This week in Manhattan Beach, organized retail theft groups targeted chain stores, according to the Manhattan Beach Police Department.

There were seven organized retail thefts, all of which occurred in Patrol Area 4 (north of Manhattan Beach Blvd. and east of Sepulveda Blvd.). The thefts occurred at the Target shopping center and at Manhattan Village, according to the crime map, and some businesses were targeted multiple times.

If you are present when a crime like this occurs, do not attempt to stop the subjects, warned MBPD. If possible, try to get a description of the person's appearance, clothing, car make and model, and/or license plate to report to police.

Anyone with information about the organized thefts is encouraged to call the MBPD tip line at 310-802-5171.

The good news, however, is that there were no commercial or residential burglaries or auto thefts to report this week.

Burglaries have typically been among the most common crimes in Manhattan Beach. MBPD has urged residents to observe these home safety tips and to participate in their local Neighborhood Watch program.