Highlighted Activity for the Week of November 21-27, 2011

Following are the highlighted issues and events for November 21-27, 2011.  

Burglary / Criminal Threats - Suspect Arrested

On November 21 at 11:45 a.m., a resident in the 1300 block of South Primrose found a male subject rummaging through clothes in her garage.  The suspect told the resident he was running from the police, and if she contacted the police, he would be back to hurt her.  He fled the area and the victim called police.  Officer responded and located the suspect.  The suspect was positively identified by the resident.  He was arrested for the charges of burglary and criminal threats.

Driving Under the Influence - Suspect Arrested

On November 21 at 9:26 p.m., officers responded to the report of a drunk driver in the parking lot of a restaurant in the 600 block of West Huntington.  Upon arrival, officers saw the vehicle traveling east on Huntington.  They stopped the vehicle for several traffic violations in the 600 block of West Huntington.  After investigation, the driver was determined to be under the influence and was arrested for DUI.  The vehicle was stored.

Grand Theft from Vehicle

On November 23 at 7:43 a.m., a resident in the 200 block of Highland reported that someone had broken into his vehicle.  His vehicle was parked in the driveway and was broken into sometime after 9:00 p.m. the previous night.  The officer found all of the vehicle doors were unlocked and there were no signs of forced entry to indicate a burglary.  A laptop computer worth about $1000.00 was taken.  No witnesses or suspects were located.  Investigation continuing.

Petty Theft from Vehicle

On November 23 at 12:35 p.m., an officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Lotone Street regarding theft from a vehicle.  The female victim reported her vehicle was parked in the driveway at 9:30 p.m. the night before.  In the morning, she discovered her Bluetooth earpiece was missing from the center console.  She checked the rest of the vehicle and discovered that her black faux fur coat was missing from the trunk.  All doors were unlocked and there were no sign of forced entry.  The investigation is continuing.

Grand Theft from Vehicle

On November 23 at 1:41 p.m., a male subject came into the police department lobby to report a theft of checks from his vehicle.  He had parked his vehicle in the street in front of his residence in the 500 block of West Scenic Drive.  The crime had occurred sometime during the night.  He had several money orders in the center console that were made out to a business and he thought he had locked the doors, but there were no signs of forced entry.  Investigation continuing.

Attempt Robbery

On November 23 at 9:52 p.m., officers responded to the 800 block of Mountain View regarding an attempt robbery.  Five juveniles were talking on the corner of Mountain View and Mountain when a white Honda occupied by three male black suspects pulled up. Two of the suspects exited the vehicle and approached the juveniles.  They simulated handguns under their shirts, demanded money and electronics, and threatened to shoot the juveniles.  The third suspect, still sitting in the vehicle, suddenly revved the engine of the car.  The two suspects then returned to the vehicle and they all fled, abruptly, without any property.  Investigation continuing.

Driving Under the Influence / Hit and Run Traffic Collision - Suspect Arrested

On November 24 at 7:14 a.m., a traffic collision occurred in the 100 block of North Fifth Avenue and the driver ran from the scene.  When officers arrived, they conducted an area search and observed a subject who matched the description of the driver walking in an alley.  The subject ran, but was detained in a nearby yard.  The suspect was positively identified as the driver involved in the collision by witnesses.  The driver is a 17-year-old juvenile who had been drinking.  The juvenile was arrested, cleared medically, and later released to a parent on a citation.

Commercial Burglary / Forgery - Suspects Arrested

On November 25 at 9:00 a.m., dispatch received a call from the manager of a retail business in the 500 block of West Huntington.  The manager was reporting a female suspect attempting to purchase merchandise with counterfeit 100 dollar bills.  Officers conducting extra patrols in the area responded within minutes and detained a female suspect inside the store.  A second suspect who had selected merchandise and left without paying was detained in her vehicle.  During the investigation, both suspects were found to have additional counterfeit bills in their possession.  A receipt for another store in the same shopping center was discovered on the suspect who was sitting in the vehicle.  Officers checked the second business and discovered that both suspects had also made purchases there using counterfeit 100 dollar bills.  The suspects were arrested and taken into custody.

Driving Under the Influence of Drugs / Possession of a Controlled Substance / Warrant - Suspects Arrested

On November 25 at 2:57 p.m., an officer observed a subject at a red signal heading south on Mayflower at Huntington.  The left turn signal turned green and the driver suddenly turned into the left turn lane and cut off several vehicles.  The officer stopped the driver, and through investigation, the driver was determined to be under the influence of a controlled substance and was arrested.  During a search of the vehicle, officers located a small plastic case containing two plastic baggies of methamphetamine and one baggie of marijuana.  There was a passenger in the vehicle that had an outstanding warrant for her arrest.  The passenger was also arrested.

Child Endangerment - Suspect Arrested

On November 25 at 8:46 p.m., a Monrovia park ranger observed a juvenile stumbling through a park in the 300 block of South Myrtle.  He contacted the juvenile and determined he was drunk.  Officers and medics were requested as the minor was beginning to hallucinate.  The minor was taken to a hospital and his parents were contacted.  The investigation revealed the minor had been provided alcohol and marijuana by a 20-year-old, male subject.  There were several other adult males present who had also encouraged the minor to drink and smoke.  The adult male who provided the minor with the alcohol was arrested and admitted to providing the alcohol and a marijuana pipe, but he denied providing the marijuana.  He is charged with felony child endangerment and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.  The investigation regarding the other male subjects is ongoing.

Commercial Burglary / Felony Child Endangerment - Suspect Arrested

On November 25 at 10:36 p.m., loss prevention at a business in the 500 block of West Huntington reported a female suspect had stolen merchandise, left the store, and was driving away in a red vehicle.  An officer in the area observed the vehicle attempting to enter the 210 Freeway from Huntington going wrong-way up the exit ramp.  The officer was able to catch up and stop the vehicle.  The female suspect had a four-year-old child in the car with her.  The suspect was taken into custody and positively identified by the loss prevention officer.  He advised the officer that the female suspect had the child with her when she committed the crime.  During a pat-down search, a usable quantity of methamphetamine was found on the suspect and a search of the vehicle revealed a usable quantity of cocaine.  The suspect was charged with commercial burglary, felony child endangerment, and the related narcotics charges.  The suspect is the child's aunt.  The child's mother was contacted and the child was released to her. 

Medical Assist

On November 27 at 10:44 p.m., an officer responded to a medical assist of an elderly woman having difficulty breathing at a residence in the 400 block of East Olive.  The officer arrived and knocked on the door, but no one answered.  The officer made entry into the residence by forcing the front door open.  Upon entering, he located the woman, who was unable to answer the door, and assisted her until Monrovia Fire Department arrived.  The woman was taken to a hospital by ambulance for treatment. 

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Stop Graffiti Bounty Program

No Neighborhood Watch Report this week...

The official notice was in the morning Email...

Neighborhood Watch Report

Due to the Thanksgiving holiday, the activity for the week of November 17-24 will be included in next weeks Neighborhood Watch Report. 

Lori A. Le Veque, Administrative Secretary

Highlighted Activity for the Week of November 10-16, 2011

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 509 service events, resulting in 97 investigations.  Following are the highlighted issues and events.  To see a complete listing of crimes reported, go to http://www.crimemapping.com/map/ca/monrovia for crime mapping.

Domestic Violence

On November 10 at 10:36 p.m., police responded to the 100 block of South Alta Vista regarding a domestic disturbance.  The disturbance was between a male and female who have a four-year-old child together and are in the process of separating, but still live together at this time.  The male subject was upset and pushed the female out the front door and down a small flight of stairs.  When she hit the ground, she struck her head and sustained other visible injuries.  The male subject disabled all of the phones so the female could not call police.  He grabbed the small child and held her as he yelled threats to the victim, stating he would harm or kill her.  The child was traumatized by the incident.  Police arrived and arrested the suspect without further incident.  He was booked for domestic violence, criminal threats, disabling the phones, and for child endangerment. 

Grand Theft Auto

On November 12 at 1:01 a.m., a vehicle was reported stolen in the 200 block of Los Angeles.  The vehicle was a white, 1994 Honda Civic.  The vehicle was stolen some time between 11:00 p.m. on November 11 and 1:00 a.m. on November 12.

Mental Evaluation

On November 12 at 4:00 a.m., an officer on patrol in the 900 block of South Mountain saw a male subject walking in the rain wearing only shorts.  The subject told officers he had not slept for three days, he had not taken his medication, and he did not know where he was or where he was going.  He was taken to a hospital, where he was held for mental evaluation.

Residential Burglary - Senior Citizen Scam

On November 12 at 11:24 a.m., an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 300 block of North Magnolia regarding a theft report.  The theft had occurred the day before at the home of a senior citizen couple in their late 80's.  On November 11 at 5:00 p.m., the female victim answered her door to two male, White suspects in their late 20's.  She recognized the suspects as two subjects who had come to their home a month prior, soliciting car service.  The two suspects actually did minor repair work at the home on the couple's vehicle.  The victim's husband was not home, so the suspects asked to leave their phone number.  When the victim walked to her kitchen and told them to wait while she got a pen and paper, they followed her inside, uninvited.  One suspect asked to use the restroom while the other distracted the woman, but instead of using the restroom, he went into her bedroom and stole money and all of her jewelry.  The two suspects left and the victim did not discover the theft until later that evening.  The suspects were driving a black, Ford F150 truck with chrome wheels.

Commercial Burglary

On November 12 at 11:46 a.m., police responded to a burglary that occurred in the 400 block of South Myrtle at a private business.  The business is only accessible from the rear alley and one must walk up a flight of stairs.  The suspect(s) forced a window open to gain entry and stole money and a laptop. 

Attempt Armed Robbery

On November 12 at 6:06 p.m., a male subject in his late 20's approached a woman in a parking lot in the 600 block of West Huntington.  The suspect displayed a black handgun and demanded the victim give him her purse.  The victim refused to give up her purse and the suspect turned and fled on foot, heading east.  The suspect is described at a male Hispanic, wearing blue jeans and a grey shirt with a graphic design on the shoulder.  Officers responded and conducted an area search for the suspect, but were not able to locate him.  There was no harm to the victim and no loss.

Vehicle Burglary

On November 14 at 7:45 p.m., police responded to the report of a window-smash vehicle burglary that occurred in a business parking lot in the 700 block of East Huntington.  The crime occurred between 6:20 and 7:35 p.m.  There was no loss.  Investigation continuing.

Vehicle Burglary

On November 14 at 10:01 p.m., dispatch received a call reporting a window-smash vehicle burglary that occurred in a business parking lot in the 500 block of West Huntington.  The crime occurred between 6:00 and 10:00 p.m.  There was no loss.  Investigation continuing.

Vehicle Burglary / Grand Theft Auto Recovery

On November 15 at 1:13 a.m., a 1993 Honda Accord was reported stolen from the front of a residence in the 1400 block of South Magnolia.  The crime occurred between 9:30 p.m. and 1:00 a.m.  The vehicle was found and recovered a short distance away.  The GPS system and a toolbox had been stolen from the vehicle.  Investigation continuing.

Possession of Narcotics / Possession of Narcotics Paraphernalia - Suspect Arrested

On November 16 at 7:05 p.m., police received a call reporting a suspicious vehicle parked at Greystone and Ivy.  Officers arrived and found the male occupant was preparing to ingest heroin.  He was arrested for possession of narcotics and narcotics paraphernalia and taken into custody.

Serial Vandalism - Suspects Arrested

On November 16 at 8:09 p.m., police received a call reporting a vandalism incident that had just occurred in the 300 block of East Colorado.  Two male suspects were seen "tagging" a wall and fleeing on foot.  Officers arrived and began a search of the area.  A witness told an officer the suspects ran through an apartment complex.  Officers entered the complex and were seen by the suspects, who immediately attempted to run away.  They were detained quickly and positively identified by the witness.  Through investigation, it was learned that these two suspects are responsible for an extensive series of recent vandalism.  The suspects each confessed to other crimes and led officers to additional unreported vandalisms.  Also discovered during the investigation, were the identities of two previously unknown suspects.  These two have also been responsible for many recent vandalism incidents.  The suspects, a male juvenile and male adult, were booked for vandalism.  The juvenile was cited and released to his mother.  The adult was booked for felony vandalism and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.  Other charges are pending on all four suspects.

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Detective Bureau Case Follow-up

Monrovia Special Enforcement Team officers assisted the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department serving several warrants.  Three warrants were served in Monrovia.  The warrants resulted in three arrests and the recovery of four guns.  

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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, and always lock your vehicle.

MPD sets up a twitter account

Big news for us, Monrovia PD set up a twitter account.  Follow @MonroviaPolice on twitter and you will be able to see live what they have to say once they start tweeting.

Arcadia PD has had a twitter account for a couple of years now.  They aren't that different crime wise compared to us and worth following for up to the minute information, especially traffic problems in Arcadia if you have to be there.  Follow them at @ArcadiaPD.

Highlighted Activity for the Week of November 3-9, 2011

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 504 service events, resulting in 107 investigations.  Following are the highlighted issues and events.   To see a complete listing of crimes reported, go to http://www.crimemapping.com/map/ca/monrovia for crime mapping.

Arson - Suspects Arrested

On November 3 at 3:43 p.m., police received a call reporting smoke coming from the railroad tracks at Monterey Avenue.  An animal control officer was near the tracks and saw three juveniles leaving the tracks near the smoke.  Officers responded and were able to detain the three juveniles.  During the investigation, the officers were able to determine that the juveniles not only set this fire, but were also responsible for four previous fires set on the tracks over the past several weeks.  The juveniles were brought to the station and Juvenile Hall was notified.  Juvenile Hall requested the juveniles be cited and released. 

Grand Theft Auto - Suspects Arrested

On November 4 at 12:41 a.m., an officer observed a suspicious vehicle eastbound in the 500 block of West Huntington.  A license plate check revealed the vehicle was stolen.  The officer stopped the vehicle in the 100 block of East Evergreen and detained four occupants.  The vehicle was part of a sting operation through the California Highway Patrol's Taskforce for Regional Auto-theft Prevention (TRAP).  CHP was notified and responded to the scene.  CHP TRAP officers took the suspect into custody and stored the vehicle.  Two other occupants were arrested, one for a misdemeanor traffic warrant and the other for a no-bail warrant out of Monrovia.  The fourth person complained of chest pain and was taken to a hospital.

Driving Under the Influence / Traffic Collision - Suspect Arrested

On November 4 at 2:28 a.m., officers responded to the 1800 block of Ninth Avenue regarding a traffic collision.  A driver hit a parked vehicle.  The driver was determined to be intoxicated and was arrested for driving under the influence.

Medical Assist

On November 4 at 7:45 p.m., a woman was sitting on the window sill of her second floor apartment in the 400 block of East Foothill and fell from the window onto the patio below.  When officers and paramedics arrived, she was conscious and was able to tell the officers she had not been pushed; she simply lost her balance and fell.  Neighbors were questioned and said they did not hear any disturbance from the apartment.  At this time, no foul play or crime is suspected.

Hit & Run on Private Property

On November 5 at 3:51 a.m., officers responded to the 100 block of East Huntington regarding a hit and run collision.  An employee who works night hours came out to his car to find it had been struck and shoved up onto the walkway from the parking lot area. He did not know when the incident occurred and no suspects were observed.  There was white paint transfer found on the car.  Apparently, the suspect cut through the parking lot and struck the car, then fled the scene.  An area check was conducted, but the suspect vehicle was not located.

Drug Activity / Possession of a Controlled Substance / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia - Suspect Arrested

On November 5 at 10:29 p.m., an officer stopped a bicyclist for not having lighting equipment at night.  During the contact, the bicyclist admitted to having drugs and a pipe on his person.  The suspect was patted down and found to be in possession of methamphetamine and a drug pipe. The suspect was arrested.

California Highway Patrol Activity in Monrovia / Driving Under the Influence /   Pursuit - Suspect Arrested

On November 6 at 8:29 p.m., the CHP was involved in a pursuit of a suspected drunk driver.  The suspect exited the 210 Freeway at Myrtle and the pursuit eventually terminated in an alley behind a bar in the 1500 block of South Myrtle.  The suspect fled on foot, but was apprehended by CHP Officers in the 100 block of East Pomona.  The CHP did not request Monrovia Police Department's assistance during this incident.

Driving Under the Influence - Suspect Arrested

November 6 at 10:11 p.m., an officer on patrol observed an intoxicated subject behind the wheel of a stopped vehicle that was blocking the roadway in the 500 block of West Chestnut.  The engine was running and the driver told the officer he had driven from El Monte.  The officer arrested the driver for driving under the influence.  The suspect's criminal history revealed he had three other DUI arrests within a 10-year period.  The suspect was charged with felony driving under the influence.

September 29, 2011, Vehicle Burglary - Suspect Arrested

On November 7, an officer on patrol in the 600 block of East Huntington recognized a suspect wanted for vehicle burglary.  The suspect was with two other subjects.  The officer detained the subjects and subsequently arrested the wanted suspect.  The vehicle burglary occurred on September 29, 2011, at an apartment complex parking structure in the 100 block of West Colorado.  Fingerprints were lifted at the scene from the vehicle and a suspect was identified.  The detective assigned to the case notified patrol of the suspect's identification and the suspect was located on November 7.

Vehicle Burglary

On November 9 at 5:17 a.m., a caller reported his vehicle broken into overnight.  The vehicle was parked in a parking lot in the 700 block of West Huntington.  The vehicle had been locked and secured. 

Petty Theft from a Vehicle

On November 9 at 8:11 a.m., an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 1300 block of South Primrose regarding a theft from a vehicle.  The victim reported that he parked his vehicle in his driveway at approximately 4:00 p.m.  He left the vehicle unlocked and the windows were cracked about 2 inches on both sides.  Overnight, the suspect(s) entered the vehicle and took his wallet, which was left in the driver side compartment. 

Graffiti Vandalism

On the morning of November 9, three locations called to report vandalism that had occurred overnight.  The locations had been vandalized with similar graffiti.  The vandalism occurred in the 500 block of Fallen Leaf, 600 block of South Shamrock and the 100 block of East Chestnut.  Investigation continuing. 

Grand Theft Auto Recovery

On November 9 at 4:42 p.m., an officer drove by a suspicious vehicle parked in the 300 block of Genoa.  He conducted a DMV check on the vehicle's plate and it returned as stolen out of Sacramento on November 6, 2011.  The vehicle was recovered.

Driving Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance - Suspect Arrested

On November 9 at 5:35 p.m., a caller reported a subject who appeared to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs trying to start his vehicle at Myrtle and Foothill.  A second caller reported the subject drove off east in his vehicle.  Officers responded, located the vehicle and stopped it east of Myrtle.  The investigation revealed the subject was under the influence of a controlled substance and he was arrested and taken into custody.

Grand Theft Auto

On November 9 at 8:33 p.m., a 2005, 4-door, white Chevy Silverado was reported stolen from the 800 block of Bonita.  The crime occurred between 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.

Grand Theft Auto

On November 9 at 8:50 p.m., a 2000, white Honda Civic was reported stolen from the 500 block of West Huntington.  At 10:40 p.m., an officer located the vehicle parked in the 600 block of West Huntington.  The vehicle's engine was cold when it was found.  It appeared the suspect(s) took the vehicle for a joyride, ransacked it, stole a toolbox and the vehicle's registration, and abandoned the vehicle.

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Tip of the Week

Tips for Driving in Rain

First and foremost: slow down!  It takes longer to stop or adjust in wet weather.  When driving in rainy conditions, it is more difficult to see other vehicles, road signs and the road itself.  It is critical to make sure you can see and be seen.  Turn your headlights on even in a light rain, or in gloomy, foggy or overcast conditions.  Not only do they help you see the road, but they'll help other drivers see you.  

Before it starts to rain, replace old or brittle wipers.  Replace your wipers regularly, at least once a year.  Wiper blades in bad condition don't clear water from the windshield very well and distort your view.  Older vehicles may need to have the whole wiper arm replaced.  The arms bend over time and sometimes can't keep enough downward pressure to clear the windshield, even with new blades installed.  Maintain proper following distance (3 Second Rule); this needs to be increased in wet weather.  Don't follow large trucks or buses too closely.  The spray created by their large tires reduces your vision.  

Wet-weather driving also demands gentle use of all main controls - steering, clutch, brake and accelerator - and a larger allowance for errors and emergencies.  Be more alert when driving in wet or slippery conditions and watch out for brake lights in front of you.  And, again, most importantly, slow down!  This should be obvious, but people are so used to driving certain speeds on certain roads that sometimes they forget the need to slow down when inclement weather presents itself.  Slow Down and Drive safely!

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Highlighted Activity for the Week of October 27-November 2, 2011

Trespassing - Suspect Arrested

On October 27 at 11:24 a.m., a 19-year-old male subject was placing pizza advertisements on the front door of houses when he came across an unlocked door in the 200 block of Sunset.  He decided to enter the home.  He was found loitering in the kitchen by the housemaid, and when discovered, he ran out of the house and out of sight.  Police responded and he was apprehended on the next street over, continuing his work.  He was placed under private person's arrest for trespassing.

Fire

On October 27 at 3:40 p.m., a fire was reported on the railroad tracks behind the 700 block of Montana.  Officers responded and discovered a cloth towel on fire.  They put out the fire.  Witnesses saw two junior-high-school-aged, male subjects, leaving the area of the tracks, walking west along the tracks out of sight.  Both had skateboards.  It is unknown if they were the subjects who started the fire.  Officers searched the area, but did not locate any suspects.

Attempt Burglary

On October 27 at 6:16 p.m., police were dispatched to a residence in the 200 block of North Myrtle.  The victim estimates the suspect attempted to enter the property between 8:15 a.m. and 5:35 p.m. on October 27.  A rear window screen was cut, allowing access to the door handle.  There was no loss.  The suspect may have been scared off prior to completing the burglary.  Investigation continuing.  

Residential Burglary

On October 27 at 7:19 p.m., an officer responded to the 500 block of East Olive regarding a burglary report.  The victim saw that her jewelry box appeared to be tampered with earlier in the week, but due to being in a rush, did not investigate further.  She later discovered that five gold rings and a bottle of Brandy were missing.  There was no forced entry or evidence discovered.  Investigation continuing.

Warrant / Gang Injunction Service - Suspect Arrested

On October 28 at 5:39 p.m., Monrovia Police Department received a call from San Gabriel Police Department advising they had a female in custody for a no-bail warrant out of Monrovia.  The female is a documented gang member named in the gang injunction, but had not been served.  Her warrant was for felony vandalism she had committed in the City of Monrovia.  An officer responded and served her the gang injunction papers and took her into custody for the warrant.  She was transported to the Monrovia Police Department jail.

Driving Under the Influence / Traffic Collision - Suspect Arrested

On October 28 at 10:02 p.m., an adult, male subject left a World Series party on Beechwood and collided with a parked vehicle; both vehicles were heavily damaged.  Police responded to the scene and the driver was determined to be driving under the influence.  He was arrested and taken into custody.

Traffic Collision

On October 29 at 4:57 a.m., police received the report of a traffic collision with a vehicle rolled over at Myrtle and Huntington.  A driver had grown impatient waiting at the traffic light and drove north on Myrtle to make a u-turn.  The driver failed to see an approaching vehicle and struck it.  The driver of the second vehicle lost control and the vehicle rolled over. Injuries were complaint of pain only and one person was transported to a hospital by paramedics.

Domestic Dispute / Suicide

On October 29 at approximately 12:01 p.m., officers responded to a disturbance in the 300 block of South Myrtle.  When officers arrived, they found a man holding a woman at gunpoint.  Officers immediately confronted the male suspect and ordered him to put the gun down.  The suspect then turned the gun on himself and took his own life.  The investigation revealed that the suspect was the woman's ex-husband and they had one child together.  The suspect had followed his ex-wife and child and had confronted them where the incident occurred.  The woman and child were not injured.  The investigation is continuing and is being conducted by the Monrovia Police Department Detective Bureau.

Outside Assist - California Highway Patrol

On October 29, a caller reported a drunk driver on the 210 Freeway, striking walls with his vehicle and driving on the rim of one tire.  Another caller then reported a traffic collision with the vehicle rolled over in the area of Myrtle and the 210 Freeway.  The driver had exited the freeway at Myrtle, striking the cement construction barricades.  He lost control of his vehicle and went through the fence for the freeway embankment.  The vehicle struck a large light standard with such impact it sent the light fixture flying off the pole and bent the pole severely.  The driver was found unconscious trapped inside his vehicle.  Monrovia Fire Department personnel responded and extracted the driver by cutting off the top of the car.  The subject was taken to a hospital by ambulance.  

Felony Vandalism

On October 30 at 2:53 a.m., officers were dispatched to the area of Magnolia and Genoa regarding a subject that was using a realty sign post to vandalize two cars.  On arrival, the officers found the suspect had fled.  Two vehicles parked on the street were heavily damaged.  A search was conducted for the suspect, but he was not located.  Investigation continuing.

 

Vandalism

On October 31 at 7:32 a.m., a school district employee called to report graffiti on their warehouse in the 400 block of Almond.  An officer responded and located the graffiti on the warehouse east facing wall and on a small retaining wall.  The graffiti is gang related and was written in black spray paint.  Investigation continuing.

Vandalism

On October 31 at 9:16 a.m., an officer on patrol in the 1200 block of South California was flagged down by a resident.  The resident reported that the north facing wall of a house had been vandalized with graffiti.  The graffiti is gang related and was written in green spray paint.  Investigation continuing.

Vandalism - Suspect Arrested

On October 31 at 9:45 a.m., a witness called police to report a male subject vandalizing a stop sign at Ivy and Walnut with yellow paint.  The witness stayed on the phone and helped direct police to the suspect's location, and the suspect was detained.  The subject was positively identified by the witness and arrested.  The reporting party was notified that they would be eligible for Monrovia Police Department's Stop Graffiti Bounty Program for reporting the incident that led to an arrest.  See below for program information. 

Vandalism / Petty Theft / Curfew / Trespassing - Suspect Arrested

On November 1 at 2:10 a.m., officers responded to a call of three subjects throwing pumpkins in the 200 block of North Encinitas.  Officers discovered pumpkins broken up on several streets in the area, but no suspects were located.  At 3:33 a.m., a caller reported hearing someone throwing pumpkins in the area again.  Officers arrived and located a subject dressed in all black.  When officers attempted to detain him, he fled the area, jumping fences.  The 17-year-old male subject was eventually detained.  There were no other suspects located.  The suspect was arrested for the above listed charges.  He was eventually cited out and released to his mother.

Grand Theft Auto

On November 1 at 7:30 a.m., an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 800 block of West Duarte regarding the report of a stolen vehicle.  The victim parked his vehicle in his assigned carport stall and locked it.  Sometime between 2:00 and 4:00 a.m., the vehicle was stolen.  The vehicle is a black, 1995 Nissan Maxima.  All keys are accounted for.  Investigation continuing.

Vehicle Burglary

On November 1 at 7:59 a.m., a subject from the same complex in the above incident approached the officer and reported that someone had broken into his vehicle.  This vehicle was parked across from where the stolen vehicle had been parked.  The vehicle was found with the trunk ajar and the two front doors open.  The loss was undetermined.  Investigation continuing.

Vehicle Burglary

On November 1 at 9:06 a.m., an officer responded to a residence in the 1000 block of Maurice regarding a vehicle burglary.  The victim reported that she parked her Lexus in the driveway at 6:00 p.m.  The vehicle was secured and locked.  She returned to her vehicle the next morning at 9:00 a.m. and saw the front passenger window smashed. She looked in the vehicle and noted her purse was missing from the front passenger seat.  The victim did not hear or see anything during the night.  Investigation continuing.

Vehicle Burglary

On November 1 at 9:57 a.m., a vehicle burglary was reported in the 1500 block of Pilgrim Way.  The victim parked his vehicle on the street in front of his house at 6:00 p.m.  The vehicle was secured and locked.  The victim returned to the vehicle at 9:00 a.m. the next morning and noticed the inside had been ransacked.  The stereo, navigation system and an iPod were taken.  The victim did not hear or see anything during the night.  Investigation continuing.

Vehicle Burglary

On November 1 at 10:07 a.m., a resident in the 300 block of Norumbega called police to report a vehicle break-in.  The vehicle was broken into sometime between 5:00 and 7:30 a.m. in the morning.  The victim's purse was taken from the vehicle.

Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance - Suspect Arrested

On November 2 at 1:47 a.m., a resident in the 900 block of South Primrose called police and reported unknown subjects on his roof.  Officers responded, but no subjects were located on the roof.  The officer noticed that the reporting party was displaying signs of drug usage.  After checking the subject further, the officer determined that he was under the influence.  The subject was arrested and taken to Monrovia Police Department, where he was charge with being under the influence of a controlled substance.

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Tip of the Week

Theft Prevention from Vehicles

Always lock your doors and roll up all windows when you leave your car.  Car thieves regularly patrol parking lots and try door handles to see if they will open.  They will even try door handles on cars parked in driveways late at night when you are sleeping.  They are hoping for an unlocked vehicle that they can get into quickly and they will take anything left inside.  You should always store valuable items in the trunk, so that a criminal does not see them and become tempted to break into your vehicle.

Highlighted Activity for the Weekend of October 20-26, 2011

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 583 service events, resulting in 114 investigations.  Following are the last week's highlighted issues and events:

Neighborhood Watch Report

Beginning November 1, 2011, the Monrovia Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report will be available on the City of Monrovia website, www.cityofmonrovia.org, under the Police Department section. 

Public Demonstration 

On October 21, the Coalition of Immokalee Workers (CIW) conducted a demonstration in the 600 block of West Huntington protesting Trader Joe's.  There were approximately two-hundred supporters in attendance.  The demonstration began at 12:00 noon, and at 12:30 p.m., they walked through the Huntington Oaks shopping center and proceeded to the Trader Joe's Corporate Office in the 800 block of South Shamrock.  They held a rally there for nearly an hour.  At that time, the group was approached by officers from the police department and instructed to leave per Penal Code Section 602(a) at the request of Trader Joe's security, and the group eventually dispersed.  The remainder of the time they stayed on the church grounds, where they had permission to stand.

Grand Theft Investigation

On October 23 at 12:16 p.m., a female subject called police and reported that she had just been robbed of her cell phone.  When officers arrived, she stated that she had advertised her IPhone on Craigslist for sale.  She met with the potential buyer at Mayflower and Huntington.  When she handed the cell phone to the subject, he took it and ran east across Mayflower and out of sight.  Officers responded and checked the area, but met with negative results.

Driving Under the Influence - Suspect Arrested

On October 23 at 3:26 p.m., officers responded to the report of a male adult drinking alcohol while driving through a business parking lot in the 300 block of West Huntington.  Officers arrived and arrested the driver for driving under the influence and his vehicle was stored.

Commercial Burglary

On October 23 at 11:04 p.m., a car with three occupants pulled up near a gas station at Shamrock and Huntington.  A male subject ran into the store and took a case of beer and ran directly out to the waiting car.  The clerk obtained the license plate of the car.  An officer went to the address the vehicle was registered to and waited until the car returned.  The officer was able to detain the suspect, and the stolen property was located.  The witness positively identified the suspect and the vehicle.  Based on investigation, only one suspect was charged and held.

Vandalism

On October 24 at 10:16 a.m., officers were dispatched to the 1300 block of South Primrose regarding vandalism.  They arrived and found gang graffiti on the sidewalk at the northeast corner of Primrose and Montana, and on the limit line on the street.  The graffiti was written in black spray paint.  Graffiti removal was notified.

Vandalism

On October 24 at 4:34 p.m., additional gang graffiti was reported in the 1100 block of South Primrose.  Graffiti removal was notified.

Residential Burglary

On October 25 at 6:00 a.m., a resident in the 800 block of California left their house.  When they returned at 5:00 p.m., they found their home had been burglarized.  The suspect gained entry by climbing through an unlocked second floor window.  Two laptop computers and thumb drives were stolen.  Investigation continuing.

Vehicle Burglary

On October 25 at 6:26 a.m., an employee of a restaurant in the 500 block of West Huntington reported that someone had broken into a customer's vehicle.  An officer responded and found a rear window had been shattered.  A green backpack containing documents and a stethoscope was taken.  No witnesses.  Investigation continuing.

Residential Burglary

On October 25 at 9:54 a.m., officers responded to an apartment in the 700 block of Monterey regarding a burglary.  The victim had left an hour earlier and returned to find a bedroom window open and a laptop missing.  The suspect(s) removed the window screen and forced the lock to gain entry.  Investigation continuing.

Vehicle Burglary

On October 25 at 1:17 p.m., an officer was dispatched to the intersection of Alta Vista and Chestnut on the report of a vehicle burglary. The victim said his vehicle was broken into the day before, between 4:00 and 5:00 p.m., but he was unable to report it then. The suspect(s) broke the driver side window and removed a clipboard from the front seat which contained $200 in cash.  No witnesses were located. Investigation continuing.

Illegal Fire Setting

On October 25 at 3:57 p.m., Monrovia Fire Department advised they were responding to a small fire on the tracks in the 1400 block of South Alamitas.  Officers responded to assist.  It was determined that someone set fire to some trash.  The fire was put out.  A similar fire was reported at the same location a week prior.  No witnesses were located, but indications are that it may be school kids that are causing these fires after school.  Extra patrol will continue in the area.  Investigation continuing.

Burglary

On October 26 at 9:28 a.m., an officer responded to a business in the 500 block of West Huntington regarding a theft that had just occurred.  When the officer arrived, the reporting party told him a female subject who had been wandering in the store walked out and the anti-theft alarm went off.  The reporting party saw the female get into a vehicle and leave, but was able to obtain the license plate number.  A check of the video and the sales floor indicated the female had taken five Android eReaders valued at $1150 dollars.  Investigation continuing.

Shots Heard

On October 26 at 6:39 p.m., dispatch received numerous calls of shots heard over a wide area of the north end of town.  The majority of calls seemed to indicate the shooting occurred somewhere in the area of 400 to 600 blocks of Norumbega.  Pasadena's helicopter responded and searched the area with ground units.  Officers searched along the wash and door-to-door in the area for over an hour, but were unable to locate the source of the gunfire.  No witnesses or suspects were located.  Investigation continuing.

Residential Burglary

On October 26 at 8:30 a.m., a resident who lives in the 400 block of North Primrose left her home.  When she returned at 10:15 p.m., she found someone had forced her back door open.  It appears that nothing was stolen.  The suspect may have been scared off when a motion detector lamp activated when the door was forced open.  Investigation continuing.

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Special Enforcement Team Activity Report

On October 20, at approximately 1:42 p.m., Monrovia Police Department's Special Enforcement Team stopped a vehicle for traffic violations on the westbound 210 Freeway at Baldwin.  A consent search of the vehicle revealed paraphernalia indicative of drug trafficking.  Officers noticed foil inside the console and dashboard area of the vehicle.  A hidden compartment was located and approximately half a pound of cocaine and methamphetamine were found inside the compartment.  The driver was arrested and charged for transportation and sales of both cocaine and methamphetamine.

Highlighted Activity - Week of October 13 - 19, 2011

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 551 service events, resulting in 91 investigations.  Following are the last week's highlighted issues and events:

Vehicle Burglary

On October 13 at 9:49 a.m., a vehicle burglary was reported at a hotel parking lot in the 300 block of West Foothill. During the investigation, the officer checked video surveillance of the location.  He observed a male Hispanic subject approach the victim's vehicle and enter through the passenger door.  The window had been left cracked open and the suspect reached in and unlocked the door.  He then removed the car stereo and a cell phone, which was left on the passenger seat.  The suspect was last seen getting into a tan SUV and leaving the area.  The investigation is continuing.

Homicide Investigation

On October 14 at 5:18 a.m., the Monrovia Police Department received a 911 call from a resident in the 200 block of North Mayflower reporting a shooting.  The Monrovia Police Department responded to the location and discovered a 63-year-old male had been shot inside the house.  The Monrovia Fire Department also responded.  The victim was pronounced deceased at 5:29 a.m.  The Los Angeles Sheriff's Department Homicide Bureau was called and assumed the primary investigative responsibility with the Monrovia Police Department's detectives assisting.  There were no arrests made in the case and the case will be presented to the District Attorney's office for filing consideration once the investigation is completed.

Attempt Strong-arm Robbery

On October 14 at 1:29 p.m., an attempt robbery occurred at a fast food restaurant in the 300 block of West Huntington Drive.  A female subject was sitting by herself inside the location with her purse on the table in front of her.  A male Hispanic in his late teens entered the restaurant, approached the female and grabbed her purse.  The female immediately grabbed her purse, as well, and the two were struggling for it.  The female was pulled to the ground during the struggle, at which time the suspect gave up and ran outside.  A witness followed the suspect outside and saw him get into the rear passenger side of a newer-model, blue, 4-door Nissan Altima, driven by a male black.  The suspects fled east on Cypress, out of sight.  The suspect had facial hair and was wearing a black hooded sweatshirt with "Monrovia" printed on the front in white, as well as black shorts and black Vans type shoes.  Officers, including the Special Enforcement Team and the Foothill Air Support helicopter, searched for the suspect vehicle, but it was not located.

Driving Under the Influence - Suspect Arrested

On October 15 at 12:40 a.m., officers were dispatched to the 900 block of West Duarte regarding a possible drunk driver.  The reporting party followed the vehicle off the freeway and informed dispatch of his direction of travel.  Officers located the vehicle in the 900 block of West Duarte, and after investigation, determined the driver to be under the influence.  The driver was arrested.

Medical Assist / Drug Overdose

On October 15 at 1:42 a.m., officers responded to a medical assist in the 300 block of North Encinitas and found the victim had overdosed on Heroin.  He was transported to a hospital for treatment.  Officers recovered drug paraphernalia, along with Heroin, which was next to the victim when they arrived.  He was charged with possession of a controlled substance, being under the Influence of a controlled substance, and possession of a syringe.

Traffic Collision / Driving Under Influence - Suspect Arrested

On October 15 at 4:30 a.m., a traffic collision occurred in the area of Mountain and Olive involving a possible drunk driver.  Officers arrived on scene and determined the driver was intoxicated and he was arrested for driving under the influence.

Mental Evaluation

On October 15 at 12:50 a.m., a subject entered a night club in the 300 block of South Myrtle without paying and immediately became aggressive with the patrons.  Security guards had to physically remove him from the location.  When officers arrived and contacted the subject, he was extremely delusional and continued to exclaim that everyone was going to die.  The officers detained the subject and he was taken to a hospital, where he was held for 72-hour mental evaluation.

Medical Assist / Air Rescue - Monrovia Falls

On October 16 at 2:00 p.m., a medical assist was requested for a female adult that was hit in the head with a rock at Monrovia Falls.  Monrovia Fire Department paramedics responded and handled the call.  Police were called back to the falls regarding a 49- year-old male subject that decided to climb above the falls to find the subject(s) that dislodged the rock.  The male subject got stuck on a ledge and could not go up or down.  The Los Angeles Sheriff's Department responded with a helicopter and removed the male subject from the rocks.

Embezzlement

On October 19 at 9:52 a.m., the victim/owner of a business in the 300 block of West Maple and a witness came into the lobby of the police station to file an embezzlement report.  On October 14, they found a piece of paper in their copy machine that had been altered to the benefit of a female employee.  They became suspicious, conducted audits, and put together packages of checks from different banks that had been altered to the benefit of the same employee.  The employee has defrauded the company of a large sum of money.  The investigation will continue.

CrimeMapping launches with Monrovia PD

Ever wonder what sort of crime goes on in Monrovia?  Check out the CrimeMapping site that Monrovia PD launched today.  Everything you've wanted to know about Monrovia Crime is there...the big issues they face are vandalism (graffiti?) and drug/alcohol violations.  There are a smattering of burglary and auto break-ins on the map.

What does it tell us?  Right now we are in a clear zone, nothing going on Poinsettia Avenue but plenty going on around us to pay attention to what we see on the street and report it to MPD as we see it.  Certainly it shows that north of Foothill isn't exactly pristine and we need to remain vigilant with locking doors and keeping stuff we want to keep locked up safe and sound.

Highlighted Activity - Week of October 6 -12, 2011

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 534 service events, resulting in 111 investigations.  Following are the last week's highlighted issues and events:

Theft / Receiving Stolen Property - Suspect Arrested

On October 6 at 11:39 a.m., an officer was dispatched to a business in the 2000 block of South Myrtle regarding the theft of an iron grate from a sewer drain at the location.  The officer went to the recycling center in the 100 block of West Duarte to see if anyone had tried to get money for the grate, but did not find the grate there.  While walking back to his patrol unit, he observed a male subject pushing a cart with an iron grate on it.  The grate weighed 125 pounds.  During the investigation, the suspect admitted to stealing the grate.  He was arrested and brought to the police station for booking.

Warrant Arrest - Suspect Arrested

On October 6 at 9:09 p.m., officers noticed a suspicious subject trying to hide from them as they were driving their patrol unit in the area of Alta Vista and Maple.  The subject was contacted, identified, and found to have an outstanding narcotics warrant.  He was arrested and taken into custody.

Driving Under the Influence - Suspect Arrested

On October 6 at 10:08 p.m., officers responded to a gas station in the 800 block of East Huntington on the report of a male subject sleeping in his car.  The officers arrived and found the vehicle sitting at one of the gas station pumps.  The subject was passed out behind the wheel and the engine of his vehicle was running.  The officers could smell the strong odor of alcohol emitting from the subject's breath.  The suspect was determined to be under the influence and was arrested. 

Non-Injury Traffic Collision / Driving Under the Influence

On October 7 at 2:14 a.m., a traffic collision was reported in the 2100 block of South Peck Road.  An officer responded and determined the driver was under the influence of alcohol.  The driver was arrested and taken into custody. 

Non-Injury Traffic Collision / Driving Under the Influence

On October 7 at 3:05 a.m., an officer responded to the scene of a traffic collision and found the driver to be under the influence of alcohol.  The reporting party had followed the driver from Hollywood.  The driver was arrested.

Disorderly Conduct / Peeping

On October 7 at 6:27 a.m., a female subject was taking a shower at a residence in the 100 block of West Cypress.  She observed a shadow across the street that appeared to be the silhouette of a male subject.  She yelled out that she could see him and saw a male subject jump out from the darkness.  She described the subject as a male Hispanic, unknown age, last seen getting into a smaller, white compact car.  Officers conducted an area search, but could not locate the suspect.  The investigation is continuing.

Shots Fired

On October 8 at 1:30 a.m., an officer reported hearing several shots fired east of his location at Ivy and Chestnut.  He started in that direction immediately.  Calls came in from the area of 200 East Colorado reporting shots fired, but no victim or suspect information was given.  Officers were in the area very fast and the Foothill Air Support Team airship arrived quickly and began checking the area.  No victims or suspects were located and no bullet impacts could be found.  Area hospitals were also checked, but not victims had reported for treatment.   

Weapons Offense - Suspect Arrested

On October 8 at 9:46 p.m., Special Enforcement Team officers were working an area regarding gang enforcement when they observed several subjects who appeared to be gang members walking in the area of the Monrovia/Duarte border, at California and Euclid.  They turned their police unit around to contact the subjects, and as they did, they observed a white Chevy Lumina occupied by four young male subjects and people in the area were running away.  Because of the suspicious circumstances, they decided to stop the car and investigate.  

Upon contact, the occupants acted very strange.  They were nervous and making statements about a friend who was stabbed at a location on California.  During a pat-down search of one of the occupants, the officer located a loaded revolver. The suspect was arrested for possessing a concealed weapon and was taken into custody.  The gun was determined to have belonged to a deceased person.  The suspect was later transported to Eastlake Juvenile Hall. 

Monrovia police were informed shortly after the stop that the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department was investigating the stabbing of a young male subject by several other males at a party in the 2100 block of South California.  

Strong-Arm Robbery

On October 8 at 7:17 p.m., an employee of a business in the 400 block of West Huntington was leaving for a break when a male subject grabbed her purse and pushed her to the ground, causing minor injury to her elbow.  The suspect is described as a male Hispanic, wearing blue jeans, a dark hat, a Pendleton-type shirt, and white shoes.  The victim did not require medical attention.  Officers responded and made an area check, but were unable to locate the suspect or the stolen purse.  Investigation continuing.

Vandalism

On October 9 at 1:56 p.m., officers located several locations in the City of Monrovia that had been vandalized with graffiti.  Maroon, black, and green paint was found at each location.  At the end of shift that same day, several other locations were discovered. Investigation continuing.

Assault With a Deadly Weapon

On October 9 at 11:55 p.m., an officer responded to Arcadia Methodist Hospital regarding a victim that checked himself in with a stab wound to his right thigh.  An officer contacted the victim, who stated that he was standing in front of his house in the 200 block of West Cypress at about 11:00 p.m. and was drinking a beer.  He was approached by two male subjects.  One of the subjects asked the victim to share his beer.  When the victim refused, one subject punched him in the face and the other stabbed the victim in his right thigh with an unknown sharp object.  Both suspects ran westbound on Cypress. 

The victim reported that he does not know the suspects.  They are described as two male blacks in their twenties; one suspect was wearing a dark baseball cap with the letter "D" on it and the other was wearing a dark hooded sweatshirt.  The victim's injury was minor and he was treated and released from the hospital.

Vehicle Burglary

On October 10 at 6:20 p.m., a vehicle burglary was reported at a business parking lot located in the 500 block of South Mountain.  One of the vehicle windows was smashed and cash and a GPS unit were stolen. 

Assault With a Deadly Weapon - Suspect Arrested

On October 10 at 7:58 p.m., police received a call from Arcadia Methodist Hospital.  They had a stabbing victim in the emergency room.  The victim said he was drinking and playing cards with family members at a residence in the 800 block of West Olive.  He began to argue with his cousin/suspect, which escalated into a physical fight.  Family members broke up the fight and they separated.

A short time later, the suspect returned and began threatening everyone by brandishing a knife.  The victim and suspect became involved in another physical altercation, after which, the victim noticed a deep laceration on his left wrist.  The suspect's brother also suffered a cut on his finger as a result of his efforts to break up the fight.  Officers went to the location and arrested the suspect without incident.

Theft

On October 10 at 8:16 p.m., police received a call reporting a victim chasing a suspect on foot in the area of Primrose and Lemon.  The victim exited a building and saw the suspect stripping parts from his bicycle, which was locked in a bicycle rack.  The suspect stole the front wheel, forks, handle bars, and seat.  He ran southbound through a park and out of site.  He was described as a male white, 20 years old, 6'4", thin build, dark curly hair, wearing a gray beanie, dark blue windbreaker, dark shorts, and he had a black backpack.  Officers responded, but the suspect was not located. 

Grand Theft Auto

October 11 at 6:25 a.m., an officer was dispatched to the 100 block of South Violet regarding a stolen vehicle.  The victim parked his vehicle on Linwood at Violet in the evening and secured it.  He returned to his vehicle in the morning and found it missing.  There was no broken glass on the ground where the vehicle was parked, all keys were accounted for, and no one had permission to take his vehicle.  The vehicle is a white, 4-door Honda Accord.

Grand Theft

On October 11 at 9:13 a.m., a victim reported the theft of a water-tank trailer from a construction site at the corner of Magnolia and Chestnut.  The reporting party told the officer the trailer was stolen from the location during the night.

Suspicious Circumstances / HazMat Incident

On October 11 at 6:27 p.m., a caller reported a release of some type of chemical at a market located in the 300 block of West Huntington.  The Monrovia Fire Department responded and advised they would be handling the incident as a bomb threat/HazMat incident.  When officers arrived, they learned a male suspect, for unknown reasons, ran into the store and discharged a dry-chemical fire extinguisher.  The building was evacuated.  None of the occupants became ill or showed any sign of exposure to anything dangerous.  The suspect was described as a male white, 25 yeas old, 5'10", with a thin build.  He drove away in a peach colored, 2-door vehicle.  The HazMat unit from the Los Angeles County Fire Department responded and determined the substance was non-toxic and the scene was cleared.  Investigation continuing.

Possession of a Controlled Substance / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia / Warrant - Suspect Arrested

On October 12 at 8:14 a.m., an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 300 block of West Colorado regarding suspicious subjects living in a shed.  The officer arrived and contacted the subjects.  He conducted a computer check on them and found the female subject had a warrant for possession of a controlled substance.  A search of her property revealed she had a baggie of methamphetamine and a drug smoking pipe in a small pouch.  She was arrested for the above listed charges.

Residential Burglary

On October 12 at 10:22 a.m., a resident in the 400 block of North Encinitas was called by his alarm company to report an alarm activation at his home.  He responded to his home and saw the garage door and the rear door of his home were open.  He then called police.  Officers arrived, cleared the house and did not find anyone inside.  The victim did a walk through with the officers, but could only determine an Ipad and a watch missing at this time.

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Stop Graffiti Bounty Program

One of the methods the Monrovia Police Department is using to combat graffiti in the community of Monrovia is the Stop Graffiti Bounty Program.  If a citizen reports an incident of graffiti in the City of Monrovia that leads to the arrest of the suspect, the citizen will receive a $100 bill.  Help keep Monrovia looking great!

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How to Burglar-Proof Your Doors

Burglars break into your home when they believe no one is around so they can take your most valuable possessions.  They look for houses that appear to be easy to get inside, either through a window or a door.  It is very important to make sure your doors are as secure as possible.  A burglar doesn't care if they break in through the front or back door of a house.  If they feel the front door is well hidden, it becomes an easy target.  A house with overgrown trees and bushes can block the view of the front door, giving criminals a perfect spot to hide while they make their way inside.  Keep plant growth trimmed back so thieves cannot use them as a hiding place.

Before adding any security devices to your door, examine it to see if it hangs properly and was installed correctly.  Make sure there are screws in every hole for each hinge. The more securely a door is attached to the wall, the harder it will be to break down.  Create new holes if the wood is rotted out and the screws are barely hanging on, and once the door is on as tightly as possible, you can include new locks and bolts.