In the Wake of Home Intruders, Police Offer Tips

As the investigation continues into the Tuesday morning intruders and gunfire at a Belmont Park home, the Long Beach Police Department offered some security tips for residents.

But first, an update. Police have assigned the case to the robbery detail due to the gunman. He or she fired at a male resident after the resident discovered three intruders in his home. It occurred at 8:35 a.m. in the 300 block of Santa Ana Avenue, near Appian Way. The updated police phone number to call with any information is (562) 570-7464.

It was initially labeled a case of cat burglary with one gunman, which department spokeswoman Nancy Pratt said was very early information. "As the investigation proceeds, you gather more information," she said.

The only suspect description is that the intruders were wearing black hoodies that concealed their faces, and at least one of them was male, Pratt said. Of the interest in the case, Pratt noted that "there aren't alot of crimes like this in that area."

Pratt offered the following tips: 

- Meet your neighbors, which makes it easier to recognize a person that doesn’t belong; neighbors that communicate are more likely to look out for one another.

- Report loiterers – loitering is often a precursor activity for burglars, enabling them to case the area.

- Immediately report suspicious activity by calling 9-1-1 and be sure to get a good description of any subjects and/or vehicles.

- Keep any gates to backyards locked and secure at all times.

- Request a free “vacation check” by contacting the Senior Police Partner volunteers at (562) 570-7212 .

- Be sure your house number is visible from the street, should Police or emergency personnel ever need to respond to your location.

- Keep porch lights on at night or install motion sensor lighting – this makes suspicious persons visible, as well as your house number.

- When away for extended periods, make sure your home has the “lived in” look; lights on timers, ask a neighbor to park in your driveway, clear any newspapers and fliers that may accumulate.

For more information, please visit the LBPD's website at www.longbeach.gov/police, and click on "Crime Prevention."