CALLING 9-1-1 vs. NON-EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBER 310-524-2760| WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE?  

While both phone numbers are answered and dispatched by the same communications center, here are a few key differences when it comes to deciding which number to call. 

9-1-1: To report life or death emergencies where there is an immediate threat or could be an immediate threat to someone's life or safety. 

Non-Emergency Police Dispatch: If you're in a situation that you recognize isn't an emergency, but still requires a police or fire response. Some examples may include: Noise Complaint, Illegally Parked Vehicle, Barking Dog, Suspicious Person, Non-Injury Traffic Accident, or Reporting of a Crime that occurred in the past. 

OTHER IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS

Police Department General Business Line: 310-524-2200 | Crime Prevention: 310-524-2274 | Records: 310-524-2215 | Traffic: 310-524-2296 | Animal Control: 310-524-2231 | Detectives: 310-524-2246 | Property and Evidence: 310-524-2213

RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY PREVENTION TIPS
While theft from a motor vehicle is still one of the highest trending property crimes, we are noticing an increase in residential burglaries and therefore wanted to provide some common Deterrent Measures and Security Procedures to help keep you and your home safe.

Deterrent Measures:

• Consider installing a hard-wire burglary alarm system with motion sensors and glass break to all levels of your home with 24/7 monitoring.
• Install exterior security cameras, making sure they are operational at all times.
• Affix Neighborhood Watch and/or Alarm Company Stickers on or near entry doors and windows.
• Keep an outside dog in a fenced area and have a lock on the gate.

Security Procedures:

• Keep all doors, windows, and other access points locked even if you are just going out "for a minute." This includes windows and sliding doors on second stories. 
• Don't leave keys in the mailboxes or planters, under doormats or above doorways. Instead leave an extra key with a trusted neighbor.
• Change your locks right away if you lose your house key.
• Lock up ladders and tools that may help a burglar break in.
• Invest in a safe deposit box or a safe that is well hidden and bolted securely to the structure. Consider placing an electronic tracker inside the safe that can be tracked via a smartphone.

For more crime prevention tips, visit the El Segundo Police Department website.   

CASING | DOOR-TO-DOOR SOLICITING
The El Segundo Police Department would like all residents to be vigilant about solicitors selling various services. This includes pest control services, home water testing, and utility workers. 

Often times the individuals will appear professional by wearing a safety reflective vest, holding a clipboard, have a company hat and even a shirt to match. However, most are unable to furnish any official work documents or provide credentials from the companies that they claim to represent. 

Common sales pitches to try and gain access into your home:

• I was in the area at your neighbor's (insert name) residence who just signed up for our pest control service.
• The water filter is free! I just need to retrieve a water sample from your kitchen sink. 
• The (insert utility company name) should have notified you on your bill that I would be out here today.

Tips to help protect yourself:

• Know who is at your door before opening it.
  
• Speak with the person through the door or camera, so that they know, or it appears someone is home.
• Don't allow service representatives into your home, unless you have an appointment or can verify their authenticity.
• Don't discuss your finances or assets with strangers. 
• If something doesn't seem right, call the police dispatch center, and provide as much information as possible such as a description of the person(s), their vehicle and their direction of travel to the police dispatcher.