Addressing Crime in Arcadia: A Call to Action
One of the main reasons I’m running for Arcadia City Council is to tackle a significant concern that’s deeply affecting our community: crime. While door-knocking over the past few weeks, I’ve heard countless stories of break-ins, robberies, and criminal activity—stories that are often not reported by our local police department or City Hall but are shared by residents themselves.
The Reality of Crime in Arcadia
Crime, coupled with the growing issue of homelessness, has become a substantial problem in Arcadia. Nearly every resident I speak with has a personal story or knows of someone in their neighborhood who has been affected by crime. Just recently, several homes were broken into, and there have been multiple home invasion robberies, many of which are not widely discussed.
One of the recurring concerns I hear about involves elderly residents being targeted at local banks. Criminals are watching elderly people withdraw cash from ATMs, following them to their cars, and then distracting them by pointing out false issues with their vehicles. While the resident is distracted, their accomplices steal belongings from the car. This is happening right here in Arcadia, and it’s unacceptable.
Open Cases and Safety Concerns
One particularly disturbing case involved a resident who had just emptied his safety deposit box at Wells Fargo. Despite being only minutes away from home, he was robbed in his own driveway. It’s shocking, but what’s more shocking is that many of these incidents remain open cases without sufficient attention or resolution.
Additionally, there’s a larger ongoing investigation in Arcadia involving six homes tied to prostitution, brothels, and the sale of narcotics. After a six-month investigation, the Arcadia Police Department uncovered a human trafficking network with more than 25 arrests made so far. Yet, despite this serious issue, it’s not something people are talking about as much as they should be.
Taking a Stand: We Must Be Proactive
As residents and business owners, we need to take a more active role in fighting crime. If you notice something off, such as a suspicious car or a stranger in your neighborhood, trust your instincts. Report it to the non-emergency police number. Even if they don’t arrive immediately, repeated calls signal to criminals that our community is watching, that we’re not waiting for an emergency to happen—we’re taking preventative measures.
We need to let criminals know that Arcadia is not a place where they can operate freely. It’s time to send a clear message: “Not in our backyard.”
Softness on Crime and the Bigger Political Picture
Unfortunately, the broader political climate in California hasn’t helped. We’ve seen a pendulum swing toward leniency on crime and punishment, leading to more smash-and-grab robberies, home invasions, and assaults. Unless a crime results in murder, it often feels like prosecutors are not taking meaningful action. This situation is at the forefront of the race between current District Attorney George Gascón and his challenger Nathan Hochman. We need to elect leaders who will actually do the job of protecting our community.
As a father, this issue is personal to me. I worry about my mother, who is vulnerable when she goes to the store. I worry about my two daughters who frequent the local mall, a place that has experienced numerous smash-and-grab incidents. I want a safer future for all of Arcadia’s residents.
Fighting for Change
I got tired of just complaining about these problems. The reality is, too many political leaders are part of an establishment that seems uninterested in real change. We need results, not just talk, and that’s why I’m running for City Council.
I’m fighting for the future of Arcadia, and I’m determined to make our city safer for everyone.
Let’s stand together to make Arcadia a place where we can all feel secure, knowing that we’re actively addressing the issues that matter most.
You can watch my podcast on YouTube to learn more
—Steve Rhee, Candidate for Arcadia City Council, District 4