Area Police and AMC Theaters Step Up Safety Precautions

While a movie theater shooting that ended in tragedy Thursday night occurred at a Dark Knight Rises showing in Colorado, officials and theaters across the country, including the Los Angeles area, are taking steps to address safety.

"The Pasadena Police Department initiated proactive steps this morning by visiting movie theaters in our community to determine security level(s)," said Pasadena Chief of Police Phillip L. Sanchez.

"This is a senseless crime that has impacted the nation. Our thoughts and prayers go to the many victims, families, friends, and first responders." 

The Pasadena Police Department’s heightened diligence may include extra patrols and additional police presence as appropriate, according to a Nixle alert released Friday.

AMC Theaters, which has a location at the Santa Anita Mall in Arcadia, released the following statement Friday:

We are terribly saddened by the random act of violence in Aurora and our thoughts are with the victims and their families. For the safety and security of our guests and associates, we are actively working with local law enforcement in communities throughout the nation and under the circumstances we are reaching out to all of our theatres to review our safety and security procedures. Being a safe place in the community for all our guests is a top priority at AMC and we take that responsibility very seriously.

Patch was unable to reach management at the AMC Santa Anita 16 theaters Friday morning, despite multiple calls.

Also: the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department released the following statement Friday, urging people to speak up if they see something suspicious:

"While the tragedy in Aurora, Colorado appears to be an isolated incident, our vigilance has been raised," said Captain Mike Parker, Sheriff's Headquarters Bureau. "The heightened alert of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department includes increased patrols to create a more visible presence at movie theaters and other places where people congregate."

"As always, we encourage the public: 'If You See Something, Say Something.' The greatest deterrent to crime is often a phone call to law enforcement by a person who sees something that just doesn't look right."

"Our thoughts and prayers go to the many victims, families, friends, and first responders affected by this senseless crime."

Partner to prevent or report crime by contacting your local Sheriff’s Station. Or if you wish to remain Anonymous, call “LA Crime Stoppers” by dialing 800-222-TIPS (8477), or text the letters TIPLA plus your tip to CRIMES (274637,) or using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org/

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