Malibu hires private security to protect homes in fire zone from burglars after PCH reopens
- Share via
- The Malibu City Council voted to spend $260,000 to hire a private security firm to provide extra patrols of neighborhoods that were scorched and left vacant after the January fires.
- The private security firm has already deployed four patrol units in marked vehicles.
With Pacific Coast Highway reopened to the public and the National Guard leaving Malibu’s fire-damaged neighborhoods, the city has approved a contract with a private security firm to provide extra patrols of homes left scorched and vacant by the Palisades fire.
The Malibu City Council voted unanimously at a May 21 meeting to spend an estimated $260,000 to employ the private security firm Covered 6 to provide patrols for 30 days, starting May 23, with the option to extend the contract.
Residents and city officials have raised concerns that the reopening of the 11-mile stretch of PCH on May 23 will make neighborhoods that were damaged or destroyed by the Franklin and Palisades fires more vulnerable to theft and vandalism. Since the January fires, PCH had been open only to emergency crews and residents.
During the City Council meeting, Malibu Mayor Marianne Riggins asked for a report of crimes committed in fire-affected areas in response to safety concerns raised by residents.
Sgt. Chris Soderlund of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Malibu/Lost Hills station said he didn’t have specific crime data at the time but added that he has heard about the safety concerns raised by Malibu homeowners.
“A lot of it is just hearsay,” Soderlund said.
Less than 48 hours before the planned reopening, the state said it remains “in the dark” regarding the city of Los Angeles’ plans for providing security to the fire-ravaged Pacific Palisades.
Shortly after the Palisades and Eaton fires that scorched Los Angeles County in January, at least 20 people had been arrested on suspicion of looting in Pacific Palisades and Altadena.
Sheriff’s officials told The Times that there has been some criminal activity in Malibu since the fires, even when access to the area was restricted to the public, but it wasn’t a high volume of reported crimes.
“I believe there may have been some burglary-related [crimes] which could refer to either commercial, residential or vehicle,” Sgt. Sean Wax said.
With the departure of the National Guard scheduled for the end of the month, the community felt as though it was losing a level of safety, Councilmember Doug Stewart said.
Covered 6 was chosen by the city to provide extra patrols “based on their extensive experience patrolling neighborhoods, working with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Malibu/Lost Hills Station personnel and use of technology to enhance effectiveness and accountability,” according to a news release.
Two months after the Palisades fire, customers of Malibu businesses have been displaced or blocked by restrictions on Pacific Coast Highway. Restaurants and shops tell the world they’re open for business.
The company currently provides armed security services to the cities of Beverly Hills, Hidden Hills and Calabasas as well as two school districts: Las Virgenes in Calabasas and Eastside Union in Lancaster.
In coordination with the Malibu/Lost Hills station, Covered 6 has deployed four patrol units and a dedicated supervisor who all operate in marked vehicles.
“Fire-damaged areas face heightened risks of burglary, vandalism, and theft — particularly of construction materials — as many properties remain vacant during rebuilding,” according to the city news release. “Looter suppression efforts will be intensified, with zero-tolerance approach to crime and traffic violations.”
Deputies at the Malibu/Lost Hills station have access to Covered 6’s general deployment schedules, so they are aware of where they’ll be and at what time.
But Wax emphasized that the local sheriff’s station will continue its routine patrol and law enforcement efforts in the community. If Covered 6 has patrols in a specific area, sheriff’s deputies also may have their “looter suppression efforts” at the same place as well.
“We do our own operation, but they’re out there too acting as a deterrent as well,” he said.
Officials continue to urge residents to take an active role in protecting their properties by ensuring gates, doors and windows are locked.
Residents who observe suspicious activity or an unauthorized person on their property are encouraged to report it to the sheriff’s station by calling (818) 878-1808.
Residents also can complete a “Letter of Agency” at the Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff’s station, which authorizes deputies to enforce trespassing laws on private property even when the owner is not there.
That means if an unauthorized person is on private property, officers can take action against the trespasser without first contacting the property owner.
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
More From the Los Angeles Times
Podcasts
John Orr was a renowned fire investigator who was also a prolific arsonist, and whose thinly veiled novel helped to convict him. In this episode we hear from the fire captain who first suspected him—and from Orr himself.
Tom Girardi was a legal legend—until he was found guilty of stealing millions from his own clients. Host Madison McGhee and pop culture commentator Kiki Monique unpack how his downfall became a Real Housewives scandal, and what Erika Jayne may or may not have known. Plus, L.A. Times reporter Harriet Ryan joins to share how she helped bring Girardi’s crimes to light.
Sammy Roth visits America’s second-largest nuclear plant, Arizona’s Palo Verde Generating Station, and sits down with three experts to explore the pros and cons of atomic energy.
