The following is a synopsis of crimes reported from May 3, 2026 to May 9, 2026.
May 3, 2026
May 4, 2026
May 5, 2026
- Burglary (Residence):
- 800 block of Random Lane – On May 5, 2026 at 12 PM, the suspect(s) entered a back shed of the victim's home and stole a firearm. No arrest made. No surveillance video available. Temple DB to follow-up.
May 6, 2026
May 7, 2026
May 8, 2026
- Grand Theft Burglary (Copper Wire):
- 805 Highland Avenue – On May 8, 2026 at 2:55 PM, the suspect(s) removed a maintenance hole cover and stole copper wiring. No arrest made. No surveillance video available. Temple DB follow-up.
May 9, 2026
"Etch and Catch"
To help prevent theft and track stolen catalytic converters, LASD and Duarte Public Safety have collaborated with a local automotive business to launch the "Etch and Catch" anti-theft initiative. The aim is to deter potential thieves from stealing your vehicle's catalytic converter.
Here's how it works: The business listed below has agreed to etch your license plate number on your catalytic converter at no cost to you. When criminals notice the engraved license plate number, it is hoped that they will think twice before targeting your car. However, if they still attempt to steal your catalytic converter, law enforcement or a scrap yard will be able to identify it as stolen due to the markings.
Local scrap yards should refuse to accept any catalytic converter that bears these markings, and they should also reject any that show signs of the markings being partially or fully removed.
Feel free to call and schedule an "Etch and Catch" appointment at the following location:
Mountain View Tire and Automotive Service:
1098 E. Huntington Drive, Duarte, CA 91010
(626) 239-8529
The Virtual Deputy – Report an incident online!
The Virtual Deputy program, offered by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department (LASD), allows residents to schedule live, online meetings with deputies for non-emergency matters. This initiative helps individuals report specific crimes or ask questions, aiming to reduce lobby wait times and better allocate emergency resources. Residents can access this service at select stations, including Lancaster, Palmdale, Malibu/Lost Hills, Santa Clarita, Carson, and Temple.
Purpose: This service is designed for reporting non-urgent crimes or for inquiries related to law enforcement.
Not for Emergencies: Please note that this service is not intended for situations that require an immediate response, such as ongoing crimes, stolen vehicles, or traffic accidents.
Platform: Meetings take place live on Microsoft Teams. Process: Participants must respond to a set of pre-screening questions to determine whether their concern is suitable for a virtual meeting.
How to Access: Community members can visit their local station's website (for example, lasd.org/palmdale) and click the virtual deputy button, or scan the QR codes on station flyers.
Eligibility: This service is available only to residents within the station's jurisdiction.
Service Limitations: This service is not intended for submitting public complaints.
Important: Users need a device that supports Microsoft Teams. This will enable users to have a face-to-face conversation with a live deputy. This program is part of an effort to enhance the efficiency and accessibility of services, with plans to extend to additional stations.
