Neighborhood Watch Bulletin Board
"We Watch Out For Each Other"
Stranger in Wilderness Park
Suspicious Man Spotted on Highland Oaks Dr.
-Article by David Arvizu
Sept. 16th, 2024: This individual was spotted walking up Highland Oaks Drive around 5 PM on Monday. Based on his appearance, it was clear that he was not a resident of the Highlands. I followed him from the 1600 block of Highland Oaks Drive for about 20 minutes, until he reached the gate at Wilderness Park.
When it appeared that he was trying to get into the park, I rolled down my window and told him that Wilderness Park was closed, and that Arcadia had a “No Camping” law.
His response was less than cordial, and he basically told me to mind my own business. I replied that it was my business, sense I was the Area Coordinator for the Neighborhood Watch Program and that if he didn't leave that I would call Arcadia Police Department. He responded by telling me what I could do with my phone, (which I won't repeat here).
At that point, I called dispatch and informed them that there was a suspicious individual trying to jimmy the lock on the gate into Wilderness Park. Not wanting to escalate the situation any further, I drove up the street, out of sight of the individual, and waited for the police to arrive.
According to the police report, when they arrived at the park, they could not find this individual. The officer checked the gate and confirmed that the lock had not been opened.
It is my suspicion that the individual climbed the gate after I left and entered Wilderness Park. As residents, we are keenly aware of how dangerous it is for someone to camp in Wilderness Park, especially if they decide that they're going to set a campfire for the evening. If you see this individual or others trying to enter the Wilderness Park gate, please contact the Arcadia Police at (626) 574-5123.
Break-In on Highland Oaks Dr.
Burglar Cuts Internet and Phone Wires
-Article by David Arvizu
An unidentified individual broke into a home on the 1300 block of Highland Oaks Drive. The individual gained entry into the yard by climbing over a side gate. Before entering into the home, the suspect cut the Internet, cable and phone lines going into the house, in an attempt to disable any type of security system. The burglar managed to enter through a bathroom window, but when he stepped into the hallway of the house, he triggered an internal alarm system. Police believe that the sound of the alarm scared him away, and according to the homeowner, nothing was taken.
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As more and more security systems rely on either phone or internet to activate, crooks have started cutting these wires before entering homes.
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PRO TIP: You can contact your cable/internet provider and have them re-run your cable-box and wires so that they enter your home at the attic level, thus making it much more difficult for thieves to reach the wires.
Crime of Opportunity
Crooks Take Advantage of Unlocked Door
-Article by David Arvizu
Sept. 5th, 2024: An unidentified person broke into an unlocked car near the 1200 block of Highland Oaks Dr.
The crook managed to steal some cash from inside the car, but nothing else was taken. The owner of the car stated that they believe they may have forgotten to lock the doors.
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Other residents in the area have reported seeing individuals on their security camera footage "checking" door handles on cars parked in driveways in the middle of the night.
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The best deterrent is to remember to lock your cars and do not leave valuables inside them overnight.​​
Open Gate Invites Crime
Gate Leading to Santa Anita Canyon Left Open
-Article by David Arvizu
Sept. 18th, 2024: Work continues in the Santa Anita Canyon, as workers attempt to clear debris left over from recent storms. Unfortunately, when they left the work site each night, the gate was left wide open, (at the intersection of Highland Oaks Dr. and Elkins Ave). This left many residents vulnerable to trespassers, who could easily enter their backyards from the canyon.
On Sept. 17th, I spoke at the City Council meeting and asked to have the workers lock the gate each night when they leave. The next day, when I drove by at 6:30pm, the gate was locked.
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Thank you City Council & City Staff for your quick response!
