NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH | WHY BECOME A BLOCK CAPTAIN 

There cannot be a police officer on every corner, so citizen involvement is essential to deter crime. By working together with your neighbors and the El Segundo Police Department, people can help fight crime in their community with the most effective approach, stopping it before it occurs. 

Five Steps on How to Start a Watch Group 

1. Recruit and organize as many neighbors as possible. Talk to your fellow neighbors about starting a group. Smaller groups of 10-20 residences are more manageable to organize and work best. Select a block captain and co-captain. 

2. Fill out the Neighbor Watch Program - Member Interest Form online. 

3. Create a communication plan. It is important to decide what type of communication will work best for your watch group.

4. Identify areas of concern that are specific to your neighborhood.

5.Take action. Hold meetings and events. Contact ESPD Crime Prevention Analyst to meet your group at a time and place convenient for your watch group. It is essential for your group to work together with the police department to create a formidable crime fighting team. 

Crime Prevention Analyst 
Sirena Boskovich | 310-524-2274 | sboskovich@elsegundo.org 

THEFT FROM VEHICLE
Theft from motor vehicle is still one of the highest trending property crimes. Therefore, it's crucial to prioritize vehicle security. To help protect your belongings, make it a habit to always lock your vehicle. In addition to taking any valuables, spare keys and your garage door opener out of your vehicle when you park. 

REMINDER: While your tinted windows offer protection from harmful UV rays and some privacy, it doesn't keep the thieves out. Thieves can see right through the tint, with the right flashlight. 

JEWELRY DISTRACTION THEFT | BE CAUTIOUS WHEN APPROACHED BY STRANGERS

While distraction theft comes in many forms, a recent distraction theft is back, often targeting elderly victims involving deception, physical touch, and distraction to steal jewelry off of them.

In recent cases, the suspects will approach or drive up to the victims who may be on a walk or in the parking lot of a business and ask for directions. During the conversation, the suspect will use various tactics while simultaneously removing the victim's wedding ring. 

Common Tactics Used by Distraction Thieves:

• Physical touch. Whether through hugs or placing jewelry on them.
• Gifts or tokens of appreciation, such as small bags of costume jewelry.
  
  

Safety Tips to Help Protect Yourself:  

• Walk in groups.
• If elderly friends or family members often go on walks, have someone go with them.
• Limit wearing valuable jewelry, particularly in public places.
• Be mindful of who approaches you and who you talk to. 
• Don't let strangers hug/touch you.
• Pay attention to your surroundings and look for vehicles and people who may be following you.

Remember, distraction theft often involves two or more suspects working together, sometimes even using children as an additional distraction.  

IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS:
9-1-1 FOR EMERGENCIES | 310-524-2760 FOR NON-EMERGENCIES