Crime Spree Hits Castellammare Area

Historic neighborhoods, such as Castellammare, once protected by the surrounding cliffs from where Pacific Palisades derives its name, are now seeing an influx of burglars and transients, say neighbors.

Residents would once take nighttime strolls across the bridge that spans Pacific Coast Highway to watch the stars and feel the sand below their feet. But now most fear to cross the bridge, said Kim Clary, president of Castellammare Homeowners Association.

According to recent crime data obtained by the Palisadian-Post, the Palisades has seen a significant increase in property crimes in the past 10 months, but Castellammare has seen the brunt of the increase.

The rate has been significantly higher in this area, which has historically avoided many visitors.

Comparing a two-month period from July to September to April and June of this year, property crimes increased from about 45 to 78. This includes both residential burglaries and break-ins.

The historic neighborhood adjacent to the Getty Villa and behind Thelma Todd’s historic café is being blighted by property crime, Clary said.

And while transients by the beach are an issue, Clary said she believes the crimes are the work of “burglary crews,” including one team of four men and one woman.

“They are driving nice cars, and they are ringing door bells.”

Clary said the crime spree began in July with a burglary in the 29200 block of Notteargenta Road. There have been about 10 residential property-crime incidents in the area since then, according to Clary.

She said in September there were at least two strong-arm robberies in the area too, she added.

“We understand that the suspects wear gloves and drive several different cars – usually new,” she said.

While no one has suffered serious injuries, there have been incidents where the homeowner arrived as thieves were still in the home, Clary said, adding that the thieves fled without incident.

The fact that no one has been seriously hurt has not appeased fears. Neighbors are coming together and have already established an email alert system. Residents are also mulling over several other possibilities, such as the installation of gates and kiosks and/or hiring of local security.

Clary said the association has sought bids. According to Clary, the ACS offer looks reasonable, plus they secure the nearby Paseo Miramar neighborhood, but no official selection has been announced.

“We are planning to have at least 80 residents in for a meeting about the issue,” she said.

This neighborhood has had a neighborly Midwestern feel but “now people don’t trust people,” she said.

No one goes across the bridge anymore.