Talia Gerard
Allie King
and Riaz Mamdani
Staff Writers
In response to the recent amount of crime, the Manhattan Beach Police Department has employed various programs to ensure the safety of the city.
One such program being offered is the service of police officers coming to check up randomly on houses and securing the surroundings to assure safety. The police also have had officers drive around unmarked cars and have coordinated with other agencies such as FBI Regional Taskforces.
“Due to the concerned and nervous residents, we have provided these options to help make our city safer,” Manhattan Beach Police Chief Eve Irvine said. “Any one of us could be a victim in situations dealing with robbery or burglary. However, there has been no mass increase or decrease in crime since the highest crime rate year in Manhattan Beach, which was 2011.”
One recent crime was the home invasion and burglary of Manhattan Beach residents. The female victim, in her mid-twenties, walked into the home while the intruders were ransacking the house, and they proceeded to tie her up. Her father, in his mid-fifties, later walked in and was tied up as well. After the intruders left, the two victims managed to untie themselves and rushed to their neighbor’s house, where they contacted the police.
“My neighbors were in complete shock about what happened and were very frightened and discombobulated when they came over after the incident,” junior Cameron Frye said.
Many Manhattan Beach residents are nervous about the amount of crime that has taken place in recent weeks. There was a shooting at 33rd and Highland on Aug. 10.
“I am more nervous now, especially because a house at the top of my street was recently robbed,” sophomore Renee Ventura said. “My family and I are taking more precautions, such as setting the alarm when we leave the house and locking all doors and windows.”
On Aug. 22, Costa students Noah Delenbach, James Khulman, and Jonathan Arensten were robbed at gunpoint near Peck Avenue, between 6th and 8th street. The robber confronted the students and took their cell phones.
“Even the most vigilant person can be robbed in this situation,” Costa School Resource Officer John Loy said. “Anyone can get robbed; teachers, students, even cops get robbed.”
According to Loy, residents of the city are not being careful enough with their belongings, which makes them easy targets for thieves.
“The best thing for the community to do is make sure they do not leave valuables unsecured or in plain sight, in your vehicle or around the outside of the house and to keep garage doors shut and locked when not in use,” Loy said. “Keep your doors and windows shut and locked when you are not in your house, and report any suspicious activity to the police immediately.”
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