Manhattan Beach To Increase Patrols Following Robbery: MBPD

MANHATTAN BEACH, CA — Manhattan Beach will increase foot patrols in the downtown area following a smash and grab robbery in the Downtown Business District Friday evening. Multiple suspects, who still remain at-large as of Tuesday afternoon, entered Pasha Fine Jewelry at 217 Manhattan Beach Boulevard. Suspects used hammers to break display cases and fled with miscellaneous merchandise, according to a Manhattan Beach Police Department news release.

At least three suspects reportedly had handguns. No injuries were reported, but ABC 7 video showed 11 people running outside the store.

Manhattan Beach Police Department Acting Police Chief Christian Eichenlaub said in a statement that the department will “leave no stone unturned and not rest until those responsible for this crime are jailed.” Eichenlaub also said that patrols would increase, but also assured residents that the police department has adequate staffing.

“MBPD will remain steadfast with regular patrols throughout town, including business and residential areas, and will be increasing foot patrols throughout the Downtown area,” Acting Police Chief Christian Eichenlaub said in a statement.

“Additionally, we are in close contact with the security teams at Manhattan Village and other destinations within our City to ensure they are aware of recent incidents and are taking steps to prevent crime on their own premises.”

The city’s number of police officers deployed in the field and in investigative positions “does not waver from historical norms,” Eichenlaub said. He also noted that the city hired 12 new officers in the past year, eight of whom are trained and hired from other police agencies. The Manhattan Beach City Council has also authorized the department to hire two police officers over and above normally budgeted positions.

Manhattan Beach Mayor Steve Napolitano echoed Eichenlaub’s statements, noting that the city is adding additional patrols in commercial and residential areas.

"This was not just a crime against a person or a business. This was a crime against our entire community," Napolitano said. "An armed robbery in broad daylight in our downtown could have resulted in serious injury and death. To those who did it, please know MBPD is devoting every resource to catch, prosecute, and jail you.

"We're going to add additional patrols in our downtown and throughout our commercial and residential areas. I want to assure the community that public safety is always your City Council's No. 1 priority and the MBPD has our full support."