Residential burglaries in La Cañada Flintridge dropped drastically during the three-month period of March to May, according to Crescenta Valley Sheriff’s Station Capt. Robert Hahnlein, who reported crime statistics to City Council this week.
During the last three months, including May, there have been three total reported residential burglaries, a significant decrease from the 12 burglaries reported in January.
In non-residential burglaries, there were three reported for May, which is the highest it has been for any month this year.
Larceny-theft decreased slightly month-on-month with 23 in May and 26 in April, Hahnlein reported. There were also two vandalism incidents and three identity theft/fraud incidents in May.
There were two aggravated assaults reported at La Cañada High School, which the school resource officer is still investigating.
There were three catalytic converter thefts in May, and the Sheriff’s Station is trying to put together another catalytic converter etching program, Hahnlein said.
There were 36 arrests in May, which is an increase from 21 in April. Traffic collisions also increased, with 20 in May and 18 in April.
DUI statistics were included in the report as well, after Mayor Keith Eich requested them in a past meeting.
There have been six DUI incidents year-to-date, which is double of those reported in 2022. Hahnlein said the city might see a spike in numbers because of the summer season, but assured the Council that officers will keep an eye out for them.
“For those of you out there that think we are not concerned about public safety, we have allocated funds for two additional flock cameras,” said Councilwoman Terry Walker.
This will bring the total number of cameras to 52.
Councilman Kim Bowman brought up the idea of drones to help monitor city crime, noting this is a tactic taken in other cities, but expressed concern about potential noise from the devices.
“The only thing that we can do more than what we have already done, is drones,” said Bowman. “Beverly Hills now has drones flying around, and maybe that is the bridge too far for our own noise and well-being, but understand that what can be done, including more officers on the road, is what we have committed to.”
Interim Assistant Fire Chief Pat Sprengel from the Los Angeles County Fire Department shared with the Council that there were no fires reported in May and provided a safety tip for the month.
“As we near the Fourth of July holiday, our reminder is that all fireworks are illegal in the city of La Cañada Flintridge, and all areas unincorporated in Los Angeles County,” said Sprengel. “This includes safe and sane fireworks. Los Angeles County Fire encourages everyone to leave the fireworks to the professionals and visit a firework show.”
For a list of firework shows, visit fire.lacounty.gov. The list is regularly updated.
Eich asked for an update on the brush clearance inspections as part of summer fire prevention, and Sprengel said the city’s inspections are about 94% complete.
Sprengel said that they are following up with residents who still had some compliance issues. He said that after inspection, residents that are not compliant will receive a notice left on their doors. Those in compliance will receive an email or letter in the mail.
In addition to sharing crime statistics, Hahnlein has teamed up with the city to provide residents with a video filled with tips to make their home safe from burglaries.
“La Cañada Flintridge is a wonderful place to live but, it also can come with its own set of challenges,” said Hahnlein in the video. “We need to work together to prevent burglaries.”
First published in the June 29 print issue of the Outlook Valley Sun.
