Construction Site Burglary
Although the crime level is very low in Sunset Mesa, it is still very concerning when an incident occurs. Approximately 3 weeks ago, a home under construction on Kingsport Drive was burglarized. The home had just been wired and was waiting for an electrical inspection when burglars broke in during the night and stole a significant amount of copper and other wiring from the property. According to the Sheriff’s Dept., the theft may have occurred over two nights.
About a week after the crime, the Sheriff’s arrested two men who were driving suspiciously through the neighborhood at one a.m. in the morning and had information on them linking them to a scrap metal yard that is known to purchase used copper wire. We have no further information regarding this incident to report at this time. The LA County Sheriff Dept. has increased the frequency of its patrols of Sunset Mesa for the time being.
We remind everyone that you can monitor incidents in Sunset Mesa through CrimeMapping.com - Helping You Build a Safer Community
How to help prevent Construction Site Burglaries
With construction slated to increase dramatically in the next few months, we strongly advise homeowners and general contractors to be prepared for more burglary attempts:
Here are a few tips/ideas on how to help prevent construction site burglaries:
Secure temporary fencing – the taller the better and the harder to climb the better. Mesh material added to the temporary fence to make it harder to look in and see what they have. Locked gates when no one is there.
Keep the property well lit or have motion lights
If possible, store all valuables inside a lockable storage shed if not able to be inside the house (walls open etc.). Try not to leave anything valuable in the open
Install a security system and/or surveillance cameras where possible
Educate workers on security awareness – encourage them to be alert for people potentially casing and report them
ADT Dedicated Patrol Initiative The SMPOA continues to encourage residents to sign up with ADT. If we reach a high enough participation threshold, we can secure a dedicated 24-hour patrol specifically for Sunset Mesa. ADT is currently offering a one-month credit for new members who sign a two-year agreement.
Joe Marin: jcmarin@adt.com | 310-678-3561
Jorge Esparza: JEsparza@adt.com | 424-731-2709
ADT is now offering a one-month credit to new members who sign a 2 year agreement. If we can get enough homes signed up, we can get to a point where we have a dedicated patrol just for Sunset Mesa 24 hours per day.