activity Highlights for October 30 - November 5, 2011

http://www.ci.arcadia.ca.us/docs/weekly_10-30.pdf

Weekly Tip - Prevent Parcel Theft

Have you ordered items over the phone, via the Internet, or by mail? Chances are that those packages will be delivered straight to your front porch. The majority of deliveries do not require a signature and are generally left at your door, even if no one is home to accept them. We are quickly approaching the time of year that brings out those looking for a crime of opportunity, as well as those thieves that actually target your delivery. Thieves will follow or watch for the UPS, Fed Ex, US Mail, or other delivery trucks and then target a home after a delivery is made.

Here are some suggestions for helping to prevent a theft of your packages:

• If possible, use your workplace as the shipping address.
• Track your shipments by phone or online so that you know what day they should arrive.
• Ask your neighbor to watch for your delivery and then hold the items until you arrive home.
• Keep an eye on your neighborhood and report suspicious persons or vehicles in the area.
• Request a signature delivery option if available, or request the shipment be held at the shipping facility such as a UPS office.
• Check with "mailbox" businesses in your town and see if they will accept shipment of your item for a fee.
• If you do not receive your shipment on time, check with the company of origin and confirm the delivery. If the item was delivered and you did not receive it, report the theft or loss to the original company, the shipping company, and your local police.

Weekly Activity Highlights for October 23 - 29, 2011

http://www.ci.arcadia.ca.us/docs/weekly_10-23.pdf

Weekly Tip - Personal Safety

Our personal safety is something that we should always be considering, especially when out in public.  The shopping season is quickly approaching and you may be out and about on a more frequent basis.  Here are some tips and thoughts on steps you can take to help maintain your personal safety:

•Awareness & Avoidance - Not enough can be said for being aware of your surroundings. It does not matter where you are, at home, out shopping, driving, at the park, DO NOT settle into a fog and become so involved in your task that you fail to look around. Scan the area before you head out. Look around and see what potential threats may be looming. Are there suspicious persons parked by your car? Is there a car approaching slowly from behind? If you see something that makes you suspicious or uncomfortable, walk away, return to the store, and report the activity and your observations to security or store staff.

 

•Be a Good Witness - If you see a crime or fall victim, be the best witness you can be. Without good suspect descriptions it is difficult for police to conduct follow-up, apprehend criminals, and hopefully, help prevent others from becoming future victims. Basic physical descriptions such as hair color and style, height, weight and build, clothing color and type, suspect vehicle description and license plate, direction of travel, are all things that a responding police officer will ask for. Try and make note of anything specific to the suspect such as tattoos, scars, piercings or perhaps damage in a particular location on a suspect vehicle.

•Consider the Stakes - If this is a property crime and you are in fear for your safety, give up the purse, the wallet, the car. Your personal well-being is much more valuable than your property. Property can be replaced, you can't.

•Make a Scene! - Drawing attention to yourself, and more importantly, to the suspect, can not only deter the crime but also bring forward other witnesses and possibly help. Yell, scream, use a whistle, run away...

•Don't be a Target - Walk with a purpose and look about surveying your surroundings. Carry your keys and whistle in your hand, not buried in your purse. This allows you to immediately open your vehicle, set off your car alarm if needed, or perhaps use the keys to slash at your attacker if you are being physically assaulted. Keep your purse tucked under your shoulder, not dangling down or sitting unattended in a cart.

Query the topic of personal safety on-line. There are many quality sites that offer additional advice and products that can bolster your safety. Best overall advice...Awareness and Avoidance!