Weekly Tip - FBI Sees Rise in Fraud Schemes Related to COVID-19 Coronavirus

The Internet is used by criminals for all sorts of scams and crimes to try and separate you from your money.  The FBI is even warning of an increase in fraud scams related to COVID-19 phishing email and bogus websites.

One way to be victimized is by replying to a “pop up” advertisement or an email.  If you receive a “pop up” ad or an email and you are not sure if it is legitimate, do not reply or open.  Do some research and confirm it is a legitimate service/company first.  You should never share personal or financial information online unless you are confident that the information is going to the proper company, organization or financial institution.   

Private sites, such as Consumer Fraud Reporting.Org have resources and information on web-based crime as well as other traditional fraud crimes. The FBI participates in a website dedicated to collecting Internet crime info called the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). Take a look at these sites and search for information on topics that include tips to avoid becoming a victim of Internet-based scams or crime.

Weekly Tip - Be Safe While Out Walking

Daylight saving time, Springtime, now being stuck at home, are all reasons more pedestrians are hitting the road in the early mornings and evenings.  It is important to practice good walking and running safety as a pedestrian.  Many factors impact whether or not drivers will see pedestrians. Some vision obscurements and lighting conditions are not controlled by the pedestrian, but we can greatly enhance our safety and visibility with some proactive steps:

• Wear light/bright-colored clothing, preferably clothing with reflective strips or perhaps a safety vest.
• Carry a lighted flashlight when walking at night.
• Use sidewalks when available.
• Walk facing traffic so you can see cars approaching.
• If walking or running in the roadway, stay out of traffic lanes - it is unsafe and possibly unlawful.
• Make eye contact with drivers before crossing streets, additional lanes, or driveways.
• Never assume drivers will stop or yield - walk defensively.
• If you must have music or talk on your phone, use only one earpiece and keep the volume down. Listen for traffic!
• Be aware of your surroundings and practice personal safety!
• Vary your routes so you are not predictable.
• Avoid dimly lit roads, alleys, and areas.
• Carry identification and a cell phone.
• Walk with a partner or family member.
• Don't approach vehicles stopping near you or in your path.
• Consider personal safety items such as pepper spray.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

Wishing everyone a safe and Happy St. Patrick's Day. Please Don't Drink and Drive!

Arcadia Police Department Adapts to the COVID-19 Coronavirus

March 15, 2020 – In response to additional guidance received by federal, state, and local public health officials, the Arcadia Police Department is adapting to challenges caused by the COVID-19 coronavirus. Please know we have not changed or reduced our deployment strategies at this time and will continue to respond to all law enforcement related activities in our City. Our situation is both fluid and evolving, and the Arcadia Police Department is working to maintain field staffing levels that ensure high-quality response times to emergency calls for service within our City.

That shared, we have implemented processes that have equipped department personnel with the necessary training and resources needed to establish good community-based behaviors and practices that should help reduce the likelihood of introduction or spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus within our department and throughout our ranks.  Our staff has been briefed on COVID-19 issues and will take all due precautions necessary when dealing with the public to keep everyone involved as safe as possible.

It is our goal to continue to provide the highest level of safety and service while preserving the health of both our personnel and our community. Based on logical precautions, we have modified some procedures to limit exposure of the public and our employees.  For example, we may accept and document certain non-emergency crime reports over the telephone rather than in person.  Additionally, while our police department lobby will remain open for limited purposes, we encourage residents to call ahead at 626-574-5150 to determine if we can serve your needs without requiring a visit.

To protect the health of the public and our personnel, and potentially slow the rate of transmission of COVID-19, we are also limiting access to the Arcadia Police Department lobby except in essential or emergent situations.  This practice will stay in effect through March 31st, at which time we will reassess circumstances to determine whether or not a change in protocol is warranted.

Lobby restrictions do not apply to the following:

• Regularly scheduled child-custody exchanges
• Individuals who are required by law to check in with law enforcement for compliance to terms of release.
• Situations in which a law enforcement presence is needed to immediately protect life, safety or property.
• Mandatory visits for payment of fees or collection of property.

If you request a call for service to report criminal activity or to file a report, please call our Police Dispatch Center at 626-574-5123.  If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms, fever, or a respiratory illness, please notify us when you make the call.  This will allow our first responders to take any needed safety precautions prior to their arrival.

Some police reports can also be made online at    https://report.citizenserviceportal.com/home/Agency?AgencyCode=APD
and we encourage our residents to take advantage of this service whenever possible.

Here are some of the criteria for filing a police report online:

• The incident is not an Emergency.
• The incident occurred within the City of Arcadia.
• You do not know the name or identity of the suspect involved or have physical evidence associated with the incident.

Cases involving theft of identity, theft or unauthorized use of credit/debit cards, checks, or other financial crimes, may not be reported on-line. These crimes must be reported in person. It is essential for officers to verify the victim’s true identity at the time the report is made.

Additionally, victims should provide officers with as much information regarding their case as possible, to include copies of financial documents, bank statements, credit card account information, fraud affidavits, or any other information relevant to the crime. If your situation does meet the above requirements, you may file your report online for the following types of incidents:

• Auto Burglary
• General Thefts valued at $950 or less
• Theft of Items from an unlocked vehicle valued at $950 or less
• Theft of items from an open or unsecured area valued at $950 or less
• Lost or Stolen Cell Phones or Other Property
• Annoying or Harassing Phone Calls
• Mail Theft
• Vandalism
• Vehicle Tampering

We apologize for any inconvenience these adjustments may cause you under the circumstances.  Please know that the men and women of the Arcadia Police Department are committed to the safety and well-being of our citizens, and dedicated to maintaining the superior service everyone has come to expect from our personnel. In closing, we ask that you help us protect our police officers and support personnel, so they, in turn, can continue to work hard to protect you!


Robert T. Guthrie
Chief of Police

Weekly Tip - STOP at Blacked-Out Signals

What will you do when you come upon a blacked-out or inoperative traffic signal?  California law is pretty straightforward for drivers coming upon inoperative signals at an intersection. STOP! If the signals are blacked out and not working, drivers must treat the intersection as a stop sign. CVC 21800(d)(1) is the section that governs inoperative signals. If there is a Police Officer directing traffic, you must proceed as directed. Otherwise, stop and proceed when safe to do so. Power outages, collision damage, storm-related problems, equipment failure, all can contribute to a blacked-out signal. Always be alert, watch ahead, and drive smartly.

Remember to Spring Forward Saturday Night

Don't forget, Saturday night we "Spring Forward."  Officially on Sunday morning at 2:00 am time changes to Daylight Saving Time and it becomes 3:00 am.  Set your clocks before you go to bed so you aren't late to any important appointments or plans.

Weekly Tip - STOP Means STOP!

How many times a day do you come upon a stop sign? Stop signs are everywhere in our community and are sometimes ignored or not adhered to properly by drivers. California Vehicle Code (CVC) section 22450 defines the requirement for stop signs in California. The law is fairly simple; if there is a stop sign posted with a limit line, stop at the limit line. If there is no limit line, but there is a crosswalk, stop at the line prior to entering the crosswalk. If there are no lines in the street, stop even with the stop sign before entering the intersection or making a turn.

One of the most common statements by a driver after being stopped for running a stop sign is that they did stop. The first questions to ask yourself as a driver in that situation are: "Where did I stop?" and "Did I come to a complete stop?" Our local court has made it clear and says that a driver must stop at the limit line, stop sign or crosswalk, and not a car length back or beyond the line.

Other common stopping violations include failing to stop when turning, a rolling stop, and following the car in front of you through a stop sign when in traffic. Each vehicle is required to come to a full and complete stop. Don't sneak through on a turn or next to the car in the other lane. A lawful and complete stop is not a "California roll". A complete stop is when there is a complete "cessation" of movement. Please adhere to stop signs and recognize that they are in place for your safety and the safety of all other persons on the road.