Someone systematically cut the radio-transmitter wires on approximately 298 city-owned water meters in Santa Monica's Beat 2 patrol area, leaving the city with an estimated repair bill exceeding $200,000. Police arrested a suspect in connection with the vandalism spree.
The case was among the most significant incidents in the Santa Monica Police Department's weekly Blue Notebook recap covering July 26 through Aug. 1, published Monday, Aug. 17. The same week brought a multi-agency beach operation that removed 2,680 pounds of trash, burglary arrests near the Third Street Promenade and a sex-offender violation on the Promenade itself.
SMPD has not released the suspect's name or disclosed what charges were filed in the water meter case. The department also did not specify which city agency or contractor would handle repairs, or when meters would be restored.
Councilmember Lana Negrete independently highlighted the water meter vandalism and beach operation figures in her Aug. 10 newsletter.
Beach livability sweep nets 6 arrests, 2,680 pounds of trash
The department's Homeless Liaison Program teamed with patrol officers, the Department of Mental Health, the Salvation Army and several other agencies for a coordinated beach livability operation during the same week. The sweep produced six arrests, 15 citations, one SamoBridge shelter referral, 20 people connected with social services, two mental-health evaluations and the removal of 2,680 pounds of trash.
HLP officers logged 131 radio calls, 112 self-initiated contacts, 38 citations and 24 arrests across the full week, addressing 16 encampments across the city.
Promenade incidents: burglary attempt, sex-offender arrest
Two suspects were arrested after a resident's alarm and dog interrupted them trying to force open an apartment door in the 1000 block of 4th Street. Officers found the pair several blocks away and recovered burglary tools, a switchblade knife and narcotics. One suspect was on felony probation for burglary.
Separately on the Third Street Promenade, officers arrested a man after reports he was inappropriately touching women. A records check revealed he was violating sex-offender registration requirements, and a review of city camera footage captured evidence of a sexual battery, according to the Blue Notebook.
DUI and fugitive arrests round out the week
At Euclid Street and Pico Boulevard, a driver struck the center median in a single-vehicle crash. The driver was intoxicated. Officers arrested him on DUI charges.
Bicycle officers also contacted a man for an open-container violation in the 1400 block of Palisades Park and discovered he was wanted in Georgia for rape and sodomy. Georgia authorities confirmed they would extradite him.
For the full week, SMPD handled 2,413 calls for service and made 120 arrests. Officer-initiated activity rose 25% from the prior week, accounting for 47% of all calls. Year-to-date through Aug. 1, the department recorded 3,113 arrests, a 68.5% increase over the same period in 2025.
Residents can report non-emergency concerns to SMPD at 310-458-8491 or submit tips online at santamonica.gov/police.
