NATIONAL NIGHT OUT 
Calling All Superheroes! Join the El Segundo Police Department for National Night Out, a nationwide evening dedicated to building safer, stronger neighborhoods through community and connection.  

The free family event will take place on Tuesday, August 5th, in the 300 block of Main Street. Enjoy live music, family-friendly activities, raffles, food, and more! Come out between 5:00 and 8:00 p.m. to meet your neighbors and connect with members of the El Segundo Police Department. No cape required! 

VEHICLE THEFT | Good news: Vehicle thefts decreased in June compared to May. However, it remained one of the most common property crimes reported last month. Thieves continue to target easy opportunities, so it's important to keep adding layers of vehicle protection to make your vehicle less appealing and harder to steal.   

Prevention Tip:
Never leave your vehicle running unattended, even for a moment. It only takes seconds for a thief to take advantage and drive off.

CATALYTIC CONVERTER THEFTS | ON THE RISE IN JULY
Catalytic converter theft is on the rise and no vehicle is off limits, including the Toyota Prius. Thieves often target high profile vehicles like trucks or Sport Utility Vehicles because the higher ground clearance allows for easier access underneath the vehicle, but hybrids like the Toyota Prius are prime targets too. Their catalytic converters contain higher concentrations of precious metals compared to those in gas-only models, therefore making it worth more. 

So, what can you do to protect your vehicle and reduce your risk of becoming a victim?

1. Park in well lit, visible areas or near cameras. Park in your garage, if possible.
2. Park high profile vehicles so they are surrounded by low ground clearance vehicles. 
3. If your catalytic converter is a "bolt on" model, you can have the bolts welded shut and have extra metal welded to the exhaust system. 
4. Etch your license plate number on the converter. This will help police track your property if it is stolen.
5. Install a catalytic converter protection device.

TEXT EXTORTION | A GROWING SCAM
When was the last time that you received a suspicious text or call from an unfamiliar number? Chances are, it wasn't that long ago. The El Segundo Police Department wants residents to be aware of a disturbing and growing scam trend known as text extortion or sextortion.

   How the Scam Works:

• Scammers obtain your phone number through data breaches or purchase it on the dark web. 
• They send out mass text messages, hoping someone replies.
• If you respond, the scammer claims to have explicit photos or videos of you.
• They may include pieces of real information to sound convincing and threatening.
• The scammer demands payment, often via cryptocurrency, Green Dot, Venmo, Zelle, or gift cards, and threaten to share the alleged content with your contacts if you don't pay within a set timeframe.  
  
  Tips to Protect Yourself:
• Do not respond to the message.
• Do not pay any money or share personal information.
• Report and block the number through your phone carrier or device settings.
  
  Think you have what it takes to spot a scam? Take the quiz at banksneveraskthat.com.