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Duarte public-safety director reports 15.9% rise in Part 1 crimes; council presses for e-bike signage and riverbed sweeps
Summary
Public-safety Director Larry Bressida reported a 15.9% year‑to‑date increase in Part 1 crimes driven by vehicle- and retail-related thefts; council members sought clearer e-bike signage, education and a phased enforcement plan and discussed riverbed sweeps and resources.
Larry Bressida, the city's public-safety director, told the council the city is seeing a 15.9% increase in Part 1 crimes year to date compared with the same period in 2025, attributing the rise mainly to larceny/theft tied to vehicles (including catalytic-converter thefts) and retail thefts. He said the department has coordinated special operations with the district attorney’s office, deployed undercover operations and used portable camera systems to deter crime.
"We are seeing a 15.9% increase in our Part 1 crimes," Bressida said, and described setting up specialized operations to address hotspots and trends.
Council members followed with questions about riverbed encampments and enforcement. Council member Chong asked whether activity in the riverbed had risen; Bressida said incidents had increased from 82 to 95 in the comparable timeframe—an increase of 13 incidents—and that the department is conducting sweeps and coordinating with the Army Corps of Engineers, though environmental rules (including protections for endangered species) complicate vegetation management.
Council members also pressed on the city's approach to the recently adopted e-bike ordinance and to safety on trails. Bressida said staff have carried out an education program at schools and trail areas, issued warnings while the city phases in enforcement, and plan to install signage and feedback devices during the trail rehabilitation effort. He said the department is also exploring options such as providing helmets in lieu of fines for younger riders and noted that responsibility for paying fines on minors rests with parents under current practice.
Council member Finley and others urged more visible signage and asked whether the city could restrict some trails to pedal-assist bikes only. Bressida said the commission and council can review additional restrictions; staff are collecting feedback during the education phase and plan to transition to enforcement after an education period.
Bressida also described riverbed arrests for trespassing when individuals decline offers of services and resources, saying that the department prioritizes offering assistance before making arrests.
No formal motions or votes were taken on enforcement policy at the meeting; council directed staff to continue education, pursue signage and report back on enforcement plans.
