With the holiday season fast approaching, the Monterey Park Police Department wants to remind everyone to be responsible and not drive after drinking or take drugs that affect your ability to operate a vehicle.

To help keep our roadways safe, the Monterey Park Police Department will be conducting saturation patrols beginning November 23. The enforcement efforts coincide with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) “Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving” campaign, which runs from November 23 to December 12.

“The holidays are a time to enjoy the company of family and friends, but also a time to be extra careful on the roads,” said Monterey Park Police Chief Jim Smith. “Sadly, the holiday season leads to an increase in drivers who shouldn’t be driving. It’s important for us to let people know that if you feel different, you drive different.”

During the 2017 Thanksgiving (November 22-26) and Christmas (December 22-25) holidays, 99 people were killed and nearly 4,500 people were injured on California roads. Of those deadly crashes, nearly 35 percent involved alcohol.

With holiday parties taking place, it’s important to plan ahead and make sure everyone has a sober ride home. Even if you’ve had only one drink, play it safe and designate a sober driver or use a ride-share service to get home. If you plan on drinking, don’t plan on driving.

Monterey Park Police Department also supports efforts by the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) to inform drivers that “DUI Doesn’t Just Mean Booze.” Prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications and marijuana can also be impairing, especially in combination with alcohol or other drugs, and can result in a DUI.

“Don’t spoil the holiday and put yourself and others at risk by driving impaired,” said Chief Smith. “People need to understand that the only time they should be driving is when they are sober.”

Funding for holiday season enforcement operations are provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Monterey Park Police Department Issues Holiday Safety Tips to Avoid Theft and Crime

‘Tis the season to be jolly! Holiday safety shines brightest from late November to mid January when families gather, parties are scheduled and travel spikes. Holiday season is a special time of the year. It is also a time when people become careless and vulnerable to theft and other holiday crime. The Monterey Park Police Department wants to remind you to stay safe during this holiday season by taking these basic precautions:

• Be aware of suspicious activity around you.
• Lock the doors and windows of your home and vehicle.
• Be aware of your surroundings as you leave or approach your vehicle.
• Do not leave valuables in sight.
• If carrying a purse or wallet, be extra careful as they are prime targets of criminals in crowded shopping malls.
• Do not overload yourself with shopping bags. It is important to be mobile in a dangerous situation.
• Locate your keys prior to going to your car.
• Be aware that criminals sometimes pose as couriers delivering gifts.
• Leave your television, lights or radio on so the house appears occupied.
• After Christmas, don’t put empty boxes advertising your new products in your trash can. Break them down instead.

For additional information, contact the Monterey Park Police Department’s Community Services Bureau at 626-307-1215 or to report a crime call 626-573-1311.

Monterey Park Police Warn of Curb Address Painting Scams

The Monterey Park Police Department would like residents to be aware of curb address painting scammers. The curb-painting scam involves people you didn’t hire showing up, painting your house number on the curb and then demanding payment. Sometimes, the painters say they were hired by the city, pressuring the homeowner to pay up. Do not provide any payment or donations to these individuals. The City of Monterey Park Municipal Code (13.17.010 MPMC) requires a permit to conduct these services in the city.

How do you know who is legitimate and who’s not? Here are a few tips:

• Ask to see a permit. If they’re not legitimate, chances are they’re going to go away.
• Check them out. Call the police department to see if they are permitted through the city.
• Ask where the money is going. If it’s for charity, they’re required to have information about the organization, and in most cases, their non-profit information.

The City of Monterey Park has contracted a reputable curb painting company for curb painting services at no cost to residents. So remember, if someone approaches you and asks for money because they already painted your house numbers on the curb, politely close the door and report solicitors immediately to the Monterey Park Police Department by calling 626-573-1311.