By Lookout Staff

September 1, 2023 -- There will be more police officers visibly patrolling Downtown streets, the beach and public parking structures as visitors descend on Santa Monica over the Labor Day weekend.

SMPD is highlighting the “Take It. Lock it. Keep It” campaign that is a mainstay of its crime prevention message, police officials said.

"Residents and visitors are reminded to remove all valuables from their cars when visiting the beach and shopping districts to help combat crimes of opportunity," officials said.

The number of reported larcenies -- which involve the unlawful taking of personal property -- jumped from 580 incidents during the first quarter of last year to 735 incidents reported this year, according to the latest crime data.

Robbery incidents -- which involve the use of force, intimidation or the threat of force -- also increased, from 39 during the first quarter last year to 47 this year, with 26 of the incidents resulting in an arrest.

Police are also reminding residents of "the importance of never drinking and driving, designating a driver and sharing the road with bikes and pedestrians."

On Labor Day, City Hall will be closed, bus routes cut back and street cleaning will not be enforced, City officials said.

Parking meters also will not be enforced, except for those that are enforced daily according to posted signage.

In addition to City Hall, other facilities that will close include the Colorado Yards, the Office at Woodlawn Cemetery, The Transit Store and the City Yards Operation Center.

Also closing are the Office at Memorial Park/The Cove Skatepark, the Santa Monica Public Library, Offices at Virginia Avenue Park and the Police Activities League (PAL) Youth Center.

The Tennis Office at Reed Park and the Santa Monica Swim Center will operate with reduced hours, officials said.

Meanwhile, the Big Blue Bus (BBB) will operate on a weekend schedule, while the Express 7, Rapids 3, 7 and 10, and Routes 5, 15, 16, 41, 42, 43 and 44 will not be in service.