Stay Safe, Larchmont.

In light of safety concerns in Larchmont, Los Angeles, where many residents have experienced break-ins, it’s important to take proactive measures to protect your home. Here are some constructive tips that may help enhance the security of your property.

Security Tips

Make your home look occupied.

Always keep your lights on when you leave your house. If you're going to be away at night or for an extended period, set up your lamps with automatic timers. Lights turning on at night and off during the day is an effective way to maintain a sense of presence in your home. Invest in devices, apps, and smart light bulbs that can help you manage this easily.

Lock all doors/windows/gates and keep garage doors closed.

Always remember to check and double-check that everything is secure. It may seem obvious, but it's easy to overlook. Ensure that all doors and windows are securely locked. Additionally, keep garage doors and outside gates closed and locked at all times.

Do not let your mail and/or packages accumulate.

If you are going out of town, schedule a USPS mail hold. UPS and FedEx offer package holds as well. Alternatively, ask someone to collect your mail and packages while you are away.

Store all bikes, scooters, mowers, etc. out of sight. Do not leave items in your front yard or on your front porch. If they see it, they’ll take it.

    • Ensure there is adequate exterior lighting—motion-sensitive lights are recommended for backyards.

    • Keep trees and shrubs trimmed to eliminate potential hiding spots for intruders.

    • Verify that your door hinges are located on the inside.

    • Always lock your side gates and entry gates.

    • Make it difficult to scale your side gates and walls.

    • Do not store ladders in the yard; keep them securely locked in the garage.

    • Ensure that you activate your alarm system whenever your home is vacant, even if you are leaving for just a short period.

    • For homes with a lot of glass, consider installing glass break detectors to provide an early warning in case of intruders.

  • Sliding glass doors are highly susceptible to break-ins. Special locks are available for enhanced security. You can also place a dowel at the base of the doors to prevent them from sliding open. To prevent access by way of shattered glass surfaces, consider installing security window film on all windows and sliding glass doors.

  • While security cameras may not deter all criminals, they can provide valuable information to the police. They can also provide information about where your home is vulnerable to break-ins. There are many brands to consider. Neighbors have recommended Google Nest, ADT, and Deep Sentinel.

  • Always lock your vehicle. Keep your car clean and free of valuables. Car break-ins are often a crime of opportunity. Thieves will go from house to house checking for unlocked car doors. Also be aware that potential thieves can purchase a device that amplifies and relays the signal from your key fob, allowing them to open your car even if the keys are far away. Protecting your fob can stop hackers and potential thieves in their tracks. Store your keys in a signal-blocking pouch or metal box when not in use. In a pinch, you can wrap your key fob in aluminum foil.

  • Many residents in our neighborhood choose to enhance their home security by subscribing to 24/7 armed security patrols, in addition to the security alarm system monitoring. SSA Security Group and ADT offer subscription-based private security and on-call patrol services in our community.

Safety Overview

  • Employ Common Sense

    Exercise caution when walking alone at night. Have your keys ready and enter your house as quickly as possible upon your return. Stay aware of your surroundings—both sights and sounds. Always be mindful of the risks associated with added distractions. Wearing headphones not only distracts you but also prevents you from hearing if someone is approaching.

  • Report.

    Many people mistakenly avoid calling the police except to report the most serious of incidents. The Los Angeles Police Department clearly advises that all incidents should be reported. Resources are allocated based on these reports, and tackling "quality of life" crimes has proven effective, often leading to arrests for more serious offenses. It's crucial to understand the impact of reporting all incidents, as it strengthens community safety and enhances law enforcement efforts. Always ASK FOR AN INCIDENT NUMBER whenever you make a report.

  • Beef Up Home Security

    Research shows that weak locks, insufficient lighting, and overgrown shrubbery can increase the risk of crime. To enhance safety, consider taking proactive steps: strengthen those locks, trim back the hedges, and install motion-sensitive lights. Avoid sharing your Wi-Fi password freely; only grant access to people you trust.

  • Ask for Identification

    Do not allow repair or sales personnel to enter your home without proper identification. Ask to see an official badge, name tag, or employer i.d. prior to permitting them entry into the residence. In the past, criminals have posed as utility workers to case properties they plan to burglarize.

  • Trespass Arrest Authorization

    A Trespass Arrest Authorization filed with the LAPD Division in which you live, along with appropriate signage, is an important tool. Properly filled out and with your property posted, it allows LAPD Officers onto your property to detain and ARREST trespassers even if you are not at home to make a complaint. CLICK HERE for step-by-step instructions.

  • Get Involved

    Find out who your block captain is, and offer to help them. Consider becoming a block captain if you don’t have one yet! Get to know your neighbors, and do not hesitate to question any suspicious behavior. Join your neighborhood watch group.

“There is nothing more important than a good, safe, secure home.”

— Rosalynn Carter

LAPD Crime Prevention

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