Glendale, Burbank police step up security at local theaters

July 20, 2012 12 AM PT

Burbank and Glendale public safety officials are stepping up security at local theaters in the wake of the “Dark Knight Rises” shooting in Colorado Friday, but said there have been no incidents.

Police said James Holmes, 24, of San Diego, shot and killed 12 people and injured dozens more, during a midnight showing of the movie in the Denver suburb of Aurora. Warner Bros, which produced the film, is based in Burbank.

Burbank Police Sgt. Darin Ryburn said he was working with the studio to ensure security of their facilities and at the city’s downtown AMC theaters.

Ryburn stressed that all residents and businesses should be aware of their surroundings.

“There are 156 police officers and about 105,000 residents,” Ryburn said. “Our eyes and ears are all of the citizens in the community. They can provide information, indicators, for us to follow up and take the additional steps necessary to confirm or deny any possible threat.”

In Glendale, Sgt. Tom Lorenz said no issues were reported at “Dark Knight” showings early Friday at Pacific Theaters in the Americana at Brand and on South Brand Boulevard.

The department downtown unit, which includes undercover officers, planned to work closely with the Americana’s security detail on future movie showings, he said. Officers from department’s graveyard shift will also be monitoring activity at the city’s theaters.

“We will be paying attention to any particular suspicious activity,” Lorenz said.

-- Maria Hsin and Veronica Rocha, Times Community News

Twitter: @mariahsin, @VeronicaRochaLA