Welcome 2017 with a Safe New Year's Eve!

We will celebrate New Year's Eve tonight and there are a number of things to consider when it comes to celebrating safely. Here are a few things to think about for our New Years celebrations:

•Don't Drink and Drive!

•Use a designated driver, or if need be, call AAA Tipsy Tow for a ride home for you and your car. See AAA website or call 800-400-4222 for information.

•DO NOT fire weapons into the air. Bullets and projectiles can travel long distances causing injury and death. You have no control where a projectile will land when fired indiscriminately into the air.

•Stay inside at the stroke of midnight! Celebrate with friends and family indoors.

•Keep an eye on your pets. Loud noises, fireworks, gunshots, all can be frightening to animals. Keep your pets indoors or consult your veterinarian for options. Make sure they are wearing collars with identification should they become lost.

Remember to celebrate safely and smartly. Enjoy the New Year celebration!

Trending in Arrests

Each week, we will post an arrest of interest pointing toward arrest and crime trends within Arcadia. Drug arrests are often found in our weekly logs and many stem from traffic stops and other contacts. Kristoffer D. Kohl, a 43-year-old male from Fontana was stopped for a traffic violation after leaving one of our local motels on December 17th. The male had an active warrant out of San Bernardino County for a narcotics violation and was found to be in possession of narcotics/paraphernalia when he was contacted. Kohl was booked at the Arcadia City Jail on the "no bail" warrant, the felony drug charge, and a violation of his probation.

And, yes, bait package arrests continue with several this past week and 3 arrested on Tuesday. Property crime and residential burglary continue to spike in this holiday season. Most burglaries are daytime with the point of entry being a rear door or window. Please remember to be vigilant in your neighborhoods and if you see anyone or anything out of the ordinary, call us! If you See Something, Say Something! 

Weekly Activity Highlights for December 18 - 24, 2016

https://www.arcadiaca.gov/home/showdocument?id=8918

In Town for the Rose Parade or Rose Bowl Game?

Visitors in town for the parade or big game?  Have a friend staying at one of our local hotels?  Nixle is a great resource for those living in town or visitors to the area. The two major agencies responsible for Tournament of Roses activity both have Nixle accounts and share valuable safety information with the public. The Pasadena Police Department and the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, along with other local police agencies like Arcadia, Burbank, and South Pasadena, all use the Nixle platform for instant messaging.

We would like to encourage everyone, including those visiting the area, to take advantage of these services and subscribe to local public safety before the need arises.

A simple method to subscribe for Nixle alerts regarding the Parade or Rose Bowl is to text "ROSEPARADE" to 888777. For those in Arcadia, text either 91006 or 91007 to 888777 and you will be included in any emergency alerts sent by APD.  Check with your host or concierge for the local zip code for your area hotel in neighboring cities to be included in other area alerts.

You can also download our smart phone app for links to other information and services from the Arcadia Police Department.

Weekly Tip - Slow Down!

In 2016, there have been approximately 939 traffic collisions reported in the City of Arcadia.   Of these collisions, unsafe speed was the primary collision factor in at least 137 of the accidents. Traditionally, speed has played a role in a high percentages of collisions, and most recently, speed was indeed a factor in a fatal collision in town.

The fundamental goal of our Traffic Bureau is to seek to reduce traffic collisions through a three-pronged approach of engineering, education, and enforcement.  Our Traffic Bureau continues to take steps toward accomplishing our goal by conducting selective and proactive enforcement of drivers driving at an unsafe speed on certain roads throughout the City. Please SLOW DOWN and Watch Your Speed!

To provide information on problem locations, or for questions, additional information, please contact Sergeant Kollin Cieadlo, Traffic Supervisor, 626.574.5475.

Upcoming DUI/Driver's License Checkpoint

Upcoming DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint

The Arcadia Police Department will be hosting a DUI/Driver’s License checkpoint within the City of Arcadia. The checkpoint will run from 6:00PM Friday, December 30th through 2:00AM December 31^st..  One of the goals of our enforcement activity is to promote public safety and increase awareness of the dangers associated with drinking and driving.  This will be accomplished by providing a highly visible enforcement and publicity campaign, in order to deter intoxicated drivers from getting behind the wheel and driving.  Through these efforts, we also seek to reduce the number of injuries and deaths associated with collisions involving intoxicated drivers.

We would like to remind the public of the dangers associated with drinking and driving.  Help save a life; call 9-1-1 to report drunk drivers. It simply is not worth it to drive while impaired. 

Don’t forget to visit the Arcadia Police Department News & Information Blog or follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Nixle for other pertinent news and information.  Remember, the solution begins with you! 

Funding for these operations is provided from a grant administered by the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Robert T. Guthrie

Chief of Police

By: Kollin Cieadlo

Traffic Sergeant

Expect Traffic Delays in Arcadia Today

The day after Christmas is sure to bring many visitors, shoppers, and racing fans to the City of Arcadia. The Westfield Santa Anita Mall will be filled with people seeking sales, exchanges, and returns. The Santa Anita Race Track comes to life once again, with opening day for live racing. Yes, today will surely be a busy day in town!

The mall can be accessed off Baldwin Avenue and Huntington Drive. Shoppers may see gate closures inside Gate 8 (north of JC Penney) and best times for arriving or departing the mall would be earlier in the morning, mid-afternoon, or evening hours, after the race track has closed. Please use Gates 9 or 10, just north of Huntington Drive, for mall access.

Santa Anita Race Track gates will open at 10:00 am and the first post is at noon. Racing fans can access Gate 8 off Baldwin Avenue, however, other gates may be less congested. Suggested routes for easier access may include:

From the west or northbound on Baldwin Avenue, use Huntington Drive to Gate 3 at Holly Avenue.

From the south, use Santa Anita Avenue to Campus Drive for Gate 3 access, or to Huntington Drive for access to Gates 5 and 6.

From the east, use Huntington Drive or Colorado Boulevard/Place to access Gates 5 and 6.

Police officers will be manning traffic signals and certain intersections throughout the day. Traffic will be heavy and you should expect delays. Allow extra time for your travel and please be patient.

Merry Christmas 2016

Merry Christmas to All! From our house to yours!

Happy Hanukkah 2016!

Wishing the best during the celebration of Hanukkah!

Holiday Hours for Records Section

The Arcadia Police Department Records Section will close at 6:00 p.m. on both Christmas Eve and New Years Eve, remaining closed on Christmas Day and New Years Day. The Records Section will reopen at 6:00 a.m. on Monday, December 26, 2016, and again on Monday, January 2, 2017, following the respective holidays.

Last Minute Shopping? Think About Your Personal Safety!

Our personal safety is something that we should always be considering, especially when out in public. The shopping season is in full swing and our shopping centers will be packed these last days before Christmas 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 or set off your car alarm if needed. 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!

Trending in Arrests

Each week, we will post an arrest of interest pointing toward arrest and crime trends within Arcadia. Package Theft and Bait Package Arrests continue...'tis the season. This week's post is highlighted arrest where the theft of an APD bait package lead to a multiple suspect arrest and the recovery of a stolen vehicle. In a separate  theft of a bait package on Friday, December 16th, a parolee and a second suspect were also arrested as a result of this program. 

Back on the morning of December 8th, the trio was involved in the theft of a bait package from the porch of a home in the 1700 block of N. Highland Oaks, Arcadia. A short time later, officers found the suspects parked in a business parking lot on Huntington Drive in Monrovia with the help of the GPS device in the bait package. Not only was the bait package recovered, but officers found narcotics, stolen mail, burglary tools, a ski mask, and a taser inside the suspect vehicle. During the investigation, officers also learned the suspect vehicle was a reported stolen car from two days prior. The suspect vehicle was a red, 4-door, Honda Accord. The investigation is continuing for any possible additional crimes.

Arrested and booked on various felony charges at the Arcadia City Jail were Melissa A. Arambula, a 35-year-old female from El Monte, Sean M. Clemens, a 45-year-old male from Covina, and Nickolas R. Martinez Jr, a 41-year-old male from Basset.

Anyone with information on this incident is encouraged to contact the Arcadia Police Department at 626-574-5156, case #16-6466. Or, if you wish to remain Anonymous, call “LA Crime Stoppers” by dialing 800-222-TIPS (8477), use your smartphone by downloading the “P3 Tips” mobile app on Google play or the App Store, or by using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org.

Weekly Activity Highlights for December 11 - 17, 2016

https://www.arcadiaca.gov/home/showdocument?id=8902

Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over

This Holiday Season, The Arcadia Police Department Is Looking For Drunk Drivers

Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over

 

This holiday season, The Arcadia Police Department will be out looking for drunk & drugged drivers as part of a special year-end Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over enforcement mobilization.

As part of the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over enforcement campaign period, police, sheriff and the CHP will be deploying DUI Checkpoints and DUI Saturation Patrols during the upcoming 17-day DUI crackdown throughout the region. The Arcadia Police Department will be conducting a DUI/CDL Checkpoint during the evening hours of December 30, 2016.

Drugs such as prescription medication, marijuana or illicit drugs can impair judgment and get you the same DUI arrest as alcohol.  Nationally in 2014, 32,675 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes with 9,967 people killed in crashes involving an impaired driver.  In California, total highway deaths were reported at 3,126 with 1,155 lives lost in alcohol and/or drug impaired collisions.  If you’re caught driving impaired by alcohol or drugs, you could face jail time, fines, loss of driver’s license, towing fees, and other DUI expenses, totaling $10,000 on average.

“Driving under the influence is not only costly, but can ruin the holidays for you, your family or for someone else’s family,” said OTS Director Rhonda Craft. “Make the decision to drive sober or use our DDVIP app to help you find a safe ride home for yourself or your friends if you know they’ve been drinking.”

Drivers are encouraged to download the Designated Driver VIP, or “DDVIP,” free mobile app for Android or iPhone. The DDVIP app helps find nearby bars and restaurants that feature free incentives for the designated sober driver, from free non-alcoholic drinks to free appetizers and more.  The feature-packed app even has social media tie-ins and even a tab for the non-DD to call Uber, Lyft or Curb.

For more information on the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over enforcement campaign and all OTS efforts, visit www.ots.ca.gov. To learn more about the DDVIP app, please visit the OTS Facebook at www.facebook.com/CaliforniaOTS or follow OTS on Twitter @OTS_CA.

The Arcadia Police Department wants everyone to have a safe and memorable holiday season, and is calling on everyone to be alert; ‘Report Drunk Drivers – Call 911!

Funding for this holiday enforcement campaign is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

CONTACT:  Sgt. Kollin Cieadlo / 626-574-5475 / kcieadlo@arcadiaca.gov

Weekly Tip - Pedestrians, Crosswalks, and Right-of-Way

A common concern that comes to the attention of the Traffic Bureau is drivers failing to yield to pedestrians. We have seen several pedestrian involved collisions in recent weeks, so, this is a good time to remind drivers and pedestrians alike of safety precautions. Pedestrian actions as well as drivers actions are governed by the Vehicle Code. Drivers must yield to pedestrians at crosswalks and intersections, even when there is no marked crosswalk. Use caution when approaching a crosswalk and if you have time to safely stop, yield to the pedestrian waiting to cross. Remember, if the pedestrian has made eye contact with you, they are probably ready to cross. If the roadway is divided, allow the pedestrian to walk past the center line or median before pulling through. If it is an undivided roadway, allow the pedestrian to walk well past the half way point in the road. Always check the curbs and look to see if someone is "darting" off the curb or entering the crosswalk late. Drivers and pedestrians both need to exercise caution and courtesy. Never pass a vehicle stopped at a crosswalk. Approach with caution and make sure the roadway and crosswalk have cleared.

Turning traffic at intersections is also dangerous for pedestrians. Even though you may have a green as a driver, you must still yield to pedestrians. Drivers making right turns must look and allow the pedestrian to step off on the green. Drivers making left turns across the intersection must make sure that not only is oncoming traffic clear, but that there are not pedestrians in the crosswalk in the path of their turn. Again, use courtesy and common sense. If the ped is well across the intersection or past the median point, you may complete your turn. If the ped is approaching you or on your side of the roadway, YIELD to them!

The DMV has a page dedicated to right of way rules regarding pedestrians, crosswalks, and other situations. Take a look for additional information.

Pedestrians outside of a crosswalk or unmarked intersection are also held responsible by the Vehicle Code. The pedestrian may only cross the road when safe to do so and must yield to traffic. The pedestrian may not cross between two signalized intersections. This is what is known as "jaywalking".

With dark evenings upon us, it is imperative we all slow down and watch carefully for pedestrians since our visibility is limited after dark. Pedestrians...carry a flashlight, wear light colored and reflective clothing, watch for cars, and use caution before stepping off the curb. Together, we can all improve pedestrian safety.

Trending in Arrests This Week

Each week, we will post an arrest of interest pointing toward arrest and crime trends within Arcadia. This week's case is an arrest of two suspects who were booked on suspicion of Grand Theft (GPS Bait Package), Identity Theft, and Possession of Controlled Substance.

Officers caught up to this pair of suspects early Sunday morning, December 4, 2016, in the 300 block West Duarte Road. The suspects had stolen a package from a home in the 100 block Lyndon Way. The package was equipped with a GPS device as part of the APD bait program, leading officers right to the suspects and their vehicle, a couple blocks away. During the investigation, officers recovered the bait package, along with money cards, checks, narcotics, and a card embossing machine, all leading to additional felony charges for the suspects.

Arrested and booked at the Arcadia City Jail were Joseph Kamal, 40-year-old male from San Gabriel, and Cristhyn Amador, a 21-year-old female from Temple City.

Anyone with information on this incident is encouraged to contact the Arcadia Police Department at 626-574-5156, case #16-6375. Or, if you wish to remain Anonymous, call “LA Crime Stoppers” by dialing 800-222-TIPS (8477), use your smartphone by downloading the “P3 Tips” mobile app on Google play or the App Store, or by using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org.

Weekly Activity Highlights for December 4 - 10, 2016

https://www.arcadiaca.gov/home/showdocument?id=8867

Christmas Care Pack for K9 Officer Zoli

Christmas came a bit early for K9 Officer Zoli and his handler, Officer Foulks! They received a care pack from Isabella at K9 Warriors containing an indestructible ball, doggie blanket, shampoo, insect repellent, doggie treats, and a night watch kit for Officer Foulks with coffee and candy...awesome! Isabella is a 14-year-old young lady from South Carolina who sends care packs to police and military K9 units. What a treat! Thanks Isabella!

Weekly Tip - Give Your Alarm a Check-Up?

Do you have an alarm on your home or business? Take the time to check your system and make sure it is in proper working order. Call your alarm monitoring company before testing the alarm system. If there is an issue with the system, get it repaired. Not only will you help avoid false alarm fees, but you will better protect your property.

The City of Arcadia requires alarm permits for all alarm systems. Information on Security Alarm Permits can be found on the City website. The permits help reduce alarm malfunctions and nuisance alarms, as well as maintaining current property owner contact information should there be an issue while you are away from your home or business.

Holiday Suspension of Overnight Parking Enforcement

Residents and visitors will not have to obtain temporary overnight parking permits for passenger vehicles parked on the City streets from Sunday night, December 18, 2016, through Sunday morning, January 8, 2017. This permit suspension affords the community the opportunity to entertain guests and visitors without worrying about purchasing permits during the holidays. Overnight parking enforcement will resume on Sunday night, January 8, 2017.

This enforcement suspension pertains only to overnight parking restrictions for passenger vehicles between 2:30 am and 5:30 am. All other parking restrictions remain in effect and will be enforced, such as time zones, street sweeping, curb markings, etc.

The 2017 permits are available at the City Hall Cashier's Office and are being honored for the remainder of 2016, if properly displayed.

If you have any questions, please contact the APD Watch Commander at (626) 574-5156.

Weekly Activity Highlights for November 27 - December 3, 2016

https://www.arcadiaca.gov/home/showdocument?id=8829

Weekly Tip - Parking Lot Survival Tips for the Holidays

The holiday season is upon us - and with that brings large crowds and parking lots filled with anxious shoppers! Private property accidents contribute to a number of our calls for service during the holiday season and most of these incidents are avoidable. Here are some tips to help avoid collisions and other vehicle related incidents on private property:

•Slow down, don't be in a rush. The sales will still be going on when you get there.

•Obey shopping center or mall stop signs, yield signs, speed limit signs. They are there for a reason...SAFETY!

•Drive only in marked isles. Avoid driving across the parking lot and watch out for those that are using parking stalls as a short cut.

•Park a little further away. It is probably quicker than driving up and down looking for that perfect spot.

•Look all around before backing out and back SLOWLY from your stall.

•Watch for pedestrians and watch out for yourself while walking in the parking lot.

•Avoid the urge to "beat" the other driver to that one last spot.

•Practice common sense and courtesy. Everyone can be on edge in a crowded parking lot. Give each other a break.

•Leave valuables at home or at least out of sight in your LOCKED vehicle.

•Park only in marked stalls. Fire lane, red zones, handicap stalls may all be enforced at most shopping centers.

•Always be aware of your surroundings. Park in well lighted areas. Alert store security or the police to suspicious persons or vehicles.

Report Suspicious Activity - Help Prevent Residential Burglary!

The Arcadia Police Department serves a population of approximately 57,000+ residents, numerous business and commercial locations, all within about 11 square miles. As expected, the men and women of the department cannot actively police every square inch of our city at all times. Therefore, more often than not, residents and visitors serve as the eyes and ears for our dispatchers and officers.

Having a large residential community, it is not surprising that some of our most frequent calls for service involve property theft or residential burglary. In most cases, a residential burglary begins with some type of suspicious activity within a neighborhood, often in broad daylight. This activity may range from unknown persons in vehicles perusing the area, to individuals going door to door, determining whether or not residents are home. These individuals will most likely have a driver waiting for them for a quick getaway in case someone begins to question their actions.

The best way to decrease residential burglaries is to prevent them from occurring in the first place. Give criminals the message if they are in our neighborhoods, and about to commit a crime, they are being watched – not ignored – through a joint effort by our residents and the police department. 

If you witness suspicious activity in your neighborhood, or see something that doesn't sit right with you, do not simply draw the blinds and turn away; please pick up the phone and call our department’s non-emergency dispatch number at (626) 574-5123 – available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Of course, if you witness a crime in progress or have an emergency, always remember to dial 9-1-1.

Neighborhood crime prevention neither begins, nor ends, with a burning porch light. As members of a greater community, we are all responsible for its protection, as safety does not simply end at a property line. Get to know your neighbors and your neighborhood, remain alert, and never hesitate to call our police department. Do not simply assume someone else has called the police - three calls received are better than no calls at all.