Holiday Safety
The holidays will soon be here, and many residents will be looking to buy that perfect gift.
Burglars are also out shopping but not at stores.
Instead, they are shopping at people’s homes.
Here are some holiday safety tips to remember:
• Be sure windows and doors are locked, especially when running extension cords outside to power holiday decorations.
• Use timers on lights when away from home.
• Keep outdoor holiday decorations close your home and stake them down securely.
• Be cautious of displaying gifts in plain view from the street.
• While out shopping, park in well-lit areas and keep bags in the trunk out of plain view.
• Be cautious of con/scam artists soliciting for phony charitable organizations. Both will prey on your generosity this time of year.
• When shopping online be sure to get tracking numbers for packages and promptly pick up packages once delivered.
• After the holidays, don’t pile empty boxes on the street. This may alert burglars to know what you received.
• If you plan to be away for the holidays, be sure to let a trusted neighbor know and fill out a “Vacation Check Request” form online, or at the police department.
Spark of Love Toy Drive
The South Pasadena Fire Department will be participating in the 33rd year of the “Spark of Love” Toy Drive.
From now through December 24, 2025, you can drop-off a new unwrapped toy or sports equipment at collection boxes located in the lobbies of the South Pasadena Fire and Police stations and inside City Hall.
Winter Holiday Overnight Parking Exemption
To enjoy the winter holidays with your family, no overnight parking permits will be needed between Monday, December 22, 2025 through Sunday, January 4, 2026.
However, this exemption does NOT exempt a vehicle from being parked for more than a consecutive 72-hour period on any public street.
The Crime Prevention Unit offers these FREE services
• Engravers to mark your property “Community Opportunity for Property Security (COPS) Program.”
• Home Inspection Surveys.
• Email alerts of crime bulletins and weekly crime summary.
If you would like to start a Neighborhood Watch Group or receive future copies of this newsletter, please contact the Crime Prevention Unit.
E-Commerce Safe Exchange Zone
Residents often use a variety of different social media websites/apps to shop online, especially during the holidays.
While great deals can be found online, caution should be taken when meeting up with the seller/buyer. Especially if the seller/buyer asks to meet in a secluded area.
Never meet alone and consider meeting at our police station.
The police station is an ideal location for face-to-face ecommerce transactions as it offers 24-hour video surveillance, a well-lit courtyard and plenty of street parking. An emergency phone is also in the lobby for use after hours that is connected directly to the police dispatcher.
Thefts from Vehicles
We continue to see thefts from vehicles occur, especially from unlocked vehicles. Many residents continue to leave their car doors unlocked, making it easy for the thief to enter.
Thieves will simply walk down the street and pull on door handles looking for an unlocked door.
If an item is in plain view and the doors are locked, the thief will smash the window and take it.
