Long Beach Police Department

The Long Beach Police Department is actively investigating multiple armed robbery incidents involving street vendors.

In each of the below incidents, detectives believe an unknown suspect approached a street vendor, demanded cash, and fled the scene on a bike before the arrival of police officers. Each incident occurred near Cedar Avenue and Willow Street. In three of the incidents, the suspect pointed a firearm at the victim; in one incident, the suspect grabbed his waistband as if he was armed.

• 3/24/24 at approximately 11:00 p.m., near Cedar Avenue and Willow Street
• 5/23/24 at approximately 11:40 p.m., near Cedar Avenue and Willow Street
• 6/18/24 at approximately 11:05 p.m., near Cedar Avenue and Willow Street
• 6/25/24 at approximately 9:57 p.m., near Cedar Avenue and Willow Street

In response to the recent robberies, we have increased our presence in the area to deter additional crime and to engage with the business and the community.

We would also like to share the following safety tips:

• Be aware of your surroundings.
• If you see a suspicious person, report it! Call Police Dispatch at 562.435.6711
• If you are the victim of a robbery, call 9-1-1 as soon as you can. Do not resist the suspect; be a good witness. Note their appearance, attire, and/or vehicle description.
• For more robbery safety tips, click here.

As a reminder, See Something, Say Something! Report suspicious activity by calling 562.435.6711. For emergencies, always call 9‑1‑1.

Anyone with information is urged to contact LBPD Robbery Detectives at 562.570.7464. Anonymous tips may be submitted through "LA Crime Stoppers" by calling 800-222-TIPS (8477), downloading the "P3 Tips" app to your smartphone (available at the Apple app store or Google Play), or by visiting www.lacrimestoppers.org