As compared to other nearby cities of this size, Santa Monica residents who live North of Montana Ave experience a very low crime rate. The most common crimes are theft and robbery. In a very rare (1st time in my 30 years here) and really shocking incident last month, a man wearing a mask (similar to what was worn in the movie Scream), broke into a home on Adelaide Drive. The owner interrupted the bad guy and was shot during the struggle. Fortunately, the gunshot wound was not fatal.
Thankfully cases like this are not at all common in our area.
SMPD does a really good job for its residents but I highly recommend all 90402 folks join the Santa Monica Protective Association. SMPA provides a great service and has continued to operate here since 1981. Its members pay a very small annual fee for added security in the neighborhood – read about their services on their website.
In the unfortunate event that your home is targeted, here are some of the best ways to protect your property. Don’t make it known that you are out of town by blasting vacation plans on social media. It is best to place a hold on mail and newspaper delivery. Anyone that drives by will notice an obvious buildup. A dog is more than your best friend they are also a great security asset. Big or small their barking can alert an owner and sometimes intimidate an intruder. Burglars have a small window to grab items, locking items in a safe is a necessary step to protect your valuables and documents. Also the master bedroom is the most common area for expensive items, it is best to keep them in a different location. Check your property for areas that are not well lit, unlit homes are easier targets. Invest in home security systems and cameras. Deadbolts work best as chain locks are easily broken by force. Keep your garage doors closed, no sense advertising your belongings, plus it’s a common entry pant for intruders.
I’m not sure what, if any, precautions the family on Adelaide had in place but allow that incident to be a reminder and if you see something that does not look right, call the police and or SMPA. Keep in mind, the 90402 neighborhood is a far safer place than many – probably due to the vigilant home owners that are active in the community.
Here is the latest real estate news since my last update to you.
There is a single-story updated Spanish style home that just hit the market at 443 Lincoln Boulevard – It has 3 bedrooms and 3 baths and they are asking $3,349,000. Features hardwood floors, high-end appliances, a detached home office studio, tons of extra storage space. Nice size sunny backyard with huge deck.
207 11th Street closed escrow this week – 5 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms. $3,400,000. Needed updating but not a bad deal for a 2-story home near Georgina.
Call me for a couple of upcoming attractions that are not yet listed in the MLS, priced from $1.9 million to $8 million. And….here are a few that we have listed in the MLS:
421 23rd Street – 5 bedrooms and 6 baths $5,995,000
416 18th Street – 5 bedrooms and 5.5 baths $4,950,000
215 21st Place – 5 bedrooms and 4.5 baths $4,695,000
1012 2nd Street Unit# 2 – 3 bedrooms and 3.5 baths $3,895,000
609 11th Street – 3 bedrooms and 1.75 baths $3,195,000
1012 2nd Street Unit# 1 – 3 bedrooms and 2.75 baths $2,895,000
