Malibu Security Costs: $260K/Month After Fires
- Malibu has contracted Covered 6, a private security firm, to patrol neighborhoods impacted by the recent Franklin and Palisades fires.
- The Malibu City Council approved the $260,000 contract on May 21.Patrols began May 23 and are slated to last 30 days, with a possible extension.
- Mayor Marianne Riggins requested a crime report for fire-affected zones during the council meeting, addressing resident anxieties.
Malibu is spending $260,000 a month on private security after devastating fires, a crucial move to protect vulnerable neighborhoods. The city has contracted Covered 6 to patrol fire-damaged areas for 30 days, addressing rising concerns about increased theft and vandalism. As the National Guard departs and Pacific Coast Highway reopens, residents express unease over vacant properties becoming targets, prompting mayor Marianne Riggins to request a crime report. Sgt. Chris soderlund of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Malibu-Lost Hills Station acknowledges these anxieties. Covered 6, known for its neighborhood patrols and technological integration, is already serving other communities and will work alongside local law enforcement. Read more at news Directory 3 and discover what’s next as Malibu assesses the security plan’s ongoing effectiveness and potential for adjustments.
Malibu Bolsters Security After Devastating Fires
Updated May 29, 2025
Malibu has contracted Covered 6, a private security firm, to patrol neighborhoods impacted by the recent Franklin and Palisades fires. The move comes as the National Guard concludes its deployment and Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) reopens to public access.
The Malibu City Council approved the $260,000 contract on May 21.Patrols began May 23 and are slated to last 30 days, with a possible extension. Reopening the 11-mile stretch of PCH on May 23 raised concerns among residents and city officials that vacant, fire-damaged properties would become targets for crime.
Mayor Marianne Riggins requested a crime report for fire-affected zones during the council meeting, addressing resident anxieties. Sgt. Chris Soderlund, of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Malibu-Lost Hills Station, acknowledged these concerns, though he noted the information was largely anecdotal.
“A lot of it is just hearsay,” Soderlund said.
During the January fires, authorities arrested at least 20 individuals on suspicion of looting in Pacific Palisades and Altadena. While Sgt. Sean Wax of the Sheriff’s Department confirmed some criminal activity in Malibu post-fires, even with restricted access, he characterized it as low-volume.
Councilmember Doug Stewart noted the community’s unease following the National Guard’s departure. City officials selected Covered 6 due to its experience in neighborhood patrols, collaboration with the Malibu-Lost Hills Sheriff’s Department, and use of technology, according to a city news release.
Covered 6 already provides security services to Beverly Hills, Hidden Hills, Calabasas, and the Las Virgenes and Eastside Union school districts. The firm has deployed four patrol units and a supervisor in marked vehicles, coordinating with the malibu-Lost Hills Station.
The city news release stated that fire-damaged areas are vulnerable to burglary, vandalism, and theft, especially of construction materials. A zero-tolerance approach will be taken toward crime and traffic violations.
Wax emphasized that the sheriff’s station will maintain its regular patrols and law enforcement. Deputies will coordinate with Covered 6, perhaps conducting ”looter suppression efforts” in the same areas.
“We do our own operation, but they’re out there too acting as a deterrent as well,” he said.
Authorities urge residents to secure their properties by locking gates, doors, and windows. Suspicious activity should be reported to the sheriff’s station at (818) 878-1808.
Residents can also complete a “Letter of Agency” at the Malibu-Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station, granting deputies authority to enforce trespassing laws on private property in the owner’s absence.
What’s next
Malibu officials will continue to monitor the effectiveness of the private security patrols and assess the need for further extensions or adjustments to the security plan in the coming weeks.