Neighborhood Watch Newsletter

City of El Segundo sent this bulletin at 10/09/2025 12:11 PM PDT

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Neighborhood Watch Newsletter

McGruff and CPA Boskovich

NATIONAL CRIME PREVENTION MONTH | OCTOBER 1 - 31 
National Crime Prevention Month is observed every October to raise awareness and promote effective strategies to help prevent crime in communities. Established in 1984 by the National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC) through a presidential proclamation, this month encourages everyone to take an active role in building safer, stronger neighborhoods.

Be sure to follow us on social media throughout October as we highlight weekly themes for 2025 and share tips, resources, and ways you can get involved! As McGruff the Crime Dog says, "Take a bite out of crime!"

Crime Trends

Tools and equipment

THEFT FROM MOTOR VEHICLES ON THE RISE | DID YOU LOCK YOURS?
In September, theft from motor vehicles was the most commonly reported property crime. Work vehicles, in particular, were frequent targets, as they often contain valuable tools and equipment that are easy for thieves to steal and resell.  

Here are a few simple actions to reduce your risk: 

  • Park with purpose: Choose well-lit areas with visible security cameras or high foot traffic. If possible, park in your garage.  
  • Upgrade your defenses: Use heavy-duty locks on doors, windows, tailgates, and tool compartments. 
  • Always lock up: Even if you're just stepping away for a minute.
  • Etch your equipment: Mark tools with your name, logo, or ID number to help deter theft and assist recovery.   

Tip: Maintain a list of your tools (with serial numbers and photos) in the event you are a victim. 

Crime Prevention Awareness

Picture of money

BANK JUGGING | WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
"Bank jugging" is a form of robbery in which criminals target individuals who have just withdrawn cash from a bank or ATM. Thieves often park outside banks, watching for customers who appear to be carrying large sums of money.

After identifying a target, the suspect follows the individual to another location such as a convenience store, restaurant, or even their home. When the victim exits their vehicle, the thief may either break into the car to steal the cash or confront the person directly. 

How to Protect Yourself: 

  • Stay alert to your surroundings whenever you visit a bank or ATM.
  • Scan the parking lot before exiting your vehicle. 
  • Watch for individuals loitering in vehicles near bank entrances or ATMs.
  • Conceal your bank deposit bags or envelopes from view.
  • Immediately lock your car doors after getting into your vehicle.
  • Do not store large amounts of cash in your vehicle.
  • Vary your banking times and locations to avoid creating a predictable pattern.  

If you suspect someone is following you, do not go home. Call 9-1-1 and drive to the nearest police station.  

UPCOMING EVENTS  

BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH | OCTOBER 1-31
The El Segundo Police Department is proud to participate in the Pink Patch Project again this October. From October 1-31, you'll notice ESPD personnel wearing pink patches on their uniforms. The patches are meant to start conversations that raise awareness about breast cancer and highlight the importance of early detection. Want to show your support? You can purchase your very own pink patch for $10 at www.espdppp.com. 

TIP-A-COP AT TOPGOLF | SATURDAY, OCTOBER 18TH
Join the El Segundo Police Department and Special Olympics Southern California Athletes for a Tip-A-Cop Event! Come out on Saturday, September 6th, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Topgolf located at 400 Pacific Coast Highway, El Segundo. During this fun-filled afternoon, El Segundo police personnel and Special Olympics athletes will be stepping into the role of servers, collecting tips to benefit Special Olympics Southern California. Your support helps provide year-round sports training and competition opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Enjoy food, golf, and the chance to make a meaningful impact, all in one afternoon! For more information and to reserve a bay visit Topgolf Tip-A-Cops (sosc.org).

NATIONAL FAITH & BLUE | OCTOBER 5TH, 19TH, AND 26TH. 
National Faith & Blue is a collaborative initiative that builds bridges and breaks down biases through activities and outreach amongst law enforcement professionals and the communities they serve. Each year, National Faith & Blue consists of thousands of locally organized events in all 50 states and believes that strong communities are built on mutual respect, trust and understanding. 

The El Segundo Police Department is proud to take part in this initiative for a third year and has partnered with the El Segundo United Methodist Church, Saint Andrew's Russian Greek Catholic Church, Church of Beach Cities, and Bridge South Bay on certain Sundays in October to host a "Coffee with a Cop" event.