Thursday, January 14, 2010

Weekly Highlighted Activity

During the last seven day period, the Police Department handled 568 service events, resulting in 148 investigations. Following are the last week's highlighted issues and events:

Robbery / Assault with a Deadly Weapon
On January 7 at 12:02 p.m., officers responded to a business in the 1600 block of South Mountain regarding store security chasing a theft suspect. The suspect was approached by loss prevention personnel after he rolled out merchandise on a cart without paying. The suspect pulled out a knife, holding the loss prevention officer at bay. He then fled toward another business and the loss prevention officer lost sight of him. The Foothill Air Support helicopter, along with assisting units, conducted an area search, but the suspect was not located. Investigation continuing.

Domestic Violence / Resisting and Delaying a Peace Officer / Suspect Arrested
On January 7 at 2:48 p.m., a citizen was walking in front of a residence in the 100 block of West Cypress and heard a disturbance coming from inside. She felt that it was a physical altercation. An officer responded and contacted a male subject who denied any problem at the location. The officer persisted and asked the male to have the female and children come outside. Officers eventually took the male into custody for domestic violence since the female had visible injuries. The male was booked for felony domestic violence and delaying a police officer. A temporary restraining order was obtained against the male subject.

Burglary
On January 7 at 2:59 p.m., an officer was dispatched to the 100 block of West Pomona. The victim reported that his enclosed cargo trailer was broken into while it was parked in the industrial park. The suspects cut the lock to gain entry. The loss was approximately $6300.00 in miscellaneous used electrical tools. Investigation continuing.

Felony Vandalism / Suspect Arrested
On January 8 at 12:10 a.m., officers responded to the 1300 block of Monterey regarding vandalism in progress. Witnesses saw the suspect vandalizing city property. He was last seen walking north on Monterey. Officers conducted an area check and located a subject matching the description given by the witness. A field show-up was conducted and the subject was positively identified as the suspect by the witness. Officers checked the area for evidence and found a red marker which was used to damage the property near the area where the suspect was arrested.

Vandalisms
On January 8 at 9:42 a.m., a caller reported tagging to the brick wall of his business. The wall is adjacent to the north-south alley between Monrovista and Hurstview. The officer noted that there was graffiti written in black spray paint in numerous different locations. The three vandalisms are related as the tagging is the same. Investigation continuing.

Burglary
On January 8 at 10:07 a.m., an officer went to a business in the 1100 block of South Fifth regarding a burglary to a residence attached to the business. The residence is a one bedroom apartment attached to the business. The suspects broke a window to gain entry and stole old coins. This window is visible from the business office, but the attendant did not see or hear anything. Investigation continuing.

Burglary
On January 8 at 2:46 p.m., an officer was dispatched to the 800 block of West Duarte regarding a theft. He arrived and the victim reported that someone had cut the lock off his carport's door. The loss has not been determined. Investigation continuing.

Vehicle Burglary
On January 8 at 3:27 p.m., an officer responded to the 300 block of West Duarte regarding a theft. The victim reported that someone had broken into his car that was parked in his carport. The suspects took his wallet and a jacket. Investigation continuing.

Driving Under the Influence / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia / Suspect Arrested
On January 8 at 11:31 p.m., officers attempted to stop a vehicle for a lighting equipment violation. The driver did not yield for several blocks, until he stopped in front of his residence. He was determined to be driving under the influence of alcohol. A search of the driver revealed he had a glass pipe commonly used for smoking cocaine in his possession. The driver was arrested and taken into custody for the above listed charges.

Possession of Methamphetamine / Suspect Arrested
On January 9 at 2:57 a.m., officers were patrolling the area of the pedestrian bridge in the 1200 block of South Fifth. They observed two subjects loitering in the tunnel and attempted to contact to them. One subject ran south away from the officers, while the other subject stayed. The subject gave consent to a pat down search, and during the search a methamphetamine pipe was located. There was a usable amount of methamphetamine in the pipe. The subject was arrested and booked for felony possession.

Attempt Vehicle Burglary
On January 9 at 11:06 a.m., an officer was dispatched to a business in the 1600 block of South Mountain. He arrived and contacted a witness, who stated he was in his parked vehicle and saw a male suspect break the window to a vehicle with his gloved hand. The suspect noticed the witness watching him. He then approached the witness and asked him what he was you looking at. The suspect then entered a vehicle and left the area. The witness wrote down the license plate of the suspect's vehicle as it drove away and called police. Investigation continuing.

Vehicle Burglary
On January 9 at 1:22 p.m., and officer was responded to a business in the 600 block of West Huntington. He arrived and met with the victim, who reported his company truck had been parked in the rear parking area in the evening and secured. He returned to his business today and noted a window of the truck had been smashed. He checked the truck and determined some handheld electrical tools had been taken.

Assault with a Deadly Weapon / Suspects Arrested
On January 9 at 12:40 a.m., police responded to a dispute between two families having a party at a complex in the 800 block of West Walnut. The families are interconnected and have had conflict before over perceived abuse between a husband and wife. The initial call reported seven male subjects breaking glass and fighting at a party. Officers arrived and observed several subjects running inside the residence. Statements from the party goers indicate that one drunken subject had pushed his wife down, causing further conflict between all the attending family members. The investigation eventually revealed that there was no current domestic battery; however, members of each family had become involved in yelling and pushing, and at some point one male subject was cut during the altercation. He then struck the person who cut him over the head with a beer bottle. These two suspect/victims were arrested for assault with a deadly weapon. One had a contusion on his head and the other had a laceration on his hand. Neither subject wanted to go to the hospital for treatment.

Missing Person
On January 11 at 7:30 a.m., the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department air crew flew over Azusa Canyon searching for a missing person that had been reported to Monrovia Police Department on the evening of January 10. An elderly man had gone for a drive and had not returned home. The helicopter was requested to search the canyon and located the missing person's vehicle over a cliff in the canyon. The missing person was still in the vehicle and had to be airlifted to a hospital for treatment of broken bones and contusions.

Possession of a Controlled Substance
On January 12 at 3:30 a.m., an officer was on patrol in the area of Fifth and Diamond when he saw a person riding a bicycle with no light down the street. The officer attempted to stop the bicyclist, but he refused to stop. The officer eventually was able to stop and detain the subject. The subject was found to be on parole and had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. He was also found to be in possession of a controlled substance. The suspect was arrested without further incident.

Assault with a Deadly Weapon
On January 12 at 5:15 a.m., officers were investigating a grand theft auto in the 100 block of East Central when a female driver getting off the freeway flagged them down. The driver reported that a vehicle had rammed her several times on the freeway and was following her. At that moment, the suspect vehicle exited the freeway in front of the officers. The officer stopped the vehicle and detained the driver and the passenger. The investigation revealed the two suspects intentionally rammed the female victim's car several times on the freeway at approximately 65 miles per hour. The suspects then drove next to the victim and both flashed gang signs at her. Investigation continuing.
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Tip of the Week

When calling the police dispatcher, try to stay calm and listen to the questions being asked. Speak clearly and listen to the questions to answer WHO, WHAT and WHERE. Dispatchers are here to send you assistance. You do not have to provide your name, but providing it or at least a phone number, will assist us to being able to ask follow-up questions if needed.
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Contact Phone Numbers
For Emergency Dial - 911

Police Department Business Line - (626) 256-8000

Community Policing Sergeant - (626) 256-8020

Watch Commander - (626) 256-8030

Cell Watch - (626) 357-CELL (2355)

Graffiti Removal - (626) 836-3654

Shopping Cart Removal - (800) 252-4613

Los Angeles Regional Crime Stoppers - (800) 222-TIPS (8477)
__________________________________________________________________
Busy week for burglary and auto burglary, lock it and be safe. Frank and Renee

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Be Wary of Fake Census Takers.

Arcadia PD have a great blog. In it they have "Tuesday Tips" which has all sorts of relevant and great info for us. Being neighbors what happens there isn't that dissimilar from what happens here in Monrovia.

This week's tip was to be wary of FAKE "Census Takers" and gives invaluable information regarding how to ID a real "Census Taker". They also point out the potential for identity theft with the fakes.

While the Census Bureau might ask for basic financial information, such as a salary range, YOU DON'T HAVE TO ANSWER ANYTHING AT ALL ABOUT YOUR FINANCIAL SITUATION. The Census Bureau will not ask for Social Security, bank account, or credit card numbers, nor will employees solicit donations. Any one asking for that information is NOT with the Census Bureau.
Be safe, take care Frank and Renee

Sunday, January 10, 2010

MPD sends us weekly updates for Neighborhood Watch

During the last seven day period, the Police Department handled 517 service events, resulting in 134 investigations. Following are the last week's highlighted issues and events:

New Year's Eve Activity

During the evening of December 31, twelve arrests were made. Two arrests were made for driving under the influence, six arrests for public intoxication, two arrests for warrants, one arrest for domestic violence, and one arrest for grand theft. Fireworks/possible shots fired calls were less than usual this year for New Year's Eve. There were several small disturbances near a bar in the 300 block of South Myrtle; however, due to heavy New Year's Eve extra patrol by officers, all attendees left the area with minimal problems.
Domestic Violence / Assault with a Deadly Weapon / Suspect Arrested
On December 31 at 7:00 p.m., officers responded to the 1400 block of California regarding an assault that had just occurred. A male subject struck and severely beat his live-in-girlfriend. Officers contacted and assisted the victim and another officer located the suspect walking several blocks from the crime scene and detained him. The suspect was arrested and booked for the above listed charges. The victim had several broken teeth, abrasions, and other minor injuries, but she declined medical treatment.
Grand Theft / Suspect Arrested
On December 31 at 9:01 p.m., a juvenile that is living with her grandmother stole several valuable pieces of jewelry from her grandmother and climbed out a bathroom window. The grandmother discovered the missing juvenile with her jewelry and called police. Officers responded quickly and located the juvenile, who was still in possession of the stolen property. The juvenile has a prior history of behavioral problems on record with the police department, and an ongoing case with the Department of Child and Family Services. DCFS was notified and responded to take custody of the juvenile. A criminal report for Grand Theft has been prepared and will be submitted to the juvenile district attorney for filing consideration.
Vandalism
On January 1 at 8:15 a.m., an officer responded to a business in the 500 block of West Huntington regarding a report of vandalism. The officer arrived and contacted an employee of the business. The employee had gone to the location to do some work and found that the glass door in the front lobby had been broken. A large rock was found inside the lobby on the floor. Investigation continuing.
Vandalism
On January 2 at 9:24 a.m., an officer was dispatched to a business in the 900 block of West Huntington regarding a break-in. The officer arrived and contacted the reporting party, who showed him a six foot by eight foot glass window that had been broken. The reporting party believes the suspects may have entered the location. No loss was determined at this time. Investigation continuing.
Burglary
On January 2 at 9:49 a.m., an officer responded to a laundry mat in the 900 block of West Duarte regarding the report of a theft. The owner reported that on December 31 he found seven of the coin boxes had been opened. It appeared that the boxes were forced open, but he did not make a report to police at that time. On January 1, he found several more coin boxes had been broken into, but again he did not report the crime at the time of incident. On January 2 he called police, who responded to the business to take a report on both incidents. Investigation continuing.
Vandalism
On January 2 at 12:46 p.m., an officer was dispatched to a park in the 300 block of South Myrtle regarding graffiti on the wall near the bike racks. The officer arrived and saw the graffiti had been painted on the wall with gray metallic spray paint. While there, he was advised of similar graffiti in the 100 block of West Lime, off the alley. While the officer was taking that report, dispatch received another report of graffiti on the 210 Freeway underpass at Magnolia. The graffiti was exactly the same at all three locations. Investigation continuing.
Bear Incident
On January 4 at 10:23 p.m., a resident in the 600 block of Norumbega reported a bear on her property that appeared to be sick and injured. Officers arrived and confirmed the bear was in poor condition. The Department to Fish and Game responded and tranquilized the animal. They believe it consumed water from a fountain that had chemicals in it and became sick. They transported the bear to the mountains, where they attempted to release it, but the bear did not regain consciousness and died.
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Crime Prevention Tip of the Week


When leaving your vehicle parked and unattended, make sure you do not leave any personnel items, such as GPS system, purse, cell phone, or computer laptop in your vehicle. If you need to leave valuables in the vehicle - use the trunk. If your vehicle does not have a trunk - place valuables under the seat out of view.
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Contact Phone Numbers


For Emergency Dial - 911

Police Department Business Line - (626) 256-8000

Community Policing Sergeant - (626) 256-8020

Watch Commander - (626) 256-8030

Cell Watch - (626) 357-CELL (2355)

Graffiti Removal - (626) 836-3654

Shopping Cart Removal - (800) 252-4613

Los Angeles Regional Crime Stoppers - (800) 222-TIPS (8477)
____________________________________________
Be safe, lock it up, Renee and Frank

Saturday, December 12, 2009

Roofing Scam in Monrovia

Cyrus Kemp who runs the Monrovia City Watch blog advised he was interviewed by KCAL/KCBS. He is a Neighborhood watch captain. He got calls from his neighbors regarding calls from a "city employee" regarding need to do roof inspections. Its a scam. Full story on the Monrovia City Watch blog.

Sunday, November 15, 2009

Early AM Prowlers again. Stuff stolen. 11/14-15

Dear All,
It seems as if your local hoodlums are back going through cars. Last night my car was rifled through and so was a neighbor on the other side of the circle. The people who went through the cars just took some loose change as far as I can tell and the same with the other neighbor.
These people are very bold as my home has many lights on each night but they still went down the driveway. Everybody be sure to lock up your cars and doors. The police also said to keep your garage closed as there has been some things missing from people in other neighborhoods garages.
As we move into the holiday season we may see crime on the rise, so lets all keep an eye out for each other.
Stay locked up and safe!
Renee

Thursday, October 8, 2009

Celebrate the Arts this weekend in Libary Park



In keeping with yearly tradition for the October Arts Festival in Monrovia, the Monrovia Association of Fine Arts announces Rouzanna Berberian as the featured artist!
Rouzanna Berberian grew up in Armenia, a place rich in culture, art and architecture where she studied radio engineering. When her parents immigrated to the United States, she continued her studies at Pasadena City College and changed her major from Engineering to art as soon as she took her first drawing class at the encouragement of her husband. Her instructor, artist and educator Jim Morphesis inspired her by telling her just what she needed to hear at the time, "Don't ever believe anyone who tells you, that you can't be an artist". That statement stayed with her and she went on to win awards and scholarships. She received her undergraduate degree in Art Education and Studio Art from California State University and teaching credential from Point Loma Nazarene University. Mrs. Berberian currently teaches art at South Pasadena High School and is actively involved in the fundraising activities for Monrovia Association of Fine Arts. Her website is http://www.lalikarts.com

Monrovia Association of Fine Arts celebrates its 46th annual arts festival “Celebrate the Arts - Where Culture Unites” in Old Town Monrovia on Sat. & Sun., October 10th and 11th from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm at Monrovia Library Park, 321 South Myrtle Avenue, Monrovia, CA.

The October Fine Arts Festival in Monrovia is one of the longest running fine art festivals in Southern California. This year MAFA is expanding the event in collaboration with another art group – Nuvein Foundation for Literature and the Arts and will present live entertainment and additional art venues throughout Old Town on both days. The Nuvein Foundation has scheduled poetry readings as well as a self-publishing panel, a comic panel on storyboarding presented by Ralph Navarro and cartoonists presenting ‘live draws’, plus a drumming workshop presented by Vivek Babtiwale. In the Concrete Stage, Incendio will be performing on Saturday and the Lancer Jazz Band will perform on Sunday. Events featured by MAFA artists throughout the weekend will include local and regional fine artists displaying, selling and demonstrating their artwork such as painting, collage, ceramics, photography, jewelry, sculpture, etc. Hands-on art experiences for children, adults and family friendly activities will be available as well as Student Art Displays and a Silent Auction. The San Gabriel Valley Comic Book Festival will be a part of the festivities and live entertainment on multi-stage settings are scheduled throughout the day on both Saturday and Sunday. Food booths as well as representatives from local and non-profit organizations will also have booths to educate the public about their special programs. This event is FREE and OPEN to the public.

MAFA's art events not only promote local and regional artists, but also support arts education in public and private schools. In recent years, when budget cuts adversely affected schools, MAFA’s donations of more than $50,000 have supported art education in after-school and in-school programs. MAFA has also funded schoolteachers through mini-grants in Monrovia, Sierra Madre, Duarte and Arcadia. Other local organizations supported by MAFA are Foothill Unity Center, Boys and Girls club of Monrovia and YMCA.
The Monrovia Association of Fine Arts is an all-volunteer organization with goals to enhance the lives of those within the community through interaction with the arts and to increase the opportunities of the children through art education. The Monrovia Association of Fine Arts is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. For more info, please call (626) 802-7873 or visit the website www.monroviafinearts.org

Ps...come see me in space 62 showing my art and yammering away, Frank

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Who is Henkels & McCoy?

They have been hired by SCE to survey our power lines and poles. They are checking each pole to make sure they can handle the weight load from new powerlines that will be installed. These new lines will be carrying 16,000 volts as opposed to the 6,000 volt line currently supplying the street.

Monday, July 27, 2009

Things are quiet - thankfully

But when things get quiet crime wise I start getting asked all sorts of non-neighborhood watch type questions. Most revolve around code enforcement. I can answer basic questions but my best advice is talk to the person direct rather than ask me to get involved.

The city web has some terrific information regarding code enforcement and what is or isn't permitted. The link to the page is HERE. You can always call 626/932-5504 and ask for code enforcement to answer your specific questions. If your complaint bothers you enough you may make an anonymous complaint to the city regarding the problem. (That should be the last resort if talking with the neighbor doesn't work).

In answer to the most common questions I have been asked of late here is direct from the city web a list of items not permitted by code that has so many around here concerned.

Common Neighborhood Code Violations
All of the problems listed below are contributors to the decline of residential neighborhoods. Not only are conditions of this type unsightly, but they could present a health or fire hazard.

Code violations can exist in any neighborhood. Usually these conditions have not been corrected because a property owner is unaware he/she is in violation of a code. We hope that the following information will help you to understand commonly cited violations of the City's Municipal Code.

  • Unsightly conditions on private property, including overgrown weeds, trash, junk, debris, discarded or unused furniture, and trash cans stored in public view.
  • Housing deterioration as a result of lack of maintenance: including broken windows, lack of paint, etc.
  • Trash cans must be stored out of public view except when placed out for pick-up. No trash containers should be placed for collection until after sunset on the day prior to collection and must be removed by sunset on the day of collection.
  • Illegal garage conversions, and any building construction and alterations without a permit is not allowed in the City. Storage of materials, other than customary household materials in a residential neighborhood.
  • Nuisances dangerous to children, such as abandoned refrigerators, broken equipment and unprotected or hazardous pools and bodies of water.
  • Front yard parking: Front yard parking and the parking of inoperable vehicles in public view is prohibited. Also, remember that your vehicle should not extend over a public sidewalk when parked. Parking on front yard or lawn areas is prohibited by the Monrovia Municipal Code. A parking citation can be issued for violations of this code. Inoperable vehicles: Inoperable or dismantled vehicles may not be stored or parked in public view on a residential zoned lot.

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

At least 2 Cars "rifled" through Sunday 4/12

Ron up at the top of his street had his Lexus entered and rifled through Sunday night.  All that was taken was some small change from the center console. 

Our Focus was entered as well.  Nothing taken (nothing ever in the car including small change).  What was odd that got my attention was the fuse panel cover was off.

Both Kathleen and Ron swear the cars were locked when they parked them.  Locked via the remote controls.  Pays to double check the lock with a quick tug on the door handle to make sure.

As it happened at night we have no idea what time it could have happened.  We were lucky nothing taken.   Next time around one of us may not be so lucky.   

Interesting, it does coincide with the timing of a year ago when we had a rash of car burglary on the street that prompted the rekindling of Neighborhood Watch.

Be watchful and if you see anything unusual report it right away.

Frank

Friday, April 10, 2009

That nice lady taking notes on the street...

... she's with the Census Bureau.  You'll see a her walking around the neighborhood today and the next few days with a note pad taking diligent notes.  She's verifying addresses to make sure we all get counted.

She actually spotted our game room and needed to verify it wasn't a separate address.  No probs here, but I can imagine the problems in other areas where illegal duplex's have been set up.  Such fun.

At least she gets to have lots of fresh air and great exercise in the process!
fraz