Police See Significant Drop In Burglaries In Palos Verdes Estates

PALOS VERDES ESTATES, CA — After a consistently rising trend of residential burglaries in Palos Verdes Estates, police officials said they have seen a significant drop in reported burglaries in the last month.

Since Nov. 16, the Palos Verdes Estates Police Department said there have been only three new cases. In two incidents, burglars smashed windows at the back of the houses to gain entry, police said.

Before this recent drop, there have been 22 home burglaries reported in various areas throughout Palos Verdes Estates over four months. According to police, eight of those incidents occurred within a month.

To tackle the problem, PVEPD officials teamed up with specialized task forces and implemented burglary suppression efforts. Officers also increased patrols within the city in hopes of deterring and detecting criminal activity.

"These burglaries, possibly linked to sophisticated organized crime groups specializing in residential burglary, aren’t just happening here; it’s a broader SoCal concern. Most occur just after dark," PVEPD said in a statement.

PVEPD also recommended tips for residents to help prevent burglaries such as always leaving all windows and doors locked, leaving interior lights on when no one is home and double checking home security systems.

Residents can also submit a Home Vacation Check Request to the police department to have officers conduct scheduled perimeter checks while residents are gone. The form can be filled out online at pvestates.org or at the police station and is free for residents.

Additionally, to help residents be prepared for possible burglaries, Detective Segent Aaron Belda said PVEPD detectives offer to survey houses to look for weaknesses and point out areas of vulnerability that could be improved. Belda said security cameras are also helpful in investigations.

"It's not going to stop them from doing bad stuff, but hopefully it will make them pass on your house because it looks more fortified," Belda said.

Residents were encouraged to report suspicious activity to PVEPD dispatch at 310-378-4211.