Hermosa Beach Police Department Launches Project Secure To Help Prevent Property Thefts

Press release from the City of Hermosa Beach:

March 15, 2021

HERMOSA BEACH, CA – Hermosa Beach Police Department (HBPD) recently launched Project Secure, a crime prevention initiative that seeks to eliminate “easy targets” for thieves by encouraging residents to close their garage doors, lock up their vehicles and take other actions to protect their property.

HBPD patrol and community services officers working at night often close garage doors and take other actions to secure property. Residents are frequently unaware that the officers helped protect their property. With Project Secure, HBPD officers will leave pre-printed cards to let residents know that an officer secured their property and remind residents to reduce potential thefts by closing and locking doors.

“Property crimes continue to be the most common crimes in our community, and thieves tell us that they come to Hermosa Beach with the expectation that will find desirable items that are easy for them to steal for personal gain,” HBPD Chief Paul LeBaron said. “If they don’t find easy targets, they are more likely to go elsewhere to commit their crimes. Project Secure is another way for us to remind residents that closing garage doors, locking vehicles and securing valuable property can help keep criminals and crime out of our community.”

Project Secure is the latest crime prevention and enforcement effort launched by the HBPD as the frequent demand for police responses in Downtown Hermosa Beach declined during the pandemic. HBPD statistics show certain crimes on Pier Plaza and in Downtown fell when COVID-19 closures and restrictions eliminated or significantly reduced the late-night party atmosphere that was common on weekends and holidays prior to the pandemic. The HBPD reported that:

• Total calls for service in Downtown Hermosa Beach declined 58%, from 5,718 calls for service in 2019 to 3,303 calls for service in 2020
• Public drunkenness arrests also decreased, from 67 public drunkenness arrests in 2019 to 37 in 2020
• Assault and assault with a deadly weapon arrests dropped, from 70 arrests in 2019 to 41 in 2020

“With fewer police resources devoted to Downtown’s late-night disturbances, the HBPD had more time to focus on detecting and preventing other crimes, including targeting vehicle break-ins, package and bicycle thefts and drug violations,” said Chief LeBaron. “We have conducted complicated sexual assault investigations and undercover operations in coordination with other law enforcement agencies.”

While much of this work remains confidential, among the most visible initiatives have been increased traffic and Strand enforcement Downtown that has resulted in more than 70 citations in the past two months.

The L.A. County Department of Public Health (Public Health) announced Friday that the County was moving to a less restrictive tier in the State’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy today because of reduced COVID-19 infections and increased COVID-19 vaccinations in the region. Public Health said restaurants could resume indoor dining at 25% of their capacities.

“We have already seen an increase in citations and arrests for alcohol-related offenses over the weekend as activity increased,” said Chief LeBaron. “As COVID-19 restrictions change, we will continue to work with the community to ensure that Pier Plaza and Downtown Hermosa Beach are welcoming and safe for all our visitors, including families with children.”

This press release was produced by the City of Hermosa Beach. The views expressed are the author's own.