Los Angeles: On Wednesday, April 30, 2003, dozens of Los Angeles Police Department officers from Foothill Area, Valley Traffic Division and Operations Valley Bureau will focus on violent crime and community quality of life issues in an effort to reduce crime in the San Fernando Valley. This task force will emphasize the apprehension of Grand Theft Auto suspects and the recovery of stolen vehicles.

There are two target areas. The first target zone is the area considered the "Van Nuys Corridor." That is the area two to three blocks on both sides of Van Nuys Boulevard from Foothill Boulevard on the east to Laurel Canyon Boulevard on the west. That area includes the San Fernando Gardens Housing Development and the Pierce Apartments. The second target area borders are Terra Bella Street to the North, Sheldon Street to the South, San Fernando Road to the East and Woodman Avenue to the West. This target area has experienced a recent increase in crimes which include Robbery, Grand Theft Auto, Burglary and Burglary from Motor Vehicle ( BFMV).

Operations will commence at 0800 hours and continue past midnight. There will be zero tolerance for traffic violations and criminal acts in the affected area. Recent past task forces in other parts of the Valley have resulted in hundreds of traffic citations, vehicle impounds and dozens of arrest. Other similar task forces to combat violent crime and improve the quality of life will be conducted in other parts of the valley throughout the year.

For additional information contact Commander Michael Moore, Valley Bureau Assistant Commanding Officer, at 818-756-8303, Captain Kris Pitcher, Foothill Area Commanding Officer, at 818-756-8861, Captain Greg Meyer, Valley Traffic Division Commanding Officer, 818-756-8722.

This press release was prepared by Public Information Officer Lucy Diaz, Media Relations Sections, 213-485-3586.