Chula Vista Police Chief David Bejarano would like to invite you to a community meeting to be held at Hilltop Middle School, located at 44 East "J" Street in the City of Chula Vista. The subject matter will include personal safety and tips on how to better protect oneself and family against would-be attackers, and also the latest information about a recent incident in which a female jogger was assaulted at McCandless Park.

The meeting will take place on:

- Thursday evening, March 11th
- 6 p.m.
- Chula Vista Middle School, cafeteria.

Again, the date is Thursday March 11th at 6 p.m., Hilltop Middle School cafeteria. We look forward to your attendance.

The media is welcome.


Attached Media Files: Protecting Today, Securing Tomorrow

PRESS RELEASE

Message: For Immediate Release Contact: Agent Rusty Rea

Sunday, March 7th, 2010 Office: 619-476-5321


National City - On March 5th, 2010, Officers from Chula Vista, San Diego, National City, Coronado, the San Diego County Sheriff's Department, and the California Highway Patrol conducted a multi-agency DUI Checkpoint in National City. On March 6th, 2010, Officers from Chula Vista, San Diego, National City, Coronado, and the San Diego County Sheriff's Department conducted a multi-agency DUI Saturation Patrol in National City. The operations were part of the DUI Prosecution and Awareness Program funded by the California Office of Traffic Safety. During the operations, 11 drivers were arrested for driving under the influence, 2 of whom had prior convictions for DUI, another suspect was cited for minor in possession of alcohol, and 27 vehicles were impounded for drivers without licenses.

These were considered successful operations, both in number of impaired drivers removed from the street and in the amount of public awareness generated. The South Bay Regional law enforcement agencies will be continuing their efforts to keep drivers in our community safe.

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

CD's of the surveillance video from Thursdays ATM theft from La Bella's Pizza Garden on the 300 block of Third Avenue in Chula Vista are available for release to authorized media outlets. The CD's can be picked at the lobby front desk of the Chula Vista Police Department located at 315 Fourth Avenue, between now and 5 p.m. Friday, March 4, 2010. Please be prepared to show your SDPD Media Pass. The video can be played uwing Windows Media Player. The video is black and white, and fairly brief, but does show the suspect truck backing up to the front of the restaurant and then two suspects loading the atm into the back of the truck and leaving. Sorry for the short notice, I just received the video.


Attached Media Files: Protecting Today, securing Tomorrow

This is the getaway truck that was used in this mornings ATM theft from the La Bella's Pizza Garden Restaurant in Chula Vista. The truck was seen in surveillance video and positively identified by its owner who reported it stolen out of Bonita this morning. The truck owner provided us with the attached photo. The truck was recovered late this afternoon in South San Diego. It will be towed to the CVPD for evidence processing. If anyone who may have seen the truck today please call the Chula Vista Police Department at (619) 691-5151


Attached Media Files: Stolen truck , 2010-03/1179/photo.jpg , CV ATM Suspect

MEDIA ALERT
For Immediate Release: Contact: Agent Rusty Rea
Thursday, March 04, 2010 Office: 619-476-5321

DUI ENFORCEMENT IS
SCHEDULED FRIDAY, MARCH 5TH IN NATIONAL CITY

National City - Officers from the Chula Vista, National City, Coronado, and San Diego Police Departments, along with the California Highway Patrol and the San Diego County Sheriff's Office will be conducting a "Zero Tolerance" DUI Sobriety Checkpoint on Friday, March 5th, 2010, in National City.

This sobriety checkpoint is the eleventh in a series of multi-agency DUI enforcement operations aimed at increasing public awareness and decreasing the number of drivers who drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This checkpoint is part of a DUI Education and Awareness grant targeting impaired drivers.

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

# # #

Two men wearing masks and gloves broke into the rear of La Bella's Pizza Garden, located at 373 Third Avenue, and stole an ATM.

The break-in was reported to the CVPD by workers entering the business at 5:24 a.m.
The burglars pried open a rear door, made entry and unbolted the ATM from the floor inside the restaurant.

The suspects were seen on surviellance video carrying part of the ATM machine out of the restaurant to a black, full sized pick up truck with dual tires (commonly known as a duelie) and drove off.

The truck has out of state or Baja plates, a large chrome toolbox in the bed of the truck, a large white sticker on the driver's side rear window and a red rectangular sticker in the center of the rear window.

Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to call the Chula Vista Police Department at (619)691-5151.


Attached Media Files: Protecting Today, Securing Tomorrow

Just before 8pm this evening, CVPD was called to investigate an attack on a female jogger at McCandliss Park, located at 415 East J St. The victim was struck in the head from behind and knocked to the ground. Two suspects then began punching and kicking her in the head and stomach. The suspects fled into the park shortly afterwards, leaving the victim to call for help on her cell phone. Officers arrived within minutes and along with air support from San Diego Police Department's ABLE Unit, conducted a search of the park and nearby canyon with negative results. It does not appear that the suspects attempted anything further than physically assaulting the victim. She was transported to the hospital for treatment of her injuries. Anyone with information regarding this attack is asked to call the the Chula Vista Police Department at 619-691-5151.

CLICK IT OR TICKET Safety Campaign Saves Lives

City of Chula Vista, CA – Chula Vista Police Department will be out in force March 20, 2010, searching for those unbelted drivers and passengers, enforcing California's seatbelt laws as part of a year-long Click It or Ticket campaign. Police and safety experts are partnered to keep this safety message to the forefront of everyone's mind and to aggressively enforce the law to those violators who do not buckle up.

The state's seat belt use rate in 2009 was 95.2 percent, which still leaves more than a million Californians vulnerable. Through enforcement and awareness of these preventable tragedies, fewer lives will be lost. 2008 collision data shows that more than 1,389 people in passenger vehicles died in crashes while unbelted. About half of these lives could have been saved if they had been wearing seat belts at the time of the crash.

"Seat belts save lives and Chula Vista Police Officers will be stopping and citing those driving or riding without their seat belts on," said Police Chief David Bejarano. "Officers will not give a warning on this critically important safety requirement, so please buckle up and protect yourself and passengers by ensuring they fasten their seat belts or use the proper child restraint system."

Chula Vista police officers will be out at all hours during the campaign, day and night, making sure that everyone is safely buckled in. Teens will be a particular focus of officers, as their usage rate lags behind adults, yet they are disproportionately involved in more crashes. Proper restraints can increase chances of surviving a serious crash by 50 percent.

Funding for this operation supporting California's Click It or Ticket campaign was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

# # #

Chula Vista –Officers from the Chula Vista Police Department conducted a DUI Saturation Patrol on Friday February 26 in Chula Vista from 6 pm to 2:00 am.

During the saturation patrol, 13 field sobriety tests were administered with 3 drivers being arrested for driving under the influence. 4 drivers were arrested for other charges including possession of a controlled substance. 9 vehicles were impounded for suspended/unlicensed drivers and drivers being arrested. A total of 29 citations were issued for various vehicle code violations during the operation.

This was considered a successful DUI operation. The Chula Vista Police Department with funding from a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is continuing its efforts to keep our community safe by detecting and deterring impaired drivers.


Attached Media Files: 2010-02/1179/ots_logo.gif

The Chula Vista Police Department will be conducting a DUI Saturation Patrol on 2-26-10 from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. In an effort to reduce the number of persons killed and injured in alcohol involved crashes, DUI enforcement operations are conducted to identify offenders and get them off the street, as well as educate the public on the dangers of impaired driving.

Funding for this operation is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

Great feature story or kicker for you newscast!

Budget cuts have hit schools hard, especially in programs like adaptive P.E. for special needs kids. In Chula Vista a generous donation from the Chula Vista Police Activities League will mean new Adaptive P.E. Activity Carts for kids who were using outdated equipment.

This morning the new Recess Activity Carts will be presented to the school and you are invited to attend and cover the event.

Greg Rogers Elementary would like to invite you to the presentation to our Special Day Classes. Our school would like to acknowledge CV PAL for their contribution.

WHERE: Rogers Auditorium, 510 El Naples, Chula Vista, CA 91911
WHEN: Friday, February 26, 2010 @ 10:30 a.m.
WHY: For your generous contribution to our school
WHAT: Presentation of '*Recess Activity Carts"
WHO: PAL, student representatives from special day and regular
Classroom's, teachers, Principal, Anthony Millican, CVESD
Communications Officer, Bernard Gonzales, CVPD Public
Information Officer

Once again, thank you for making our school a better place We hope to see
you at the assembly.


Attached Media Files: Protecting Today, Securing Tomorrow

PRESS RELEASE

Message: For Immediate Release Contact: Agent Rusty Rea

Thursday, February 25, 2010 Office: 619-476-5321


Chula Vista - On February 25, 2010, Officers from Chula Vista, National City, San Diego, and San Diego County conducted a multi-agency DUI Warrant Sweep in the South Bay Region of the County of San Diego. The operation was part of the DUI Prosecution and Awareness Program funded by the California Office of Traffic Safety. During the operation, 16 DUI offenders with outstanding warrants were taken into custody.

This was considered a successful operation, both for clearing warrants in the judicial system and taking those disobeying court orders to return to court to complete their obligations. The South Bay Regional law enforcement agencies will be continuing their efforts to keep drivers in our community safe.

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

CD's of the surveillance video from Monday's attempted ATM theft from the Von's Supermarket on the 500 block of Telegraph Canyon Road in Chula Vista are available for release to authorized media outlets. The CD's can be picked at the lobby front desk of the Chula Vista Police Department between 12:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. this afternoon, Wednesday, February 24, 2010. Please be prepared to show your SDPD Media Pass. The video is in a proprietary format and can only be played on the Intellex video player that is included on the CD.


Attached Media Files: Protecting Today, Securing Tomorrow

(CHULA VISTA, Feb. 24, 2010) – With San Diego County ranked fourth in the nation for the number of auto thefts, the Automobile Club of Southern California, National Insurance Crime Bureau and the Chula Vista Police Department (CVPD) and California Highway Patrol's Border Division will join together to fight this crime through free VIN (vehicle identification number) window etching for motorists.

The organizations will offer the free window VIN (vehicle identification number) etching from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the Chula Vista Elks Lodge #2011 located at 901 Elks Lane,
Chula Vista, CA 91910-6558. The Lodge is located 4 lights east of the L Street/Telegraph Canyon Road exit off of the 805 freeway.

VIN etching consists of stenciling the unique vehicle identification number onto a vehicle's windshields and windows. The process takes about 10 minutes per vehicle to complete.
The letters and numbers of the VIN were stenciled and rubbed onto the windshields and windows of Auto Club members and policyholders as well as car owners. The stencil only sinks into the top layers of glass marking the windows lightly, but does not weaken the windows.

Although auto theft is declining nationwide and in San Diego, it still remains the number one property crime in America. Last year, there were more than 10,000 motor vehicles stolen in the city of San Diego. Countywide, according to the CHP Border Division, 21,863 vehicles were stolen in 2008, compared to 27,073 stolen in 2007, a 19 percent drop in car thefts. (The National Insurance Crime Bureau stolen vehicle statistics are different due to drawing from the larger federal metropolitan area rather than the actual county geographic area.)

The top five most stolen vehicles in the San Diego County area are:
2000 Honda Civic,
1998 Honda Civic,
1995 Honda Civic,
1990 Honda Accord,
1996 Honda Accord
–in that order.

Chula Vista Police Chief David Bejarano says, "We believe one of the reasons that auto thefts are declining is that car owners are getting smarter about taking proactive measures to protect their property. Window VIN etching is one precaution that car owners can take to further protect themselves against auto thieves."

"Although viewed as a property crime, most suspects arrested for vehicle theft are also involved in a myriad of other criminal activities," said Capt. Lisa Wrobel of the CHP.

"Window VIN etching makes the vehicle far less desirable to thieves, much more difficult to be disassembled at chop shops by car thieves and the parts resold for more than the value of the car," said the Auto Club's Chula Vista Branch Manager Dave Turner. "The Auto Club is pleased to work with San Diego law enforcement to help prevent auto thefts and to help motorists to protect their investment. For victims, having one's car stolen is costly, upsetting and inconvenient."

In addition to window VIN etching, drivers who attend the event will receive tips from the CVPD and CHP to help prevent their cars from being stolen and AAA Approved Auto Repair Facility directories so they can locate a mechanic for their vehicle maintenance.

The window etching program also extends the partnership of San Diego's Regional Auto Theft Task Force of which most of the entities, including the Auto Club, are members.
For 2008, The Most Stolen Vehicles* in the Nation:
1. 1994 Honda Accord
2. 1995 Honda Civic
3. 1989 Toyota Camry
4. 1997 Ford F-150 Pickup
5. 2004 Dodge Ram Pickup
6. 2000 Dodge Caravan
7. 1996 Jeep Cherokee/Grand Cherokee
8. 1994 Acura Integra
9. 1999 Ford Taurus
10. 2002 Ford Explorer
*Source: National Insurance Crime Bureau

For 2008, California's Most Stolen Vehicles*
1. 1991 Honda Accord
2. 1995 Honda Civic
3. 1989 Toyota Camry
4. 1994 Acura Integra
5. 1994 Nissan Sentra
6. 2007 Toyota Corolla
7. 1988 Toyota Pickup 4 x 2
8. 1997 Ford F150 Pickup
9. 1995 Saturn Si
10.1997 Nissan Altima
*Source: National Insurance Crime Bureau

FOR 2008, SAN DIEGO'S MOST STOLEN VEHICLES*
1. 2000 Honda Civic
2. 1998 Honda Civic
3. 1995 Honda Civic
4. 1990 Honda Accord
5. 1996 Honda Accord
*Source: CHP and Automobile Club of Southern California


AUTOMOBILE CLUB OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA,
CHULA VISTA POLICE DEPT., CHP BORDER DIVISION AND NICB WINDOW VIN ETCHING EVENT IN CHULA VISTA
Frequently Asked Questions

What is window VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) Etching?
VIN Etching is the process of permanently etching the vehicle's 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on each window on the vehicle.

Why should you consider window VIN Etching on your vehicle as a visual theft deterrent against auto theft?
Etching your vehicle's VIN onto the windows serves as a permanent unique "fingerprint" of your vehicle. VIN Etching is an effective visual deterrent against auto theft.

When a vehicle is stolen, the car thief must change the identity of the vehicle by changing the VIN identification plate on the dashboard. With a new VIN identification plate in place, the car thief must replace and dispose of each window, which significantly cuts into the profit. As a car thief scopes out your vehicle, they notice the etched glass and may move on to an unmarked vehicle.

Will VIN etching damage a vehicle or alter the appearance in any way?
Not at all. The window etching process only affects the outer most layer of the glass. This will in no way damage your windows or make them weaker. In addition, the VIN number etched on each piece of glass is only 1/4" in height and approximately 2" in width. The etched number is a light white and can be seen within a few feet of the vehicle. Thieves and police officers know where to look for the window etching, but the casual passerby will not.

How long does the window VIN etching take?
It takes just 7-10 minutes per vehicle. The vehicle owner must show Driver's License, proof of vehicle ownership, current registration and complete a waiver and consent form provided by the Auto Club.

Will my VIN number be shared with others or stored?
Your VIN number will be shared with local law enforcement only to aid in recovery of your vehicle if it should be stolen. Window VIN etched vehicles help law enforcement recover and return vehicles more rapidly. This aspect of the program also will aid in evaluating the effectives of the program.


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NEWS from the Auto Club
Headquarters: 2601 South Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA 90007
Mailing Address: 3333 Fairview Road, Costa Mesa, CA 92626

CONTACT: Jeffrey Spring/Elaine Beno (714) 885-2324

AUTO CLUB, CHULA VISTA AND CHP OFFER TOP TIPS
TO PREVENT VEHICLE BURGLARYAND THEFT

(CHULA VISTA, Feb. 24, 2010) – The Automobile Club of Southern California, CHP's Border Division, Chula Vista Police Dept. and the NICB offer several tips to prevent vehicle burglary and theft:

Always lock your vehicle with the windows completely closed.

Never leave valuables inside the car, especially not in clear view, including small electronics, wallets, check books, credit cards, personal paperwork or any personal identification.

Bring your electronics and personal items into your home or office whenever possible.

Use anti-theft or automatic tracking devices. If your vehicle wasn't equipped with an alarm or hidden tracking device when purchased, have one installed.

Consider adding visible or audible alarms, steering wheel locks, wheel locks and window etching.

Never leave your keys in your vehicle, even at a gas station.

Park in a well-lit area at night. Don't leave your vehicle in a high-crime area.

Never hide a spare ignition key. Remove keys from under floor mats, sun visor, etc.

Whenever possible, park your vehicle in a secure garage.

Never leave the vehicle running at any time when you're not in it. This includes your driveway, while picking up friends, or while at a gas station, grocery store, or shopping mall.


Attached Media Files: Protecting Today, Securing Tomorrow

South Bay- On February 22, 2010 Officers from Chula Vista and Officers from the San Diego County Probation Department participated in a joint operation conducting compliance checks on persons on probation for DUI related offenses. The operation was part of the DUI Prosecution and Awareness Program funded by the California Office of Traffic Safety. During the operation, 20 probationers were checked and found to be compliant with the terms of their probation. One probationer was issued a citation for driving without a license, and placed under arrest for a probation violation. A second probationer was arrested for a probation violation.

This was considered a successful operation due to the compliance of people who are currently on probation for DUI related offenses. The South Bay Regional law enforcement agencies will be continuing their efforts to keep drivers in our community safe.

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The Chula Vista Police Department is asking for the public's continued assistance throughout the year to Report Drunk Drivers - Call 9-1-1.


Attached Media Files: Protecting Today, Securing Tomorrow

On 02-22-10 at about 0513 hours, the Chula Vista Police Department received a 911 call of a commercial burglary in progress at the Vons at 505 Telegraph Canyon Road. Four male suspects smashed the front doors to the store and pulled the doors off with a chain tied to a truck. The suspects tried to tie the chain around an ATM machine in an attempt to pull it out with the truck. The suspects were unable to open the ATM or pull it out with the truck and they fled prior to police arrival.

The suspect vehicle was described as a silver Toyota Tundra truck and the suspects were described as four males dressed all in black with masks and gloves. The truck likely sustained some body damage to the right side quarter panels. No one was injured in the burglary. Anyone with information about the burglary is encouraged to contact the Chula Vista Police Department at (619) 691-5151.

Chula Vista – Due to inclement weather, the previously scheduled DUI checkpoint was changed and officers from the Chula Vista Police Department conducted a DUI Saturation Patrol on Saturday February 20 in Chula Vista from 6 pm to 2:00 am.

During the saturation patrol, 6 field sobriety tests were administered with 3 drivers being arrested for driving under the influence and 1 driver being arrested for possession of a controlled substance. 5 vehicles were impounded for suspended/unlicensed drivers and drivers being arrested. A total of 36 citations were issued for various vehicle code violations during the operation.

This was considered a successful DUI operation. The Chula Vista Police Department with funding from a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is continuing its efforts to keep our community safe by detecting and deterring impaired drivers.

On 02-20-10 at about 0129 hours, the Chula Vista Police Department received a 911 call of several shots fired in the area of 4000 Bonita Road. A few moments later, CVPD received a 911 call from a woman stating that her two adult sons had been shot and she was driving them to Scripps Hospital.

Officers responded to Scripps Hospital and found the woman with her two sons, 19 and 24 years old. The 19 year old victim had a non-life threatening gunshot wound to his right shoulder and the 24 year old victim had a superficial gunshot wound to the abdomen. Both men were transported to the UCSD trauma center for treatment and they are expected to recover. Their mother, the driver of the car, was not injured.

The victims stated they had just left the Sapphire Lounge located at 4076 Bonita Road when they got into an argument with two men in a green Ford Expedition. The victims were in their car behind the Expedition as it exited the parking lot onto Bonita Road. The Expedition stopped in the middle of the roadway and a Hispanic male, approximately 40 year old, got out of the passenger side of the Expedition and approached the victim's car. The suspect stopped about 15-20 feet away and fired 5-6 shots from a handgun into the car, striking the two male victims. The female driver was not injured. The suspect got back into the Expedition and they fled eastbound on Bonita Road. There is no further description of the suspects or suspect vehicle.

Officers searched the scene and recovered several shell casings. The investigation is ongoing. If anyone has information about this incident they are encouraged to call the Chula Vista Police Department at (619)-691-5151.

The Chula Vista Police Department will be conducting a DUI/Drivers License checkpoint on 2-20-10 from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. In an effort to reduce the number of persons killed and injured in alcohol involved crashes, DUI checkpoints are conducted to identify offenders and get them off the street, as well as educate the public on the dangers of impaired driving.

All too often, members of our community are senselessly injured or killed on local roadways by impaired drivers. This DUI/Drivers License checkpoint is an effort to reduce those tragedies, as well as insuring drivers have a valid driver's license. A major component of these checkpoints is to increase awareness of the dangers of impaired driving and to encourage sober designated drivers.
A DUI checkpoint is a proven effective method for achieving this goal. By publicizing these enforcement and education efforts, the Chula Vista Police Department believes motorists can be deterred from drinking and driving.

Traffic volume and weather permitting, all vehicles may be checked and drivers who are under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs will be arrested. Our objective is to send a clear message to those who are considering driving a motor vehicle after consuming alcohol and/or drugs – Drunk Driving, Over the Limit, Under Arrest. The public is encouraged to help keep roadways safe by calling 911 if they see a suspected impaired driver.
Funding for this operation is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.


Attached Media Files: 2010-02/1179/ots_logo.gif

(CHULA VISTA, Feb. 16, 2010) – The Automobile Club of Southern California's Chula Vista branch will be providing free anti-theft Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) etching for vehicle windows on Wednesday, Feb. 24, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Both members and non-members can receive the VIN etching on their vehicle windows to make them a less likely target for car theft. Car VIN window etchings are small, bur visible enough to deter thieves.

The Auto Club, the California Highway Patrol Border Division, Chula Vista Police Dept. and National Insurance Crime Bureau are co-hosting the event in the parking lot of the Chula Vista Elks Lodge #2011, at 901 Elks Lane, 91910-6558, and also will offer auto theft prevention tips to car owners. In the event of rain, the event will be postponed.

San Diego County has the fourth-highest number of vehicle thefts per capita in the U.S., according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau. Law-enforcement officials say VIN etching helps deter car theft because VIN-etched car parts cannot be sold as easily by thieves.

The Auto Club's top tips to prevent vehicle burglary and theft include:
Always lock your vehicle with the windows closed. Never leave valuables inside the car, especially not in clear view, including small electronics, wallets, check books, credit cards, personal paperwork or any personal identification.
Bring your electronics and personal items into your home or office with you whenever possible.

Use anti-theft or automatic tracking devices.

If your vehicle wasn't equipped with an alarm or hidden tracking device when purchased, have one installed.

Never leave your keys in your vehicle, even at a gas station.

Park your vehicle in a well-lit area at night. Don't leave your vehicle in a high-crime area.

Never hide a spare ignition key in your vehicle.

Remove keys from under floor mats, sun visor, etc.

Whenever possible, park your vehicle in a secure garage.

Never leave the vehicle running at any time when you're not in it. This includes your driveway, while picking up friends, or while at a gas station, grocery store, or shopping mall.
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Attached Media Files: Protecting Today, Securing Tomorrow