11:24am | Long Beach police are warning residents to be vigilant due to a recent uptick in the number of chain-snatch and strong-arm robberies occurring in the police department’s West Division.

The West Division is bounded by Wardlow Road to the north, Cherry Avenue to the east, Anaheim Street to the south and the western city limits to the west.

Police believe the trend is the result of the recent increase in the price of gold and other precious metals combined with the ongoing economic downturn, according to information provided by Jose M. Vazquez of the West Division’s Community Oriented Public Safety detail.

“Officers in the West Division have made several arrests and continue to work on apprehending the individuals responsible for such crimes,” Vazquez said in an April 7 e-mail. “Many of these incidents have involved the suspect approaching districted citizens wearing jewelry or other valuables, The suspect snatches the item of value and flees the scene on foot, many times taking the victim completely by surprise.”

Chain-snatch and strong-arm robberies are considered to be cries of opportunity. The Long Beach Police Department has issued the following list of safety tips residents should take into consideration in order to avoid becoming a victim:

• When faced with any theft situation, remember that your goal is to avoid being injured. There is nothing on your person worth serious injury or death; 
• Avoid displaying large amounts of cash and keep tempting targets, such as jewelry, hidden out of view as much as possible; 
• Be aware of your surroundings and acknowledge people that approach you; 
• Do not use your cellular phone while walking, as it distracts you from your surroundings; 
• Avoid poorly lit areas. If you must walk through such areas, walk purposefully and with an air of confidence; 
• When possible, don’t walk alone, on dark streets or take short cuts through deserted areas; 
• Before you use a bank’s automated teller machine, be observant. Look around the area for people loitering. If you see a suspicious person or persons, do not use that machine at that time; 
• Report suspicious people or suspicious cars; and
• As you drive or walk home day or night, look for potential danger before entering your driveway. Walkways, doorways, and driveways should be well lit around your home.  

The LBPD also suggests taking the following steps when reporting a crime: 

• Remain calm; 
• Call 911; 
• Identify yourself (name, address and phone number) and give your location; 
• Describe what is happening or what you saw happen; 
• If there is a suspect or vehicle, be able to provide the police dispatcher with a detailed description and the direction of travel; and
• Be patient. Stay on the line until the police dispatcher’s questions have been answered.