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Crime Alerts
La Mesa City Hall
8130 Allison Avenue
La Mesa, CA 91942
619.463.6611

Hours: 7:30 am - 5:30 pm
Monday - Friday
Closed alternate Fridays
 


Find out what's happening in the city. Below is a list of current news releases.


News & Announcements - All
 
News & Announcements -  Crime Alert Announcements
Increase in Vehicle Burglaries and Auto Theft - Posted: 02/11/10
The majority of these burglaries have been centralized in two areas of La Mesa; the area north of Fletcher Parkway, east of Baltimore Drive and west of Jackson Drive and in the area of Amaya Drive and Severin Drive. Most of these vehicle burglaries have occurred during the late night and early morning hours and involve some type of forced entry.

Residents are encouraged to take items such as laptop computers, personal electronic devices, sports equipment and any other valuable property with them when they park their vehicles for the night. Please report any suspicious or unusual activity immediately to the Police Department. If you believe you see someone in the act of committing a burglary or auto theft, call 9-1-1.

There is additional security and theft prevention information available on the City website.

You may also call Crime Stoppers' anonymous toll-free tip line (888) 580-TIPS (or www.sdcrimestoppers.com). You can remain anonymous, and be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to an arrest.

[Crime Prevention Video]

Eight Burglaries in La Mesa - Posted: 12/18/09
Yesterday during the early morning hours, eight cars were burglarized in La Mesa, mostly in the 5600 block of Amaya Dr. and the 9100 block of Campina Dr. Various items were stolen during the burglaries, mostly consisting of loose items lying in open view. There is no suspect description at this time.

The La Mesa Police Department would like to advise the public to practice crime prevention precautions, especially during the Holiday season. People should always lock their cars, even if they are only leaving them for a short period of time. Nothing should be left visible inside the car of any value. Valuables and presents should be locked out of sight inside the trunk.

If you have any information on this case or any others, please call the La Mesa Police Department at (619) 667-1400. You may also call Crime Stoppers’ anonymous toll-free tip line (888) 580-TIPS (or www.sdcrimestoppers.com). You can remain anonymous, and be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to an arrest in this case.

[View Press Release]

Recent Increase in Residential Burglary Dating Back to Nov. 17 - Posted: 12/01/09
There has been a recent increase in residential burglary activity in certain areas of La Mesa, dating back to November 17. The burglaries have been committed in the Southwest and Southeast sides of the city. The following are the blocks that have been affected:

South West:
4200 block of 70th St.
4200 block of Eastridge
4600 block of Katherine
4000 block of Marian
7500 block of Ohio
4700 block of Zelda
3800 block of Massachusetts

South East:
4200 block of Palm
4500 block of 4th
8600 block of Butte
8900 block of Alpine

The suspects from the case on 4th Street were described as a White male 27-28 years old, 6 feet, 1 inch tall, 170-180 pounds with black hair and wearing black sunglasses, a dark t-shirt and jeans. The second suspect was described as being a White male, 24-25 years old, 5 feet, 9 inches tall, 150 pounds with brown hair and wearing a light t-shirt and camouflage green pants.

Almost all of the burglaries have been committed during daytime hours on weekdays, which is typical for residential burglaries. The point of entry for many of the burglaries was a side window, a garage pedestrian door, or a shed door. The loss in several of the cases included electronics, computers, jewelry, a bike or motorcycle.

Residents in these areas should be alert to suspicious or unusual activity and are asked to report information immediately to the Police Department. If you believe you see someone in the act of committing a burglary, call 9-1-1.
Information about securing your home to help prevent burglaries is available on the City website, in the Police Department’s crime prevention video page


 
News & Announcements - City Homepage
Public Safety Concerns at Railroad Crossings (Updated 03/10/10)
traffic photo
Railroad crossings are inherently dangerous and drivers and pedestrians need to exercise caution whenever approaching or crossing any railway. There are several vehicle and railroad crossings in La Mesa and the laws governing driving through a railway are very specific.

Basically, if there are flashing red lights at a railroad crossing with bells sounding and the mechanical arms moving, all vehicles and pedestrians are required to stop, and remain stopped, before reaching the first set of railroad tracks, allowing enough clearance for the train or trolley to safely pass. Vehicles and pedestrians may then proceed when there are no longer any flashing red lights, bells sounding, the mechanical arms are fully raised, and a green traffic light allows for the safe crossing.

Additionally, when approaching a railroad crossing that has a steady red stop light at the intersection, vehicles are required to come to a complete stop before the first rail, allowing at least fifteen feet clearance for the train or trolley to safely pass. It is illegal and very dangerous for cars to proceed over the railroad tracks and stop for the red light while the car remains partially on the tracks or within 15 feet of the rails.

In the City of La Mesa, the police have been enforcing these laws due to the public safety hazard involved. The rail signal systems are not infallible, and vehicles can potentially stall on the tracks. Therefore, these laws regulate the crossing of railroad tracks in attempts to avoid a tragedy. Most collisions involving vehicles with trains or trolleys result in severe injury or death.

The public is reminded that the limit line for vehicles to stop and wait for the green traffic light is located prior to the first rail that is about to be crossed. The City is installing additional signs at railroad crossing intersections to indicate where drivers should stop. A sign for eastbound Allison Avenue at Spring Street is now in place, in the center median.

In our City, there is not enough space on the far side of the tracks to safely accommodate vehicles without significantly endangering the vehicle passengers and train passengers. For the safety of all concerned, please stop at the solid white limit line prior to crossing the tracks, and only cross upon a green light and when it is safe to do so.

In the photo, the red car is properly stopped at a red light at the limit line before the first set of trolley tracks. The silver car is illegally stopped at the forward limit line, partially on the rail tracks, and in violation of the law.

Help us keep our community great - get involved!
Applications are now being accepted for vacancies on the Community Services Commission and the Youth Advisory Commission. [Additional Info...]
La Mesa is Looking at Ways to Make Our Streets Safer for All Types of Travel
You can help us by taking a short survey about walking, biking and taking transit in La Mesa. [Take Online Survey Now!]
US Census Survey 2010
The US Census Survey is a necessary government activity, yet it is wise to be cautious of what information you are giving out and who is collecting it. [Read on...]
FREE Disaster Preparedness Classes Through CERT!
CERT Logo
Are you prepared for a disaster? If not, consider enrolling in one of our 2010 Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) academies. These classes are free. The information is priceless!

Visit the East County CERT website for all the details: East County CERT

Feb - April 2010 FOCUS Now Available
Focus
The La Mesa FOCUS online newsletter is produced quarterly and meets the growing demand for computerized access to up-to-date information about activities and noteworthy projects occurring in the community.

City staff would like to hear what you think about the current issue. After you read the newsletter, take a moment and give us your feedback.

FOCUS Newsletter
FOCUS Survey
Additional Information

Clarification of Services Provided at La Mesa Branch Post Office
View a listing of services provided by the new La Mesa Post Office. [Additional info...]
Mayor's Audit Report
Read Mayor Madrid's 2009 City of La Mesa Annual [Audit Report]

 
News & Announcements - Community Development
La Mesa is Looking at Ways to Make Our Streets Safer for All Types of Travel
You can help us by taking a short survey about walking, biking and taking transit in La Mesa. [Take Online Survey Now!]

 
News & Announcements - Community Services
Fun with Physics - Saturday, March 20
NEW! Fun with Physics has fun for all ages. Join us on March 20 from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon at the Boys and Girls Teen Club at Highwood Park. Free! Call Community Services at 619.667.1300 for more information.

The Boys and Girls Teen Club is located at 7775 Junior High Drive in Highwood Park in La Mesa. [Additional info...]

Enroll Now for Aquatics Classes
The spring youth aquatics class schedule is available now. Enroll online, by mail, fax, or drop off enrollments at the La Mesa Community Center. Call Community Services at 619.667.1300 for more information.

Go to www.cityoflamesa.com/classes for online enrollment. [Aquatics info...]

La Mesa Flag Day Parade - June 5
Winning Float
La Mesa Flag Day Parade will start at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 5. We are accepting entry applications now. Deadline to submit entries is April 29.

For more information, please call Community Services at 619-667-1300. [Entry application...]

Spring Classes Starting - Enroll Now
Class Schedule
Enroll online, by mail, or drop off enrollments at the La Mesa Community Center. Call Community Services at 619.667.1300 for more information.

Go to www.cityoflamesa.com/classes for online enrollment. [Class Schedule...]


 
News & Announcements - Finance Department
Proposition L
Sales Tax Changes Became Effective April 1, 2009. [Read on...]

 
News & Announcements - Fire Department
FREE Disaster Preparedness Classes Through CERT!
CERT Logo
Are you prepared for a disaster? If not, consider enrolling in one of our 2010 Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) academies. These classes are free. The information is priceless!

Visit the East County CERT website for all the details: East County CERT


 
News & Announcements - Police Department News
Neighborhood Update
The La Mesa Police Department has some exciting news to share! We have implemented a new system on our website so our citizens can keep up-to-date on current crime in their neighborhoods. This feature is called Neighborhood Update and will enable you to type in your address to view what police activity has occurred in your neighborhood. There is also a feature that allows you to put in your e-mail address to have crimes e-mailed to you. Keep in mind that this feature is different than the press-releases that are sent out from the police department. You will have to sign up for Neighborhood Update separately.

Here is how it works:

-Log on to www.cityoflamesa.com

-Click on the "Crime Alert" button

-Click on the phrase "My Neighborhood Update"

-Move the map around to find your neighborhood or type your FULL address into the "Enter an Address" box

-You can narrow down your results on the left side by unchecking boxes. For example, if you don't wish to know about traffic stops, uncheck the box marked "Traffic"

-On the lower right side of the map, you can enter what date range you wish to view. You can look back as far as 4 years!

-Click on the bubble that indicates the location of the incident to see more info.

-Keep in mind that this will only show what hundred block the incident occurred in, it will not show exact addresses because it is not public information.

-Near the upper-left corner of the map is a green button titled "Get E-Mail Alerts." Click on it to enter your e-mail address if you want to receive updates.

Feel free to share this website with all of your neighbors.