As summer vacations begin and temperatures rise, the South Pasadena Police Department (SPPD) is encouraging residents to take safety precautions while also spotlighting a youth incentive program and rising tailgate thefts in the region.
Vacation Safety Tips for Traveling Families
With many families planning trips, SPPD reminds residents that burglars don’t take vacations. Officers advise homeowners to take several precautions to secure their property while away:
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Lock all doors, windows, and side gates.
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Activate house alarms and ensure signs are visible.
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Use timers on lights and radios to make your home appear occupied.
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Avoid posting travel plans on social media until you return.
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Maintain landscaping during absences.
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Share emergency contact info with a neighbor.
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Stop mail and newspaper deliveries.
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Have a neighbor collect flyers or packages.
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Submit a “Vacation Check Request” form to the police department.
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Monitor video doorbells and respond to alerts promptly.
“Operation Chill” Rewards Good Deeds Among Local Youth
This summer, SPPD is once again participating in 7-Eleven’s “Operation Chill”, a program designed to reward positive behavior in children.
Officers may issue “tickets” to kids seen doing good deeds like wearing helmets, obeying traffic laws, or picking up litter. These tickets can be redeemed for a FREE small Slurpee at participating 7-Eleven locations.
Launched in 1995, the Operation Chill program has distributed over 24 million coupons through law enforcement agencies across the U.S. and Canada.
Crime Prevention Unit Offers Free Services
The SPPD Crime Prevention Unit is also offering free services to help residents protect their property, including:
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Engraving personal items as part of the “Community Opportunity for Property Security (COPS)” Program.
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Home inspections and security surveys.
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Email crime alerts and weekly crime summaries.
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Support for starting a Neighborhood Watch Group.
To schedule services, residents are encouraged to contact the Crime Prevention Unit directly.
Tailgate Thefts Rise Across San Gabriel Valley
The department has also issued a warning about a rise in pickup truck tailgate thefts, particularly targeting Toyota Tacomas. These thefts are quick, often taking only seconds, and costly—replacement tailgates can exceed $1,000, especially for newer trucks with built-in backup cameras.
Tailgates are often resold or scrapped for metal, prompting police to share the following prevention tips:
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Lock the tailgate, if possible.
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Park the truck near walls or fences to block access to the tailgate.
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Engrave the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the tailgate.
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Consider installing aftermarket locking mechanisms.
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Some owners have successfully used GPS trackers for recovery.
For more safety resources, visit the South Pasadena Police Department’s official website or contact the department’s non-emergency line.
This newsletter is a publication by the South Pasadena Police Department, Crime Prevention Unit. Officer Richard Lee
South Pasadena Police Department, 1422 Mission Street, South Pasadena, CA 91030 626-403-7270
Chief of Police – Brian Solinsky
