To say I was shocked to read a recent Manhattan Beach, California police report would be an understatement. The sleepy beachside community, just a few miles from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), is famous for being the Beach Volleyball Capital of the World and its gorgeous views of the Pacific Ocean from the Strand. There’s not a lot of shocking news that takes place … except what happened last week according to the city’s crime report.
“On 09/13/24 officers responded to the 1700 block of Laurel Avenue (American Martyrs School) regarding a vehicle burglary. The victim parked their vehicle along the curb in front of the gym off 15th Street. The victim went into the gym with their child and when they returned back to their vehicle discovered the rear passenger side window was shattered. The victim stated that a cardboard box containing approximately $1 million dollars was stolen. Officers and the victim discovered a device appearing to be a GPS affixed to the vehicle.”
There’s a lot to digest here, first and foremost: One million dollars? Inside a cardboard box? I have so many questions: Was it cash? What denomination were the bills? What was the money for and where was it from? Is it drug money? Or just a big insurance fraud lie?
Manhattan Beach is one of the wealthiest cities in the United States but is it possible that rich people walk around with a million dollars in cash? According to locals, the victim didn’t live in Manhattan Beach but rather in Bel Air, and was dropping their kid off at a volleyball match or practice. They were obviously targeted since there was a GPS tracker attached to the vehicle and very few windows get smashed in the South Bay.
The victim should be relieved that nothing happened to them since last year, a passerby recorded thieves robbing a driver after an ‘intentional’ crash on the 10 Freeway in South Los Angeles since he was carrying jewels. Video embedded below.
Here’s how to find these trackers on your car, according to an Ontario (Canada) police officer interviewed by Global News: “iPhone users will receive a notification if an AirTag is nearby while Android users can download an app called Tracker Detect to receive the same alert. Tracker Detect can help you find the device by playing a sound to help find it.”
Experts also recommend equipping your vehicle with your own AirTag since it could assist police if your vehicle is ever stolen. Just make sure it is well hidden.
As for Manhattan Beach, if you ever have a long layover at LAX, here’s what to do in this quintessential California beach town to break up your trip – just don’t bring a million dollars in cash.
The MBPD also had some advice on how to reduce the risk of being a victim of a street robbery with these effective crime prevention tips:
1. Pay attention to your surroundings.
2. Trust your instincts. If something feels off act on it, cross the street, enter a store.
3. Stick to well-lit and busy areas.
4. Keep expensive items out of view
5. Carry minimum cash and credit cards.
6. Travel in groups.
7. If possible, avoid being alone at night.
KEEP READING:
–The family-friendly California attraction you’ve never heard of but need to visit
–5 family-friendly California road trip ideas from Los Angeles
–The 10 most Instagrammable tourist attractions in California
–California road trip: Los Angeles to San Francisco and must-visit stops along the way
–Our first family trip to Legoland and The Castle Hotel
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