Friday, June 29, 2012

Wilderness Park Closed July 3 - 4, 2012

Arcadia's Wilderness Park will be closed to the public, July 3 - 4, 2012, due to the holiday.  The pre-scheduled day camp will take place on the 3rd, however, there will be no public park entry.

Thursday, June 28, 2012

Fireworks are PROHIBITED in Arcadia

With fireworks stands popping up in some surrounding communities, we would like to remind everyone, use or possession of any form of fireworks is illegal in the City of Arcadia.  In addition to our officers watching for violations, the Arcadia Fire Department will also have area patrols through the 4th of July holiday.  Violations may result in arrest or citation, and a seizure of all fireworks.

The best and safest source of 4th of July entertainment can be found at a professional fireworks show.  HERE is a list of shows throughout Los Angeles County.  

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Weekly Activity Highlights for June 17-23, 2012

http://www.ci.arcadia.ca.us/docs/weekly_6.17.12.pdf

Weekly Tip - Fourth of July Pet Safety


Fourth of July Pet Safety
July 5th is a busy day for the Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA and animal shelters around the country. The festivities we humans enjoy can be terrifying to our pets, and humane officers and concerned citizens bring countless dogs and cats—most of them exhausted and confused -- to safety at animal shelters during and after the holiday.

The safety and comfort of your pet requires special attention. PHS offers the following recommendations to help keep your pet secure.
  • Do not take your pets with you to watch fireworks.
  • Keep your pet inside during Fourth of July celebrations. Many cats and dogs are frightened by the loud noises of fireworks and will be happier safely confined at home. Playing a radio may help diffuse the loud noise of fireworks.
  • Be certain that your pet’s identification is current. Update your pet’s microchip information if necessary. A visible form of identification is the best way to ensure that your pet can be returned home to you.
  • If you think your pet may become extremely agitated or stressed, consult your veterinarian and discuss the possibility of sedatives or overnight boarding. You may wish to call an animal behavior specialist to work with your pet, but do this well in advance.
  • If your pet runs away, search the kennels of the shelter closest to you. Many shelters post photos of the animals that come into their facility on their website. PHS’ website,www.pasadenahumane.org, is updated hourly so that lost animals may be quickly reunited with their lost owners. Post signs and visit nearby shelters for at least the next month. Animals can run a long way when they are badly frightened.
  • If your cat is lost, it may stay in hiding for several days or weeks, so leave plenty of food and fresh water outside your door. (Pick it up at night so you don’t attract unwanted wild animals.) Post signs and check your local and neighboring shelters in person and on line; your description of your pet may fit several animals in the shelter.
Staff at the Pasadena Humane Society will be available until 11 p.m. on Wednesday, July 4th and again at 8 a.m. on Thursday, July 5th so people can find their lost pets.  PHS can be reached at (626) 792-7151.  After hours, please contact your local police agency.

The staff at the Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA wishes that you and your pet have a very safe and happy 4th of July.


*Thanks to the Pasadena Humane Society for allowing us to use their post for our Weekly Tip!

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

News Release - Residential Burglary with Unique Suspect Description


Incident:                                Residential Burglary – Unique Suspect Description    

Date and Time of Release:                 June 20, 2012, 7:15 p.m.


On Saturday, June 16, 2012, a 70-year-old female victim returned home to her apartment, located in the 1100 block of West Duarte Road, to find her apartment broken into and an unknown female showering in the victim’s bathroom.  The victim was away for about three hours, returning home at about 2:30 p.m.  She found her front door chained from the inside and saw a rear window screen removed, with the window now open.

The victim climbed inside the open window, heard water running in her shower, and found her bedroom television turned on.  The victim called out and was met by a female voice from the shower, asking what she wanted.  The victim told the unknown female to get out and went outside to call a friend for help.  After about ten minutes, the female suspect exited the apartment through the front door, grabbing the victim’s keys as she left, saying nothing as she walked away.  Arcadia Police were notified at about 3:20 p.m.

The victim found that in addition to showering, the suspect had removed and prepared food from the apartment refrigerator and lightly ransacked the master bedroom.  No other loss was discovered at the time and it is unknown how long the suspect was inside the location.  The female suspect was described as African-American, 40 years old, 5’11”/170 lbs., black hair, with flower tattoos on each side of her face, wearing a blue or green shirt and capri pants.

Due to the unusual circumstances reported in this crime and the unique suspect description, the Arcadia Police Department is asking anyone with information related to this case to call the police department at (626) 574-5156.  You can also submit crime tips and information via text, phone, or web to LA Regional Crime Stoppers, 800-222-TIPS (8477).



Robert T. Guthrie, Chief of Police

By: Tom Le Veque, Lieutenant
Refer Case #12-2750

Weekly Activity Highlights for June 10-16, 2012

http://www.ci.arcadia.ca.us/docs/weekly_6.10.12.pdf

Weekly Tip - Shop Smart! Don't become a Victim!


Are you an inviting target for a crime of opportunity?  In the last few weeks, we have had several unrelated reports of stolen purses and phones from victims who were shopping, or simply not paying attention to their valuables.  Phones and wallets have been left on sales counters, along with purses in baby strollers, each have been scenarios for stolen items.

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.

Keep your purse closed.  Don't toss wallets and phones back inside without closing the flap or zipper.  Check your phones and put them back on your belt, in your pocket, or zipped in the purse.  Setting your phone on the counter to continue a sale is an easy way to forget it.

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.

Shop smart and pay attention to who is around you!  Keep an eye on your valuables and don't invite a crime of opportunity!

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Old Military Ordnance, Grenade, Explosives? Don't Touch...Call the Police!

This post is adapted from a recent Nixle message sent by our partners at the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. The message is a great reminder to immediately call authorities if you encounter old military ordnance, grenades, or explosives.  As you can see from the photo, the blast can cause damage and injury.  The picture is of an old grenade being destroyed in the lawn of the Arcadia Police Department after someone brought the device to the police station.  Bomb squad technicians were called to the station to assist.


"Unrelated incidents involving found suspicious devices that are possible explosives are a reminder that unusual things like finding a grenade can happen. 



Please, if you find something that looks like it could possibly be an explosive, do what the wise people in the below recent incidents did: 

Don't touch it; call local law enforcement; let the Bomb Squad take the risk, they're good at it. 

LASD Bomb Squad Removes WWII Grenade From Monrovia Tool Shed (June 15, 2012): 


Found Inert Grenade Investigation on trail in park in Palos Verdes Estates (May 12, 2012). Removed by LASD Bomb Squad: 


Inert Grenade Recovered by LASD Bomb Squad at Recyling Plant in Pico Rivera (Feb. 16, 2012): 

Monday, June 18, 2012

Eastbound Freeway Closure Tonight

The Metro Gold Line Foothill Extension Construction Authority has announced a full closure of the eastbound IS 210 Freeway for tonight, Monday, June 18, 2012 at 11:00 p.m. The freeway will be closed at Baldwin Avenue and traffic will be diverted to eastbound Foothill Boulevard through Arcadia. The full closure is expected to end Tuesday morning, June 19, 2012 at 5:00 a.m. Lane closures will begin at Rosemead Boulevard.

Construction traffic in the area will increase during this closure, and throughout the day on Tuesday, due to cement truck ingress and egress to the bridge site. Please avoid the area, if possible. Alternate routes may include Huntington Drive, Las Tunas Drive to Live Oak Avenue/Arrow Highway, or the eastbound IS 10 Freeway.

Visit http://www.foothillextension.org/ or call the Community Hotline at (626) 324-7098 for additional information.





Sunday, June 17, 2012

Father's Day 2012

The Arcadia Police Department would like to wish a Happy Father's Day to all dads, and to anyone who has the role of a father in a child's life!
"Dad, your guiding hand on my shoulder will remain with me forever." ~Author Unknown

Thursday, June 14, 2012

Flag Day 2012

Today, June 14th, is Flag Day!  "As we reflect on our heritage, let us remember that our destiny is stitched together like those 50 stars and 13 stripes.  In red, white, and blue, we see the spirit of a Nation, the resilience of our Union, and the promise of a future forged in common purpose and dedication to the principles that have always kept America strong." (2012 Presidential Proclamation)

Fly our flag proudly!  HERE are some guidelines from US Flag Code on Flag Etiquette.

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Weekly Activity Highlights for June 3-9, 2012

http://www.ci.arcadia.ca.us/docs/weekly_6.3.12.pdf

Weekly Tip - Newspapers & Mail

A sure way to let folks know you are away from home is to allow newspapers or mail to accumulate on your driveway or in your mailbox.  Whether you are going away for just a day, or going on vacation for a week, it is a good practice to place a "hold" on your mail and newspaper delivery while you are gone.  Making your home looked "lived in" is a good crime prevention tool.  Another option is to ask your house or pet-sitter to remove door hanger advertisements, the paper, and your mail.

The postal service (USPS) offers online notification for mail "hold" requests.  Check out their site HERE.  Contact your individual newspaper provider for steps to temporarily stop service while you are away.

These are a few simple ideas to help you become less of a target to a thief.  Remember to be proactive in crime prevention!

Friday, June 8, 2012

News Release - Residential Distraction Burglaries


Incident:                                             Residential Distraction Burglaries

Date and Time of Release:                        June 8, 2012, 1:00 p.m.


Over the course of the last year or two, we have seen an increase in reports of residential distraction burglaries.  This type of residential burglary is not unique to Arcadia, and has been reported throughout the San Gabriel Valley to other police agencies.  However, it is always good to remind our community about these crimes in order to increase awareness and help prevent them from occurring in the future.

These distraction burglaries are usually committed during daytime hours and the victims are older in age.  The primary suspect will contact the victim, either outside in the yard, or at the door.  The suspect will state they are from entities such as the water company, a construction company, or perhaps even the City.  Many times, the suspect will say they need to check on water faucets and ask to enter the home, hoping to gain the trust and cooperation of the victim.  Once inside, the suspect will distract the victim and take items themselves, or perhaps have an accomplice enter the home to commit the crime.

Anytime someone approaches you, or comes to your residence asking to come in or perform work, obtain identification and confirm their identity.  There may be times when a City employee, gas, electric, telephone, water, or other service worker may require entrance to your exterior property.  Legitimate service workers should be in some form of uniform, have identification, and most likely be driving a clearly marked company vehicle.  Unless you placed the service call, do not allow anyone access to your home.  If the person is suspicious or uncooperative, immediately call the police, or dial 9-1-1.  Our dispatchers can be reached at (626) 574-5123.

If you have older neighbors, friends, or relatives, please share this information with them and help increase their awareness to this type of crime.

Anyone with information on these crimes is asked to call the Arcadia Police Department at (626)574-5156.  You can also submit crime tips and information via text, phone, or web to LA Regional Crime Stoppers, 800-222-TIPS (8477).


Robert T. Guthrie, Chief of Police

By:      Tom Le Veque
            Lieutenant

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Weekly Tip - Speed Trap?

Officers are often asked questions about speeding and speed enforcement. The best answer is to obey the speed limits and you will never have a problem. Too often, drivers feel that because the "flow" of traffic is faster, or "everyone" is speeding, then it is perhaps OK to drive fast. The DMV does a nice job of summarizing and explaining speed limits in California.

A phrase that is often tossed around and usually not understood is "speed trap". Many drivers feel that when a speed limit appears to be posted too low or an Officer is perceived to be "hiding", then this equates to a speed trap. Not so. California and Federal law dictate how roadway speed limits are posted. If radar or laser is used for speed enforcement, roadways require speed surveys. Contrary to what a particular website will profess, the usual belief that you have fallen victim to a speed trap is false. Arcadia has many entries on the site and it demonstrates that we are making an impact with high visibility enforcement.

For questions about traffic related activity or requests for directed enforcement in a particular area, call the APD Traffic Bureau at (626) 574-5475.