PVEPD Warns of Increased Burglaries

Police in Palos Verdes Estates have been investigating an increase in residential and vehicle burglaries in the area, according to an alert from the department.

To reduce the risk of burglaries, police offered the following prevention tips:

• Call 911 if you see any suspicious individuals or activity in the neighborhood. If the suspicious person or people have already left, call the PVEPD non-emergency line at 310-378-4211. "If you're in doubt, there is no harm in calling," according to the department. "Your information could prevent a burglary or other crime!"

• Talk to neighbors, the neighborhood gardeners or other regular maintenance and service workers in the neighborhood and tell them to contact police if they see any suspicious people or activity.

• Set your house or business alarm whenever you leave, as an audible alarm is an "excellent deterrent for would-be burglars," according to the PVEPD.

• Always lock all doors and windows when leaving your home or business.

• Put locks on rear yard access gates and fences.

• Put holds on mail and newspaper delivery when you're out of town.

• Leave a light on.

• Lock your car and keep valuables hidden away.

• Attend Neighborhood Watch meetings in the area to stay up-to-date on crime information and prevention efforts.

The Palos Verdes Estates Neighborhood Watch is divided into four areas—Malaga Cove, Valmonte, Montemalaga and Lunada Bay, according to PVEPD. Each area has an area coordinator who shares information with block captains, who share the information with residents.

For more information on Neighborhood Watch, contact community relations Officer Marcelle McCullough at mmccullough@pvestates.org or at 310-378-4211 or visit the website.