Arcadia Police and LVT partnered to deploy mobile security units, cutting crime and boosting safety for businesses and public spaces.
The police department in Arcadia California faced recurring crime around transit centers. Criminals would ride trains to the end of the line, commit burglaries, and then hop back on the light rail for a quick escape, making it difficult for police to identify and apprehend suspects. The police department knew they needed to find extra support to make public transit safe and protect local businesses from theft and vandalism. Turning to LVT they found an effective, efficient solution. With the deployment of LVT’s mobile security units, the police have seen a significant decrease in crime, helping secure both public spaces and local businesses.
After the initial deployment of an LVT® Unit the Police Department saw a major reduction in crime. Arcadia PD Sergeant Ryan Mulhall described how deploying the LVT system near a train platform helped drastically reduce criminal activity in that area almost immediately. That stop had been a hotspot for burglaries and thefts. He noted, "We've noticed a dramatic decrease in any incidents in and around that train station." Another Arcadia Police Department member, Captain Lachenmeyer, emphasized how quickly the LVT system provided returns, recalling that within the first day of deployment, the cameras captured footage of commercial burglars in action. "We were able to get the plate off the vehicle, and within hours our detectives had the people in custody," he said. This rapid success underscored the LVT system's value in deterring crime and assisting in solving incidents almost immediately after implementation.
Local businesses are benefiting from the deployment of LVT systems as well. The mobile units have played a vital role in solving crimes. Sergeant Mulhall recounted a case in which an LVT Unit was deployed near a convenience store experiencing a string of armed robberies. Footage from the LVT cameras was instrumental in identifying the suspect, leading to an arrest. This quick action helped restore business owners’ and the community’s peace of mind.
The LVT Units have reduced overall costs of security areas throughout the city. Captain Lachenmeyer highlighted how the LVT Units allow the department to make the most of their limited resources. "With LVT, I can just have one of the guys go down, pick the trailer up, move it to wherever I need it, and within an hour or so it's up and running," he explained. The mobile units also serve as a force multiplier, particularly in monitoring areas with homeless encampments. "I don’t have to have cops on the ground," said Captain Lachenmeyer. "I can actually monitor remotely, and if there's an issue, then we can dispatch cops to that area."
The LVT mobile security units have proven to be invaluable in the city’s crime prevention efforts. By analyzing crime data, the police department has been able to predict potential crime hotspots and deploy the units accordingly. The flexibility of LVT systems means that the units can be moved to the area of highest need with little to no setup time.
Shifting security units to high need areas has allowed the department to monitor multiple areas simultaneously without relying solely on police officers, who are often working overtime. “I can place a trailer in a high-crime area and monitor it without tying up police officers. It’s a fraction of the cost and just as effective.” This cost-effective solution has enabled the department to allocate resources more efficiently.
After seeing a major reduction in crime after only 6 months of use, the Arcadia Police Department has plans to expand the use of LVT Units citywide. The vision is to integrate the mobile units with existing city cameras and feeds from local businesses, creating a comprehensive surveillance ecosystem. This network will not only enhance crime detection and prevention but also improve the overall quality of life for both residents and business owners in Arcadia. Read the case study to learn more.
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