Long Beach
Police Department

With holiday shopping kicking off this week, the Long Beach Police Department would like to remind everyone to report suspicious activity immediately by calling 9-1-1, and to encourage residents to practice the following safety tips, which may prevent them from becoming a victim:

While shopping:

- Place all gifts and packages in the trunk or out of sight
- Be aware of your surroundings at all times and walk with confidence
- Park in well-lighted areas
- Avoid shopping alone; there is safety in numbers
- Use credit or debit cards for purchases to avoid carrying large amounts of cash
- Keep car doors locked and windows closed
- Carry purses or bags close to your body
- Have your car keys in hand prior to arriving at your vehicle
- Report suspicious persons or packages to on-site security or police

Suggestions in and around your home:

- Keep gifts in areas that cannot be seen from doorways or windows
- Install exterior motion sensor lighting
- Keep bushes and shrubbery trimmed to eliminate places for thieves to hide
- Postpone mail and newspaper deliveries while traveling
- Do not store gifts in vehicles or unsecured areas

Suggestions for business operators:

- Lock unused doors (in compliance with fire codes)
- Keep only necessary cash in the register
- Vary the schedule and route of your bank deposits each day
- Make sure the register is in plain view
- Advertise your security alarm system with signs in visible locations
- Invest in video surveillance cameras and ensure they are operational at all times
- Develop a mutual aid system among stores near you and keep an eye on one another

For additional crime prevention information visit the LBPD’s website at: www.longbeach.gov/police/how-do-i/prevent-crime/

For non-emergency situations, please call Police Dispatch at (562) 435-6711.