PASADENA, CA – On January 26, 2008, the Pasadena Police Department, Special Investigations Unit conducted a Minor Decoy Operation at various licensed liquor establishments in the city. The minor attempted to purchase alcohol from eight establishments, two of which sold alcohol to the minor. The establishments that made the sale were Sushi of Naples, located at 735 E. Green Street and AMF Bahama Lanes, located at 3545 E. Foothill Boulevard. Under the Minor Decoy operation, the minor must be under 20, must have the appearance of a minor and must answer truthfully if asked their age. Those who sell alcohol to a minor face a fine and/or community service for the first violation. In addition, the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) will take administrative action against the business’s liquor license. That may include a fine, a suspension of the liquor license, or permanent revocation of the license.

ABC is conducting the compliance checks state-wide to reduce the availability of alcohol to minors. Statistics have shown that young people under the age of 21 have a higher rate of drunken driving fatalities than the general adult population.

Minor Decoy operations have been conducted by local law enforcement throughout the state since the 1980’s. When the program first began, the violation rate of retail establishments selling to minors was as high as 40 to 50 percent. When conducted on a routine basis, the rate has dropped in some cities as low as 10 percent or even below.

To view the PDF version of this Press Release click:  Minor Decoy Operation

Pasadena, CA – Over the past six months, there have been approximately two dozen residential burglaries in the South East area of Pasadena, that have typically taken place in the early morning hours between 3 and 7 a.m. In many of the cases, windows were broken and items that were clearly visible from the outside, such as purses, wallets and small electronics were removed through the window. In other cases doors left unlocked were used by the suspect to commit the crime. Several residents have been alerted by noises or activation of their outdoor motion-sensing lights. The south East area is defined by the boundaries of Colorado Boulevard to the north, Lake Avenue to the west, and the City boundaries to the east and south. While most of the burglaries have been confined to that area there are some outside of those boundaries that police believe have been committed by the same individual(s). “We believe that the same individual is responsible for at least 14 of these burglaries. While we have put in place many mechanisms to assist with the investigation of these thefts, we really need the public’s help in identifying this individual for apprehension,” says Acting Chief of Police Chris Vicino. “That is why we are making this surveillance tape available to the media in the hopes that someone will recognize this person and call.”

Pasadena Police Detectives have released the attached video image taken from security surveillance at one of the burglaries hoping that someone may recognize the subject on the tape. The number to call to provide detectives with any information is (626) 744-4522 during business hours or to (626) 744-4241 after hours. The media can obtain a full copy of the security video from the Pasadena Police Department by contacting Janet Pope Givens at (626) 744-7537 or the Watch Commander.

Residents are encouraged to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity, including persons loitering in the area or sitting in cars, regardless of the time of day or night. Residents should also ensure their doors and windows are looked before retiring for the night.

To view the PDF version of this Press Release click the link: Police Seek Public’s Help in Identifying Serial Burglar

The Pasadena Police Department will be conducting a Red Light Enforcement Program on Friday, January 11, 2008. This enforcement program will be deployed throughout the Pasadena area. The hours of operation will be from 7:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

The program is an effective tool for achieving the Pasadena Police Department’s goal
of reducing the number of traffic collisions resulting from red light violations and aggressive drivers. These programs are also designed to educate the public in regards to safer driving habits.

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

PASADENA, CA – The Pasadena Police Department reports that New Year’s arrests totaled 22 during the operational period of 5:00 p.m. on December 31st through noon a.m. on January 1st. The majority of arrests were misdemeanors and alcohol related. This compares to 18 arrests for the same time period last year. A total of 6 adults and 1 juvenile were arrested during the Rose Bowl game, the majority of these arrests were also alcohol related, all but one were misdemeanors arrests.

The final numbers were not available at the time of this writing; however it is believed that the stadium was at capacity. For more information about final parade and game statistics, please contact the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Media Relations at 626.449.9550, extension 312.

To view the PDF version of this Press Release click on the link 2008 Parade and Game Recap