While the brazen criminal act that occurred at a downtown jewelry store nearly two months ago was undoubtedly concerning, Manhattan Beach remains a safe place to live, work, and play. The Manhattan Beach Police Department (MBPD) remains committed to protecting our community and has continued its efforts to reduce crime, apprehend criminals, and take measures to safeguard our community so residents and visitors alike can enjoy the benefits of our small beach town.

Based on recent calls MBPD has received regarding homelessness, noise complaints, and disorderly conduct, I would like to assure the community that the Police Department does not take these calls lightly. MBPD has dedicated additional resources to help us improve our response times to such quality of life issues. Additionally, MBPD has increased its regular patrols throughout the city, and foot and bike patrols throughout business districts, to safeguard the city. I would also like to ask the community to report crimes and/or incidents as they occur and to provide as much detail as possible to aid in the investigative process. This greatly assists officers in the apprehension of those responsible; alternatively, this can also aid city staff in determining the appropriate outreach services.

In addition, the city has taken a strategic and regional approach to addressing homelessness and has a robust program that includes sheltering individuals in need. MBPD is committed to responding to community concerns and actively monitors incidents involving the unhoused to ensure public safety and provide services where appropriate. The city has a dedicated homeless liaison who works in partnership with Manhattan Beach Police Department officers. This team works with the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health to provide resources to individuals facing homelessness and/or mental health issues.

Finally, I would like to remind the community to visit www.la-hop.org to learn more about how to help those experiencing homelessness. If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis please dial 988, and in the event of an emergency, always dial 911.

The city of Manhattan Beach and MBPD continue to work diligently every day to serve and support our community. No act of violence or threat to the community is too small. We ask that the community continue to adhere to the “See Something, Say Something” philosophy and report incidents to the Police Department. It is when we work in partnership that we are the strongest and it is through that partnership that we will maintain the high quality of life we have come to enjoy in Manhattan Beach.