Overview

• The president claimed some Beverly Hills residents leave car doors, trunks and even garage doors open to prevent damage during thefts while defending potential troop deployments to U.S. cities.
• A Beverly Hills spokesperson said the city is not aware of residents intentionally leaving vehicles unlocked to avoid vandalism.
• Police data show reports of items under $950 stolen from vehicles rose from 324 in 2022 to 386 in 2023 and 472 in 2024, even as overall crime declined last year.
• Beverly Hills police have concentrated resources on retail theft along Rodeo Drive, expanded patrols and launched a drone program, and the department denies allegations of targeting Black shoppers.
• Local reactions diverged, with the Los Angeles County GOP chair framing Trump's remarks as a public-safety focus and a Democratic club leader dismissing them as publicity stunts and saying most residents keep cars locked.