Full Notification

The following is a synopsis of crimes reported for the week of November 2, 2025 – November 8, 2025.       

November 2, 2025 

• Domestic Violence: 

2000 Block of Hacienda Drive – On November 2, 2025 at 1 AM, the suspect assaulted the victim, causing injury during an argument. No arrest made. Temple DB to follow-up.

November 3, 2025 

• No significant activity.

November 4, 2025 

• No significant activity.

November 5, 2025 

• Vehicle Burglary: 

Encanto Parkway/Markwood Place – On November 5, 2025 at 5:45 PM, the victim went for a short walk, and upon his return, he noticed his truck’s bed lock had been cut and multiple items had been stolen. No surveillance video is available. No arrest made. Temple DB to follow-up.

November 6, 2025 

• No significant activity.

November 7, 2025 

• No significant activity.

November 8, 2025 

• Grand Theft (Catalytic Converter): 

1000 Block of Hurstview Street – On November 8, 2025 at 12 AM, the victim’s vehicle was parked in front of her home when the suspect cut and removed the catalytic converter. No surveillance video is available. No arrest made. Temple DB to follow-up.

• Grand Theft (Catalytic Converter): 

2000 Block of Delford Street – On November 8, 2025 at 12:10 AM, the victim’s vehicle was parked in front of her home when the suspect cut and removed the catalytic converter. No surveillance video is available. No arrest made. Temple DB to follow-up.
  One of the most frustrating experiences for a car owner is the prevalent form of theft known as the “smash-and-grab” car break-in, which is also one of the most frequent types of larceny in the United States. Rather than taking the entire vehicle, thieves typically target valuable items inside, leaving the owner to endure the tedious and expensive process of replacing those items while also managing the necessary car repairs.

QUICK AND DIRTY
Car smash-and-grabs occur away from public view: Most criminals operate alone. The last thing they desire is a gathering of spectators equipped with cell phones and pepper spray. Therefore, it is advisable to ensure your vehicle remains highly visible:

• Park in proximity to other individuals. Opt for busy parking lots that have a significant amount of pedestrian and vehicle activity.
• If you plan to leave your car unattended after dark, select a well-lit location or one close to a lamppost.
• Choose a parking lot that has an attendant rather than one that does not.

Deter thieves through effective anti-theft strategies:
Thieves tend to be inherently lazy. In the case of car break-ins, they typically seek not a substantial reward but rather a quick thrill or a small financial gain with minimal effort. By making your vehicle a more challenging target, you render it less appealing to them.

• Always ensure your doors are locked and windows are fully closed when parking.
• If you possess a security system, make sure to activate it. Consider applying window tinting (if allowed by local regulations), as it complicates the process of surveying your vehicle.
• Implement additional security measures, such as devices that secure the steering wheel, to safeguard your car and signal to thieves that you have enhanced your security.
• Avoid using the console or glove compartment as makeshift lock boxes, as these are easily recognizable by thieves.
• Below is a snapshot of thefts from vehicles comparing Los Angeles County to Duarte. Let’s work as a community to keep these numbers under control.
  • Los Angeles County: There were approximately 56,724 Thefts from Motor Vehicles in 2024 (Vehicle theft totals for 2025 are still pending at the end of the year).
  • City of Duarte: There have been approximately 22 Thefts from Motor Vehicles in 2025

The City of Duarte has seen a drastic drop in the reported number of thefts of motor vehicles (22). Yet, lately, on a weekly basis, I have approved on average at least one (1) theft of a vehicle report. As a friendly reminder, theft is an opportunity. Should an individual break into your vehicle and recognize the chance to not only take your belongings but also your car, you are confronted with a significantly greater loss.