Weekly Activity Highlights for November 19 - 25, 2017

https://www.arcadiaca.gov/home/showdocument?id=14975

Weekly Tip - Parking Lot Survival 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.

Coyote Safety Seminar

Arcadia PD invites you to a Coyote Safety Seminar at the Arcadia City Council Chambers, 240 W Huntington Dr on Wednesday, December 13th at 7:00 p.m. A wildlife expert from the Pasadena Humane Society will present information on how to safeguard your family and pets from negative encounters with coyotes. For more info call 626.821.2648

Black Friday Sales = Lines, Crowds, and Traffic

Happy Thanksgiving 2017!

From all of us at the Arcadia Police Department, we would like to wish everyone a very

Happy Thanksgiving!

Weekly Activity Highlights for November 12 - 18, 2017

https://www.arcadiaca.gov/home/showdocument?id=14957

Weekly Tip - Lock It! Hide It! Keep It!

We can't express the practice of Lock It, Hide It, Keep It enough!

With the holidays upon us, the likelihood of folks leaving items in their vehicles increases and thieves know this. Please remember to remove items of value from your cars, roll up the windows, lock the doors, and set the alarm if you have one. Taking the opportunity and target away are great ways to help prevent the crimes from happening! Spread the word and pass this along to family and friends!

No Overnight Parking Enforcement for Thanksgiving

To help you celebrate Thanksgiving, APD will not be conducting overnight parking enforcement from Wednesday night, November 22nd through Sunday morning, November 26th. Overnight parking enforcement will resume Sunday night to Monday morning on Thanksgiving weekend. All other parking regulations will be enforced.

Additionally, our Records Section and front counter will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 23, 2017. The Records Section will reopen at 6:00 a.m. Friday morning.

Ring Security Products Subsidy Event

UPDATE: Registration for both sessions is full. There is a wait list. Thanks to all for taking such an interest in your safety and security!

Session 1 Registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/city-of-arcadia-ring-security-products-subsidy-event-session-one-tickets-39491441966

Session 2 Registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/city-of-arcadia-ring-security-products-subsidy-event-session-two-tickets-39497526164

APD Records Section CLOSED on Thanksgiving

The Records Section of the Arcadia Police Department will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 23, 2017.  The Records Section will reopen at 6:00 a.m. on Friday, November 24, 2017.

The lobby will be accessible for emergency assistance. We will NOT be citing for Overnight Parking starting Wednesday night through Sunday morning, November 22 - 26, 2017.  Overnight Parking Enforcement will resume on Sunday night, November 26th and permits will be required.

Please see the following post for daily operating hours in the Records Section: 

http://arcadiapolice.blogspot.com/2012/09/new-operating-hours-for-apd-records.html 

Stay Safe on the Roads This Thanksgiving: Buckle Up–Every Trip. Every Time.

As millions of travelers flood the roads this Thanksgiving, The Arcadia Department is partnering with the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) and law enforcement across the state to share an important lifesaving reminder: Buckle Up–Every Trip. Every Time.

During the 2015 Thanksgiving weekend, 301 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes nationwide, and 53 percent were not wearing seat belts at the time of the fatal crash, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).  California accounted for 42 of those fatalities.  Nighttime proved even more deadly, with 57 percent of Thanksgiving weekend crashes occurring at night nationally.  Much like drunk driving, these deaths represent needless tragedies for families across America.  Many of these deaths could have been completely prevented with the simple click of a seat belt.

“Year after year, families are devastated when news arrives that a loved one is killed on their way to Thanksgiving festivities,” said Sgt. Kollin Cieadlo.  “These stories are just unacceptable when over 50 percent of the deaths involve an unrestrained occupant.  Especially when it’s known that seat belt use is one of the simplest ways to stay safe while riding in a vehicle.”

NHTSA estimates that proper seat belt use reduces the risk of fatal and serious injuries. In 2015, approximately 13,941 people survived crashes because they were buckled up.  If everyone had worn their seat belts that year, an additional 2,804 lives could have been saved.  NHTSA’s research also reveals that males are more likely to be unbuckled than females in a fatal crash, and that younger drivers are also at greater risk of being unbuckled.

The Arcadia Police Department’s goal for the ‘Buckle Up—Every Trip. Every Time.’ seat belt awareness campaign is to save lives.  This campaign reminds Thanksgiving travelers, and all drivers, about the importance of buckling up–every trip, every time.  Thanksgiving should be a happy time, not a tragic one.

Additionally, OTS statewide data reveals that of the 42 killed during the Thanksgiving weekend, 18 were alcohol involved deaths. While alcohol remains the worst offender for DUI crashes, The Arcadia Police Department supports the new effort from OTS that aims to drive awareness that “DUI Doesn’t Just Mean Booze.”  Prescription medications and marijuana can also be impairing by themselves, or in combination with alcohol, and can result in a DUI arrest. 

Never drink and drive and whether you’re a passenger or the driver, riding long distances or short, buckle your seat belt.  Doing so ensures everyone arrives safely to their Thanksgiving destinations.  Remember: Buckle Up–Every Trip. Every Time.

Weekly Activity Highlights for November 5 - 11, 2017

https://www.arcadiaca.gov/home/showdocument?id=14845

Annual Thanksgiving Appreciation Lunch from the Arcadia Chinese Association

A big "Thank You" to members of the Arcadia Police Department came yesterday in the form of an early Thanksgiving lunch, provided by the Arcadia Chinese Association.  Chief Guthrie was joined by members of the ACA, ACA President Arron Rose, and Mayor Pro Tem Sho Tay for a photo before lunch.  ACA President Rose took a moment to express gratitude to members of the Department and say "Thank You" for our service.  Thanks to the ACA for the great lunch and for taking the time to honor members of our Department! 

Weekly Tip - IRS Tax Scams Are Year Round!

Tax season is still months away, but these scams don't take a break.  While many folks will have legitimate contact with their tax accountants and the IRS, we would like to remind you of recurring fraud schemes where scammers reach out to you. One of the most wide spread attempts to come between you and your money is by use of phone calls to you where scammers claim to be representing the IRS. Many times, they will threaten you with a law suit or pending criminal action if you don't send payment immediately. These calls can be automated and recorded, directing you to call. Don't fall for these scams!

The IRS will not:

• Call you to demand immediate payment. The IRS will not call you if you owe taxes without first sending you a bill in the mail.

• Demand that you pay taxes and not allow you to question or appeal the amount you owe.

• Require that you pay your taxes a certain way. For instance, require that you pay with a prepaid debit card.

• Ask for your credit or debit card numbers over the phone.

• Threaten to bring in police or other agencies to arrest you for not paying.

Visit the IRS website for additional information on scams.

ROAD CLOSURES: Annual Festival of Bands Parade

On Saturday, November 18, 2017, the 64th Annual Festival of Bands Parade will take place within the City of Arcadia. This year’s parade route will travel south on Baldwin Avenue from Huntington Drive, turn east on Duarte Road, turn north on El Monte Avenue and end on Campus Drive in front of the High School.

During the parade Baldwin Avenue, Duarte Road, El Monte Avenue, and Campus Drive will be closed in these areas to vehicular traffic with the exception of residential traffic on Duarte Road between Lovell and El Monte Avenue. In this area, residents will be allowed to drive from their homes eastbound on Duarte Road and out of the area assisted by police personnel.

There will be no street parking in the above areas on November 18, 2017 between 6:00am and 1:00pm. Temporary No Parking signs will be posted – vehicles parked in violation will be towed.

The temporary road closures will be from 8:00am until approximately 1:00pm and may require you or your patrons to access your home or business from an alternate route. Businesses on the south side of Duarte Road will require customer access from Naomi Avenue. Businesses on the north side of Duarte Road will require customer access from Arcadia Avenue.

Residents living south of Huntington Drive, north of Duarte Road, east of Baldwin Avenue, and west of Holly Avenue should use Huntington Drive and La Cadena as the main ingress and egress to come and go from the area.

We appreciate your understanding and continuing support of this outstanding community event. We apologize for any inconvenience to you or your patrons during this time. The Festival of Bands has a wonderful tradition of showcasing the finest high school bands in California and the nation. Arcadians are proud to act as host each year. If you have any questions, please contact Sergeant Kollin Cieadlo at (626) 574-5475 or email at kcieadlo@arcadiaca.gov.

Honoring Those Who Served - Veterans Day 2017

Please join us in honoring and saying thanks to all who have served our Nation.

Happy Veterans Day 2017!

Weekly Activity Highlights for October 29 - November 4, 2017

https://www.arcadiaca.gov/home/showdocument?id=14805

Weekly Tip - Holiday Time and Home Burglaries

Over past years, we have seen an uptick in Residential Burglary reports during the holidays. Take a look at the current area crime map above for burglaries having occurred in the last week.

The majority of Arcadia burglaries are committed during daytime hours. However, we have had some incidents occur during evening hours in recent months. While the Department places additional officers, both in plain cars and marked units in problem areas, we are not always in the right place at the right time. Please remember to be vigilant in both your observation of your neighborhood and with your own home safety and security, all hours of the day.

HERE are tips for preventing home burglary. Remember, if you See Something, Say Something!

Stay informed on criminal activity in your area through CrimeMapping.com.

Time for a Change! Clocks Fall Back One Hour Tonight!

Set your clocks back one hour tonight before you go to bed. Officially, the time change is at 2:00 a.m., Sunday, November 5, 2017.  Gain an hour of sleep and wake refreshed!

Weekly Activity Highlights for October 22 - 28, 2017

https://www.arcadiaca.gov/home/showdocument?id=14757

Weekly Tip - Is My Child Ready for a Cell Phone?

A question plaguing many parents is the topic of when to get a cell phone for their child. The answer is not a clear one at all, but rather based on many individual factors about the child and family needs. ConnectSafely.org offers a nice guide with tips and information to consider before diving into a cell phone purchase for your child.

"There are lots of things to think about when parents consider buying kids their first cellphones. Of course the “right time” and the right phone vary by child, his or her maturity level and the family budget. Some parents want their young children to have a phone so they can call or be reached at any time. Others prefer to wait till they're teens. Factors to consider include: whether a child can use a phone with respect for the device, your rules and the people they interact with on it; if he or she can stay within the usage allowances included in the service plan and whether the child knows when to turn the phone off (e.g., at bedtime)."

Link to the ConnectSafely.org website for the complete guide!