Long Beach
Police Department
Media Relations
400 W. Broadway
Long Beach, CA 90802
(562) 570-5273
400 W. Broadway
Long Beach, CA 90802
(562) 570-5273
3/28/2016
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEPress Release #
Subject:
SPRING BREAK SAFETY TIPS
Contact:
Media Relations Detail
(562) 570-5273
(562) 570-5273
With Spring Break in full swing, the Long Beach Police Department would like to provide the community with safety information that may help residents and youth from becoming victims of crime:
Curfew
Parents and youngsters are reminded that the City’s curfew law will be strictly enforced. Section 9.58.010 of the Long Beach Municipal Code states: “It is unlawful for any minor under the age of eighteen (18) years to remain in or upon any ‘public place’ as defined in Section 9.02.090, between the hours of 10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m. the following day.”
The L.B.P.D. takes curfew violations seriously. Our experience has shown us that youth who are on the street after curfew are more likely to become victims of violent crime and are more likely to become involved in criminal behavior. We remind parents that it is important for you to know where your children are at all times and to ensure they arrive home safely before curfew.
Curfew laws are in place to protect children/youth and keep them safe, and the L.B.P.D. will enforce this law with your child’s safety in mind.
Street Safety
The popularity of handheld electronics and other devices can make you an easy target for criminals hoping to obtain these valuables. For your safety, we strongly encourage you to practice the following safety tips:
• Do not make it obvious that you have an iPod, cell phone, or other electronic device
• Whenever possible, avoid using your electronic device on the street
• Don’t display your valuables in public (money, jewelry, etc.)
• Always be alert and aware of your surroundings and the people around you
• Stay in well-lighted areas as much as possible
• Places that make you vulnerable include dark parking lots, walkways, alleyways, and restrooms
• If you feel someone is following you, move to a well-populated area
• Travel with a friend; there is safety in numbers
• Walk close to the curb and avoid doorways, bushes, and alleys where someone could hide
• Report suspicious activity immediately by calling 9-1-1
Alcohol
The Long Beach Police Department has a zero-tolerance policy for underage alcohol consumption. Any underage persons found to be consuming alcohol will be cited/arrested for appropriate alcohol violations. Any person found to be contributing to the delinquency of a minor will also be appropriately cited/arrested.
Home Safety Tips
Whether you are taking a trip or plan to enjoy a stay-cation, take a few minutes to review some burglary prevention tips:
• Meet your neighbors, this makes it easier to recognize a person that doesn’t belong, and neighbors that communicate are more likely to look out for one another
• Report loiterers – loitering is often a precursor activity for burglars, enabling them to case the area
• Immediately report suspicious activity, including loiterers, by calling 9-1-1, and be sure to get a good description of any subjects you report as well as location
• Keep any gates to backyards locked and secure at all times
• Be sure your house number is visible from the street, should Police or emergency personnel ever need to respond to your location it allows them to find the location more quickly
• Keep porch lights on at night – this makes any suspicious persons visible, as well as your house number
• When away for extended periods, make sure your home has the “lived in” look – have lights on timers and ask a neighbor to park in your driveway, clear any newspapers and fliers that may accumulate, and check your property periodically.
By working together, we can help provide you and your child/youth a safe and enjoyable Spring Break.
Curfew
Parents and youngsters are reminded that the City’s curfew law will be strictly enforced. Section 9.58.010 of the Long Beach Municipal Code states: “It is unlawful for any minor under the age of eighteen (18) years to remain in or upon any ‘public place’ as defined in Section 9.02.090, between the hours of 10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m. the following day.”
The L.B.P.D. takes curfew violations seriously. Our experience has shown us that youth who are on the street after curfew are more likely to become victims of violent crime and are more likely to become involved in criminal behavior. We remind parents that it is important for you to know where your children are at all times and to ensure they arrive home safely before curfew.
Curfew laws are in place to protect children/youth and keep them safe, and the L.B.P.D. will enforce this law with your child’s safety in mind.
Street Safety
The popularity of handheld electronics and other devices can make you an easy target for criminals hoping to obtain these valuables. For your safety, we strongly encourage you to practice the following safety tips:
• Do not make it obvious that you have an iPod, cell phone, or other electronic device
• Whenever possible, avoid using your electronic device on the street
• Don’t display your valuables in public (money, jewelry, etc.)
• Always be alert and aware of your surroundings and the people around you
• Stay in well-lighted areas as much as possible
• Places that make you vulnerable include dark parking lots, walkways, alleyways, and restrooms
• If you feel someone is following you, move to a well-populated area
• Travel with a friend; there is safety in numbers
• Walk close to the curb and avoid doorways, bushes, and alleys where someone could hide
• Report suspicious activity immediately by calling 9-1-1
Alcohol
The Long Beach Police Department has a zero-tolerance policy for underage alcohol consumption. Any underage persons found to be consuming alcohol will be cited/arrested for appropriate alcohol violations. Any person found to be contributing to the delinquency of a minor will also be appropriately cited/arrested.
Home Safety Tips
Whether you are taking a trip or plan to enjoy a stay-cation, take a few minutes to review some burglary prevention tips:
• Meet your neighbors, this makes it easier to recognize a person that doesn’t belong, and neighbors that communicate are more likely to look out for one another
• Report loiterers – loitering is often a precursor activity for burglars, enabling them to case the area
• Immediately report suspicious activity, including loiterers, by calling 9-1-1, and be sure to get a good description of any subjects you report as well as location
• Keep any gates to backyards locked and secure at all times
• Be sure your house number is visible from the street, should Police or emergency personnel ever need to respond to your location it allows them to find the location more quickly
• Keep porch lights on at night – this makes any suspicious persons visible, as well as your house number
• When away for extended periods, make sure your home has the “lived in” look – have lights on timers and ask a neighbor to park in your driveway, clear any newspapers and fliers that may accumulate, and check your property periodically.
By working together, we can help provide you and your child/youth a safe and enjoyable Spring Break.