Four Nights of Freeway Closures Begin Monday, October 1st

Closures of the eastbound I-210 to continue beginning this Monday, October 1, 2012.  The nightly closures will take place Monday-Thursday nights through October 4, 2012.  Lane closures will begin at 9:00 p.m. with a full eastbound closure each night, 11:00 p.m. through 5:00 a.m. the following morning.  The freeway will be closed to eastbound traffic between Baldwin Avenue and Santa Anita Avenue, with traffic being detoured to Foothill Boulevard through the City of Arcadia.

To avoid delays, use of alternate routes like the eastbound I-10 San Bernardino Freeway are suggested.

For additional information, please visit www.foothillextension.org or call the project hotline at 855-446-1160.

Weekly Actvity Highlights for September 16 - 22, 2012

http://www.ci.arcadia.ca.us/docs/weekly_9.16.12.pdf

Weekly Tip - Help Prevent Cell Phone Theft

8 Cell Phone Safety Tips - Thefts have Increased!

There has been an increase in cell phone thefts throughout Los Angeles County and the nation. Because cell phones are now an everyday part of life for most people, criminals have stepped up their thefts of your favorite communication device.

Los Angeles County Sheriff's detectives and other police agencies have found several common denominators with cell phone thefts. Please read these on your smart phone (while you still have it) or Internet and help us to help you to reduce the cost, risks and hassle of having your phone stolen:

1. Password Protect Phone: Use the security lock code, or PIN feature, to lock your phone. Make it more difficult for others to access your personal information in your stolen phone.

2. Save Serial Number: Save your cell phone's serial number model and make, and keep it in a place where you can find it. Your serial number proves its yours.

3. Don't Store Secrets: Consider carefully what information you store in your phone. If it's stolen, it's not that difficult for bad guys to pull out your private information before clearing the memory and reselling the device. If it would create too big of a disaster if your information fell into someone else's hands, don't store it. You may not guarantee your phone won't be stolen, but if the information isn't in the phone, the thief can't use it for Identity Theft.

4. Activate Tracking Device: Activate the Global Positioning System (GPS) tracking system on your phone or other electronic device. If the device does not have a GPS tracking system, there is after-market software you can buy. Law enforcement likes tracking devices since they often lead to your stolen device and lots of other stolen property.

5. Distracted Walking and Talking: Stay aware of your surroundings. Don't walk down the street talking on your phone or texting unaware of your environment or of people nearby. Thieves it when you do that, and while you talk, they grab. Also, falling into a fountain or getting hit by a train is far worse than having your cell phone stolen.

6. Hide and Go Eat: When eating in a restaurant (or relaxing in a public place), don't leave your phone on the table. It's too easy for crooks to grab it and run. Put it away and enjoy your meal.

7. Don't Delay: If your phone gets stolen, find another phone to use and call your local sheriff's or police station as soon as possible. Call now, don't wait until you arrive at your next destination.

8. Be a Good Witness: If you see the suspect, don't try to get it back from the suspect. Use caution but try to get a good description of the suspect and vehicle (license number, color, and model) and the last known direction of travel. Write it down if you can and call the cops so we can get it back for you. That's why we're here.

Partner to prevent or report crime by calling your local Police or Sheriff’s station. Or if you wish to remain Anonymous, call “LA Crime Stoppers” by dialing 800-222-TIPS (8477), or text the letters TIPLA plus your tip to CRIMES (274637,) or using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org/

*Adapted from a recent LASD tip post.

News Release - Armed Robbery & Attempt Murder

Incident:  Armed Robbery – Attempt Murder

Contact:  Watch Commander, (626) 574-5156

Date / Time of Press Release:  September 24, 2012, 5:00pm

At approximately 9:20 a.m. this morning a masked man entered the 7-11 Store located at 2. E. Duarte Road.  The man pointed a handgun at the clerk and demanded money.  The clerk grabbed the handgun, a brief struggle ensued for the weapon, and the weapon discharged into the ceiling of the business.  No one was injured.  The suspect fled on foot southbound on Santa Anita Avenue out of sight.  An area check by responding police officers proved negative. 

The suspect is described as a male, 5’5” tall, stocky build, wearing a “skull” type mask, black hoodie, and trousers.  Weapon used was a black handgun.  Anyone with information is urged to contact the Arcadia Police Department.         

Bob Anderson, Lieutenant

Operations Division

Case 12-04407

You can also submit anonymous crime tips and information via text, phone, or web to LA Regional Crime Stoppers, 800-222-TIPS (8477), www.LACrimeStoppers.com.  

Weekly Activity Highlights for September 9 - 15, 2012

http://www.ci.arcadia.ca.us/docs/weekly_9.9.12.pdf

Weekly Tip - STOP for School Bus Red Lights

School buses are equipped with flashing red lights that are activated by the driver when loading or unloading pupils. California law requires that drivers approaching from either side of the bus must stop and remain stopped while the red lights and stop arms are activated. The only exceptions to the law come into play when the bus is stopped on a roadway with multiple lanes and a divided highway or a raised center divider. If you are approaching from the opposite direction and on the opposite side of the road from the bus on a divided highway, you may proceed. This section, CVC 22454, also applies to private roads.

This law was created for the safety of our students. It is imperative that drivers yield and stop for buses with red lights on. School bus drivers are required to assist pupils when crossing in front of the bus and may appear at any time. Be aware of pedestrians and watch out for darting kids!

New Operating Hours for APD Records Bureau

Effective Sunday, September 23, 2012, the Arcadia Police Department Records Bureau operating hours will be from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily.

The Police Department lobby will remain open for community access to the online reporting system and the overnight parking permit (TOPEC) machine. A push button speaker system is available in the lobby for those requiring immediate police assistance between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. The speaker system communicates directly with our Dispatch Center.

General business related to the Records Bureau, such as obtaining copies of reports, submitting paperwork, and fingerprinting, will be available each day during regular operating hours. Other services such as filling out police reports for various crimes, obtaining copies of collision reports, and acquiring overnight parking permits, are also available online for your convenience. These and other links to specific services can be found on the Department website at www.ArcadiaPD.org.

Inquiries may be directed to Records Manager Audree Luevano at 626.574.5157 or to the Watch Commander at 626.574.5156.

Child Passenger Safety Week 2012

Child Passenger Safety Week will run from September 17-22, 2012.  Saturday, September 22, has been designated as Safety Seat Inspection Day.  Please visit the NHTSA link HERE for a list of local Car Seat Inspection Stations.  Most stations and inspectors require appointments.  There are several local police and Highway Patrol stations that conduct car seat inspections, including the Glendora and Pomona Police Departments, and the Baldwin Park CHP Office.

Freeway Closures to Continue

Closures of the eastbound I-210 to continue beginning this Sunday, September 16, 2012.  The nightly closures will take place Sunday-Thursday nights through September 29, 2012.  Lane closures will begin at 9:00 p.m. with a full eastbound closure each night, 11:00 p.m. through 5:00 a.m. the following morning.  The freeway will be closed to eastbound traffic between Baldwin Avenue and Santa Anita Avenue, with traffic being detoured to Foothill Boulevard through the City of Arcadia.

To avoid delays, use of alternate routes like the eastbound I-10 San Bernardino Freeway are suggested.

For additional information, please visit www.foothillextension.org or call the project hotline at 855-446-1160.

Got Drugs? Take Advantage of the National Take Back Initiative!

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is hosting the National Take Back Initiative on Saturday, September 29, 2012, 10 am to 2 pm, in conjunction with many local law enforcement agencies. This is an opportunity for you to drop off old, expired, or unused prescription drugs for safe and appropriate destruction. The Partnership for a Drug Free America estimates that each day, about 2,500 teens obtain prescription drugs in order to get high for the first time. Many of these drugs come from family, friends, and even the household medicine cabinet. "The purpose of this National Take Back Day was to provide a venue for persons who wanted to dispose of unwanted and unused prescription drugs."

HERE is a link to find a participating collection site near you! Locally, in addition to the Arcadia Police Department, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Temple Station, Monrovia Police Department, San Gabriel Police Department, San Marino Police Department, and the Pasadena Police Department are each hosting a collection site.

News Release - Arcadia High School Bomb Threat

Incident:  Bomb Threat – School Lockdown                                                

Date and Time of Release:  September 12, 2012 – 5:30pm 

Contact:  Watch Commander – (626) 574-5156

On September 12, 2012 shortly before noon, the police department was notified of a bomb threat on the Arcadia High School Campus.  The threat was received via email.  Arcadia Unified School District officials placed the campus on lockdown and had the approximate 3,800 students shelter in place while police officers investigated the source of the threat.  Simultaneously, the campus was searched for suspicious objects through a coordinated effort between law enforcement and school personnel.  No threats were found.  The students were released for the day shortly before 3:00pm. 

Investigation by police detectives led to the arrest of a 14-year-old male Arcadia High School student.  The suspect was booked on charges of making criminal threats and is being held at East Lake Juvenile Hall.           

By: Bob Anderson, Lieutenant

Refer Case #12-4204

Weekly Activity Highlights for September 2-8, 2012

http://www.ci.arcadia.ca.us/docs/weekly_9.2.12.pdf

Weekly Tip - Help Protect Against West Nile Virus

Some great information on helping protect yourself from West Nile Virus from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health!

9-11 Remembrance 2012

Arcadia Police Officers and Fire Fighters gathered early this morning for a remembrance ceremony honoring all fallen public safety personnel who made the ultimate sacrifice on September 11, 2001. Names of the fallen were read aloud, along with a moment of silence, and playing of the bagpipes. The ceremony was held  at the Arcadia Fire Department Headquarters. Please visit the Arcadia Police Department Facebook Page for additional photos of the event.

Arcadia Fire Captain Andy Troncale was also honored today with a number of fire and police personnel joining in a memorial motorcycle ride to Colorado in Andy's name.  The group will ride to the Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial in Colorado Springs, CO.

Never Forget!

Eastbound Freeway Closures Begin Tonight

Full eastbound closures of the I-210 Freeway will commence tonight through Thursday night, September 9 - 13, 2012.  The closures will begin at midnight each night and last through 5:00 a.m. the following morning.  The freeway will be closed to eastbound traffic between Baldwin Avenue and Santa Anita Avenue, with traffic being detoured to Foothill Boulevard through the City of Arcadia.

To avoid delays, use of alternate routes like the eastbound I-10 San Bernardino Freeway are suggested.

For additional information, please visit www.foothillextension.org or call the project hotline at 855-446-1160.

September is Preparedness Month

September is National Preparedness Month.  The California Emergency Management Agency has some great information and tips available to help keep us all safe.  Watch the video above and visit the Cal EMA link for tips.

"National Preparedness Month is designed to encourage Americans to take simple steps to prepare for emergencies in their homes, businesses, and communities. 


Whether it's September or any other month of the year, disaster can strike at any time without warning. Cal EMA encourages all Californians to be prepared for when - not if - the next emergency will occur.

How prepared are you?  Join us for events highlighting preparedness and check out the tips and resources listed below for important information you can use to protect yourself, your family, and your property. Preparedness is a responsibility we all share. Let's do our part."

Weekly Activity Highlights for August 26 - September 1, 2012

http://www.ci.arcadia.ca.us/docs/weekly_8.26.12.pdf

Weekly Tip - Concerned about a Mature Driver?

When collisions or other traffic incidents occur involving a "mature driver", questions are often raised that ask whether or not the person should still be driving. Family members or friends sometimes take this a step further and ask what they can do to help or even how can they take the license away. There is no easy answer.

Officers in the field have the ability to require a driver to participate in a "reexamination" with the DMV. If an Officer observes that the driver lacks ability, is physically incapable or is displaying signs that their driving is unsafe, the Officer can refer any driver, not just an older driver, to DMV. However, family members, a friend or neighbor can also contact DMV with their concerns. You may write a letter to DMV describing why you believe that a driver is no longer capable of driving safely. This action could initiate a reevaluation as well. Under certain medical conditions, a physician is also required to submit information to DMV.

The best step for anyone with a concern about a friend or loved one's driving is to become involved. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) has information on the topic and links to pamphlets that can be downloaded. Another great resource is AARP. The AARP website has a page dedicated to driver safety which includes a link to warning signs, information on classes, a driver safety IQ test, and other information applicable to the topic. The Automobile Club (AAA) has launched a website called AAA Seniors that is also loaded with tips and resources for mature drivers.

Take a look at these references. Gather information and knowledge on the topic and get involved. Deciding when not to drive is a tough choice and hard to breach with a loved one. Reasons for driving such as independence or even the simple desire to continue driving, need to be weighed against the probability of the driver injuring themselves or even worse, someone else.

Freeway Closure Info from Metro for Sept 2-15, 2012

Have a Safe & Happy Labor Day 2012