USEFUL INFORMATION
Just a reminder, the City of Los Angeles has a 3-1-1 system for your use. It is easy to use and you can pretty much access all City services through it. Remember that the number can only be dialed from your home telephone. When you are finished making your request for service, ask for a confirmation number from the operator.
The following are some other useful phone numbers for everyone to use. Please make note of the following:
EMERGENCY……….………………………………………….9-1-1
DISPATCH…(non emergency)………………………………….3-1-1
FOOTHILL FRONT DESK…………………………………756-8861/62/63
VALLEY TRAFFIC MOTOR OFFICER ……………….….644-8142
CITY OF LOS ANGELES INFORMATION…(any city entity)..3-1-1
GRAFFITI REMOVAL…………………3-1-1…or.…...800-247-3395
FOOTHILL VICE……………………………………………834-3170
FOOTHILL GANG UNIT…………………………… ……897-6970
ABANDONED VEHICLES……………3-1-1…or….…800-222-6366
OPERATION BRIGHT LIGHTS………3-1-1…or….…800-303-5267
BULKY ITEM PICK UP……………… 3-1-1…or….….800-773-2489
Senior Lead Officer Jon Walker (SLO 11)
818-634-0652
E-mail: 25680@lapd.lacity.org
During the Month of October, street robberies are still taking place along the Van Nuys corridor. By utilizing Area and bureau resources such as the Gang Detail, Bike Detail and the Valley Violent Crime Task Force, along with the Crew Task Crime, the crime has decreased somewhat. However, there was still a concern with the double homicide which occurred early October in the San Fernando Gardens.
The parks, Richie Valens and Hubert Humphrey remain safe with no reportable incidents yet this the year. The staffs at both parks run numerous programs for the youth and keep them involved. I believe this is directly related to the minimal crime at both locations. The staffs also keep me updated of all upcoming events and any potential problems so I can address them before they become an issue. The Summer Night Lights Program at Humphrey was once again a huge success.
During the month I continue to walk foot beats up and down the Van Nuys corridor. This has given me an opportunity to meet and talk with the local business owners and listen to their problems and concerns. I will increase this due to up spike in street robberies. It gives me the opportunity to show uniform police presence, which I believe assists in deterring crime.
Foothill Area's Annual Open House was held on the 24th of October. It just gets bigger and better every year with activities and fun for all ages
Senior Lead Officer Adriana Munguia (SLO 23)
818-634-0685
E-mail: 30116@lapd.lacity.org
Hello, hope everyone is doing well. We are now getting ready for the holidays and as you might guess, crime goes up. Our numbers have increased in Pacoima (see below) for several months. We need to pay attention to what is going on out there. Parents, keep an eye on your kids, make sure you know where they are “hanging out” and who they are with. A lot of the property crime in the area is due to kids running around with nothing to do out there, so we need to make sure they stay out of trouble. Please make it a point to attend at least one Neighborhood Watch Meeting in the next couple of months for safety tips. Keep up the good work and the open communication with me. Be safe and see you out there.
CRIME TRENDS
Residential Burglaries, Thefts and Grand Theft Auto are up this month. Please secure your homes, lock and close all your doors, windows, blinds and curtains. Personal property is still being left in plain sight which is an invitation to anyone passing by to take it. Remember to lock your car and park in lighted or secure areas. Regarding gang activity, don't get caught in the wrong place at the wrong time. Be alert and know who is in your immediate area when you are out there. Don't carry more than you have to when shopping. Don't brag of how much money or jewelry you own, this also invites someone to confront you and take your property.
IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT YOU TAKE THE FOLLOWING PRECAUTIONS:
*Be alert of strangers in your neighborhood.
*If possible obtain an alarm or lock for your car.
*If someone is “hanging around” in your block that does not belong, notify your neighbors.
*Report suspicious activity. Call the Foothill Desk and keep the SLO Officer (me) informed.
*Foothill Desk 818-756-8861.
*ALWAYS CALL 911 when observing unknown suspects breaking in to any vehicle or home.
FOR ADDITIONAL SAFETY INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT FOOTHILL AREA AUTO OR BURGLARY DETECTIVES AT 818-834-3115.
NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH NEWS
There are different locations for the community to attend a neighborhood watch meeting. Please make it a point to attend any of the following and do your part for your neighborhood.
The Tamarack Neighborhood Watch is now going to join the Hansen Hills Neighborhood Watch and the meeting is on November 13, at 6:30 p.m., at the Community Center, located at 11243 Glenoaks Blv. The San Fernando Gardens Neighborhood Watch meeting is on November 19, at 5:00 p.m., at 10982 Lehigh Ave. The Haddon Neighborhood Watch meeting will be held on November 11, at 6:30 p.m., at Haddon Elementary, 10115 Haddon Avenue. The Shelter Isle Estates Neighborhood Watch meeting will be on November 19, at 6:30 p.m., at 10965 Glenoaks. Please join us. It is a good way to find out what is going on in your area.
Senior Lead Officer Larry Martinez (SLO 35)
818-634-0705
E-mail: 31179@lapd.lacity.org
HOW TO PROTECT YOUR MAIL FROM THIEVES
Every day, the U.S. Postal Service safely and efficiently delivers millions of checks, money orders, credit cards and other valuable items. Unfortunately, such items of value are also attractive to thieves.
That's why Postal Inspectors across the country are at work to protect your mail. But with deliveries to more than 100 million addresses, the Postal Inspection Service can't do the job alone.
Here's what you can do to protect your mail from thieves:
•Never send cash or coins in the mail. Use checks or money orders.
•Promptly remove mail from your mailbox after delivery, especially if you're expecting checks, credit cards, or other negotiable items. If you won't be home when the items are expected, ask a trusted friend or neighbor to pick up your mail.
•Have your local post office hold your mail while you're on vacation, or absent from your home for a long period of time.
•If you don't receive a check or other valuable mail you're expecting, contact the issuing agency immediately.
•If you change your address, immediately notify your post office and anyone with whom you do business via the mail.
•Always deposit your mail in a mail slot at your local post office, or hand it to your letter carrier.
•Consider starting a neighborhood watch program. By exchanging work and vacation schedules with trusted friends and neighbors, you can watch each other's mailboxes (as well as homes). If you observe a mail thief at work, call the local police immediately and then your nearest Postal Inspector.
•If you believe your mail was stolen, report it immediately to your local postmaster or nearest Postal Inspector. You'll be asked to file a formal complaint using PS Form 2016, Mail Theft and Vandalism Complaint. By analyzing information collected from the form, Postal Inspectors may determine whether your problem is isolated or part of a larger mail theft problem in your neighborhood--and it may help Inspectors locate and apprehend the thieves.
Consult with your local postmaster for the most up-to-date regulations on mailboxes, including the availability of locked centralized or curbside mailboxes or if you have questions about crimes involving the mail.
POSTAL INSPECTION SERVICE
PO BOX 2000
PASADENA CA 91102-2000
Phone : 626-405-1200
Fax : 626-405-1207
IDENTITY THEFT
The City of Los Angeles has seen a major increase in mail theft and identity theft. The Internet is an essential part of all of our lives. It allows us to purchase items, fill out applications and banking online. Because of the convenience of the Internet, account numbers, credit card numbers, social security numbers, names and address's are being taken and used by criminals everyday. Be careful who you are giving names and numbers to on the Internet and if you get an e-mail from your bank or any other credit card company asking to update or verify your account number…DON'T DO IT! These institutions already have the information and should contact you through the mail or other means if they need the information.
Mail theft has also increased recently. If you have missing mail or have any suspicion that your mail has been tampered with, you need to contact your local Post Office and file a report. They have investigators that will investigate and prosecute the criminals in Federal Court.
My suggestion is to get mailboxes that have locks on them. Also any bulky items such as bank check boxes should be sent to your bank to be picked up or get a Post Office Box. This is a little inconvenient, but it may save you from losing thousands of dollars.
Be careful what you are throwing away. You have a lot of information such as account numbers, credit card numbers, social security numbers, names and address's that people are getting when they go through your recyclable trash cans. My suggestion is to buy document shredder that shreds the paper in a criss-cross pattern and shred everything.
If you become a victim of identity theft it is important to act immediately to stop the criminal's further use of your identity. Here is what you should do as a victim:
•Make a police report and get a copy of the report with the report number on it. If the suspected crime occurred in a different city or state then you have to file a report with the law enforcement agency where the crime occurred.
•Contact all creditors in writing and by telephone and ask that the old account be processed as “account closed at consumer's request.”
•Keep a written log of all conversations with financial institutions and law enforcement conversations. Have the log note dates, names and telephone numbers, time spent and any expenses incurred.
If you need more information you can come to any police station and ask for any identity theft brochure or speak to your Senior Lead Officer.
TOWN HALL MEETING
Date:(Tuesday) November 17, 2009
Time:7:00 PM
Place:7747 Foothill Blvd., Tujunga
Topics of discussion:
Senior Lead Officer, crime updates
Guest Speakers (various topics)
Representative from City Council Office's
Open Forum
If you have any questions, contact Senior Lead Officer Larry Martinez at (818) 634-0705
Senior Lead Officer Richard Wall (SLO 59)
818-634-0754
E-mail: 30204@lapd.lacity.org
CRIME TRENDS
Our largest crime concern is still vehicle thefts, burglaries, and burglaries from motor vehicles. I can't express enough, how important it is for everyone to keep their homes and cars secure. As I continue reviewing the crime reports, there has been one reoccurring factor. Most of the burglars have been able to walk into an unlocked door or get into an unlocked window or car door. It's imperative that all of us help each other. An old trick to knock and see if someone is home. Numerous BFMV's have occurred and the first thing they do is to check and see if the vehicle doors are unlocked. Even if it is locked, if they see something of value, they will break a window. Please leave nothing of value in your car! If you see someone hanging around the neighborhood that you know doesn't live there, please call the non-emergency number for the Police Department 818-734-2223. If you see a crime in progress, please call 9-1-1. Lock all your doors and windows when you leave or go to sleep at night. Remember to lock the doors on your vehicles as well.
NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH NEWS
We have combined both Sunland and Tujunga for future neighborhood watch meetings. Our next meeting will be at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, November 17, at 7747 Foothill Blvd. Park in the rear by the park. This will be a Town Hall meeting with people from all over Foothill Division. Our guest speaker will be our own Neighborhood Prosecutor A.P. Diaz.
TRAFFIC SAFETY
Please remember to slow down. School is in and children are on the street. Valley Traffic Division will be enforcing traffic laws in the Foothill Area. I too will be monitoring and enforcing the law within the Tujunga area. Please help yourself avoid the potential financial strain of a citation. Slow down. Give yourself enough time to get where you're going. Please remember to pick a designated driver prior to attending a party or barbecue. It would be a shame to have to watch one of our young citizens become injured in a senseless act of drunk driving.
Senior Lead Officer Michelle Rodriguez (SLO 77)
818-634-0755
E-mail: 31020@lapd.lacity.org
SUN VALLEY HAPPENINGS
LAPD Foothill Area Town Hall Meeting
November 17, 2009 7:00 p.m.
Council District #2 Office
(7747 Foothill Boulevard, Tujunga)
CRIME UPDATE
Crime continues to stay at an all time low in Sun Valley. A lot of Sun Valley's success is a direct result of its community members. As we learn about City resources and become an active participant within our communities, we gain the power to take a bite out of crime. With the amount of police officers working each day, it is not possible for us to have driven crime numbers down without your help.
Remember with the holidays quickly approaching, to take extra precautions in preventing crime! Put yourselves into crime prevention mode because we want everyone to have a crime free holiday season. Please refresh your memory with the following crime prevention tips:
1.Close your drapes and blinds, so that no one can see the gifts under the Christmas tree (or if you are an early shopper, store in a safe place).
2.Lock your doors and windows when you leave home. Leave the lights on in the evening and use a timer to alternate lighting.
3.Do not carry your social security card, passport or birth certificate in your wallet or purse.
4.Do not leave anything unsecured in the yard or on the porch.
5.Use an ATM during the day or use an ATM at any LAPD police station.
6.Keep valuables and electronic devices such as IPODS and MP3 players out of sight.
7.Park and lock your car in a well-lit area. Do not leave valuables or personal information in the passenger compartment.
8.Complete all shopping prior to returning to your car with packages.
(Hint: Allow the store/mall to hold packages until you are ready to leave. Secure all packages in the trunk of your car. If you choose to make several trips to your vehicle to place purchases in the trunk, move your vehicle and park it in another location, then continue your shopping.
9.Be aware of your surroundings when you enter and exit your car, the mall or your home.
10. Avoid being a victim or a robbery, carjacking, rape or burglary.
Females: Do not leave anything in your car that indicates you are the driver of the vehicle, because suspects often look for you as an "easier" target!
PROPERTY CRIME PREVENTION
Remember to use common sense and good judgment. Don't leave vehicles unattended with the keys in the ignition, even if only for a moment. That might be the opportunity that it takes. Regarding leaving your possessions inside your “unlocked” vehicle, lock it up and put your things out of sight if you plan on leaving them in the car. Don't make yourself an easy target for the opportunist or the career criminal. This same concept works for our homes. Get to know your neighbors. If you notice that they are making themselves vulnerable to being victimized, talk to and help educate them. Our detectives are concerned about the number of crimes that could be prevented if simple steps were taken to secure their belongings and homes.
Businesses need to have a game plan in the event they are robbed or burglarized. Never leave cash in your register after closing. Remember, don't make it easy for those who prey on others. Keep your businesses well lit, clean with a good audible alarm system, and if necessary a camera system. If you become a victim of a crime, please report it. We need to know where the crimes are occurring and if you report it, we can put the necessary resources in your area.
Let's be safe out there, and be good, considerate neighbors.
Senior Lead Officer Esther Vasquez (SLO 81)
818-634-0854
E-mail: 32824@lapd.lacity.org
CRIME TRENDS
Basic Car 16A81, Saticoy north to the 5 Freeway and the 170 Freeway east to the border of Burbank. We saw a great month without seeing one week with more than twenty crimes. As mentioned last month,there was an increase of robberies especially with catering trucks. That robbery spree is now over with an arrest of a suspect made by our own Foothill officers.
You know I always talk about the burglaries in the west end of the area where we have numerous single family homes. I have always been harping on the residents to lock those doors and windows, especially the rear ones. Well this does prove successful. Three burglars broke into a house by sending one to knock on the door. When there wasn't an answer, he motioned to the other two who are waiting in a car. They all walked to the rear and broke a window to make entry. This was heard by the resident inside of the house who was already on the phone with police. Shortly later, the suspects heard the helicopter and left, but they were all captured by officers. These suspects targeted a house that appeared to be empty, knocked on the door, and then went to the rear. Because windows had to be pried or smashed, noises were made alerting the residents who didn't open the door. Since this huge arrest, there hasn't been a burglary in this area for almost three weeks.
There was a small increase in vehicle break-ins. Property taken from these vehicles was computers, laptops, GPS, clothing, purses, and wallets. Whether or not the vehicle was locked, the property was inside of the vehicle. Please take the extra time to remove the property from the vehicle. It is great to lock the doors and roll up the windows, but if the property wanted is viewable, someone who wants it will break the window to get it.
We do continue our efforts with the complaints of prostitution on San Fernando Road and on Lankershim nearest to Tuxford. Foothill Vice Unit has been arresting several girls on a day. We continue to address this issue and thank all of you who call in to notify us when and where the activity is taking place.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Sun Valley Neighborhood Council Meeting, Tuesday, November 10, 2009, 6:30 p.m., 10631 Vinedale, Villa Scalabrini Retirement Center.
North Hollywood North East Neighborhood Council Meeting, Thursday, November 19, 2009, 7:00 p.m., 7939 St Clair, Strathern Elementary School
LAPD Foothill Area Town Hall Meeting, Tuesday, November 17, 2009, 7:00 p.m., 7747 Foothill Blvd., Tujunga.
CRIME TIPS
Holiday shopping is going to be, if not already, starting. Please be aware of storing packages inside of your vehicle. When shopping, watch your purse and wallet. Do not leave these items in a shopping cart while looking at merchandise. It could disappear quickly and quietly. Enjoy your Thanksgiving Holiday.
valley bureau 
