(Dec. 5, 2003) -- If you're thinking of bringing chairs, blankets and other items down to Second St. early on to try and "reserve" a spot in advance of Saturday night's Belmont Shore Christmas Parade...don't even think about it until after 3:00 p.m. on parade day Dec. 6.. LBPD says they will confiscate the chairs, blankets and property of early parade squatters...and the cops say they're not fooling.

LBPD says bringing chairs, blankets and the like should be OK after 3 p.m. because that's when the police are scheduled to close Second St. to traffic. The parade itself is scheduled to start at 6 p.m. on Dec. 6.

LBPD says there's been a history of people placing chairs and other items trying to "reserve" spots on the parade route on sidewalks and medians and "[t]hese actions have created pedstrian and motor vehicle traffic issues, in addition to causing troubles for business along the route. In an effort to prevent any accidents or injuries, and in compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act, items found along the route prior to the street closure will be confiscated at the discretion of the Long Beach Police Department."

LBPD says signs notifying the community of potential enforcement action have been posted along the parade route and inside many businesses.