La Verne police report rise in vehicle burglaries, urge residents to secure cars and valuables

La Verne police told the Board of Mayor and Aldermen on March 4 that the city has seen a recent rise in vehicle burglaries and thefts and asked residents to secure vehicles and valuables.

Captain Call of the La Verne Police Department told the board that investigators have opened multiple cases and that the department is directing "significant resources" to the incidents. "We are begging the citizens to lock your car, take in your keys, your guns, and your medication," Call said, describing the thefts as opportunistic and sometimes the work of organized rings.

Call said some thefts appear to be sophisticated: crews photographing vehicle identification numbers and using electronic tools to start vehicles. He noted the department is investigating whether shifts in drug availability are a contributing factor but added that officials "won't know till the data is put out." A board member asked, "Of the 24 vehicles, how many were left unlocked?" Call said that information was not available at the meeting and that multiple vehicles were locked.

Police also reported that vehicle types targeted have shifted over time; Call said that while Kias were commonly stolen about a year ago, recent incidents have included Dodge Challengers and Chargers. He said the department has increased traffic stops and other enforcement in response, and encouraged residents to report suspicious behavior.

The report came during the board's departmental reports segment and did not include a vote or formal policy change. The board did not direct additional legislation at the meeting; Captain Call said investigators will continue work and release data as it becomes available.

Local officials reiterated simple prevention steps at the meeting: lock vehicles, remove valuables and firearms from unattended cars, and report thefts to the police department.