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Police report: overall crime down in 2024; traffic enforcement and regional auto‑theft task force credited with declines
Summary
Police Chief Barrientos reported overall decreases in serious property crimes in 2024 but an uptick in traffic enforcement and mental‑health calls, highlighting regional task‑force partnerships for auto‑theft and special‑response support.
Sierra Madre Police Chief (Barrientos) reported to council that overall serious property crimes (Group A) declined in 2024, while traffic enforcement increased and mental‑health calls rose.
Chief Barrientos said residential and commercial burglaries and thefts declined compared with 2023, while aggravated assaults rose slightly and were primarily associated with domestic incidents. Detective work showed more felony arrests (15 in 2024 vs. 10 in 2023) and more felony filings. The department credited participation in a regional auto‑theft prevention task force (TRAP) with helping recover stolen vehicles — four of seven vehicle thefts listed to date were recovered with TRAP assistance.
Traffic enforcement was a major focus; citations rose from 582 in 2023 to 891 in 2024. Non‑injury collisions fell but non‑injury hit‑and‑runs increased (11 to 25). The department said higher enforcement typically reduces collisions but noted the hit‑and‑run trend remains a concern.
Barrientos also outlined regional partnerships and specialized units: TRAP (San Gabriel Valley auto‐theft task force) recovered vehicles and executed search warrants; the Foothill Special Enforcement Team (FSET/SWAT) answered 20 activations in 2024 and could be deployed to Sierra Madre when needed; and air support is contracted through the Pasadena Police aviation service. The department also reported ongoing bear‑related calls and said monthly data are submitted to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
“We are a very, very, very safe city,” Barrientos said, adding the department will continue community outreach, traffic safety and interagency collaboration.
Councilmembers praised the department’s outreach, traffic enforcement and work with regional partners and asked staff to continue public education and refine bicycle and scooter safety enforcement.
