The Long Beach Police Department (LBPD) made 12 arrests, issued 41 traffic citations and recovered more than a dozen stolen vehicles during a pilot program targeting vehicular crimes, according to police.
Officers from the North Patrol Division of the LBPD on Feb. 9 concluded the three-week pilot program, which launched on Jan. 21, designating available patrol units to an auto-crimes operation to focus enforcement efforts on combating automobile crimes, specifically theft and burglary.
The operation consisted of uniformed and undercover officers from North Division patrol and the directed enforcement team, with the assistance of a California Department of Corrections parole officer. Officers assigned to the operation identified, detained and arrested individuals associated with auto-related crimes.
The operation yielded six felony arrests, six misdemeanor arrests, 41 traffic citations, 14 recovered stolen vehicles, five vehicles towed for miscellaneous violations, and over 85 individuals interviewed, according to the LBPD. The arrests were made on charges of driving a stolen vehicle, receiving stolen property and parole violations.
The LBPD has provided the following tips to help residents avoid becoming victims of an auto-related crime:
• Secure all windows and doors
• Never leave valuables where they are visible to passersby
• Never leave your car running and unattended
• If your car is equipped with an audible alarm, use it!
• Consider installing a vehicle locator/recovery system
Source: LBPD
