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Harbor Community Newsletter
August 2013
Vol. XIII, No. 8
Find us on FACEBOOK at
“LAPD Harbor Community Police Station”
Follow us on TWITTER at
“LapdHarborDiv”
Call 311 for any City of Los Angeles service or entity.
REMEMBER TO “LOCK-IT OR LOSE-IT”
If you have a specific question, please contact the Los Angeles Police Department, Harbor Area Community Relations Office,
2175 John S. Gibson Boulevard, San Pedro, CA 90731, (310) 726-7920
Harbor Gateway South
Basic Car Area 5A1
Senior Lead Officer Brian Cook
Office: (310) 726-7924
Cell: (310) 869-2174
Email address: 36258@lapd.lacity.org
Property crimes are the Harbor Gateway’s biggest crime problem!
To combat property crimes, PLEASE, LOCK your homes when you leave. If possible, park your vehicle(s) in the driveway. LOCK your vehicle(s) whenever you are not in them and DO NOT leave valuables in plain sight. For example, victims have reported stolen valuables such as; laptop computers, purses, GPS devices, and money taken from their vehicle.
Thieves have also been targeting the catalytic converters from vehicles. The most commonly affected vehicles are Toyota, Honda and Nissan. The SUV models seem to be a preferred target because it’s easier to reach under the vehicles in a timely manner. Please keep an eye out for potential car thieves. Park your vehicles in a driveway if possible. Other thefts reported include; GPS’s, computers, vehicle batteries, purses, money, passports, etc. Unfortunately, many of the vehicles were unlocked during the commission of the crime. Help your neighbors by reminding them to secure their homes and vehicles.
If you are interested in starting a neighborhood watch, please feel free to contact me. If there is a block watch already established in your neighborhood, then I will provide you all the information that you will need.
To report VANDALISM in the Harbor Gateway, Please call Harbor Area Front Desk at
(310) 726-7700. After advising police, photo the graffiti and notify GAP at 311 for removal.
To report GANG ACTIVITY in the Harbor Gateway, Please call the Harbor Area Gang Enforcement Detail at (310) 726-7891.
To report NARCOTIC ACTIVITY in the Harbor Gateway, please call the Harbor Station Narcotics Detectives at (310) 726-7840. You can make the call anonymous, or if possible, please leave a message.
Many Harbor Gateway South residents have recently been the victims of vehicle burglaries. DO NOT LET THIS HAPPEN TO YOU! Please review the following information that will assist you in preventing your car from being broken into and your property stolen.
Thieves can burglarize your car in the matter of just seconds. Protect yourself by following a few simple tips.
Burglary and Theft From Vehicle Prevention
• Always lock your car.
• Make sure your windows are closed all of the way.
• DO NOT leave any item that is worth money visible
in your car, including; phones, wallets, purses,
computers, GPS devices, suit cases,
and even loose change. Your valuables will be stolen!
• Park your car in well-travelled or lighted areas.
• Know where all of your car keys are located at all times.
Warning Devices
Popular burglary/ theft prevention devices:
• Audible theft alarms
• Vehicle warning device that alerts your smart phone.
• Closed circuit security cameras that view the area where you park your car.
Harbor City Community, August 2013
Basic Car Area 5A11
Senior Lead Officer Andrey Wilkins
Office: (310) 726-7924
Cell: (310) 869-2106
Email address: 30418@lapd.lacity.org
Crime Trends
There was one Burglary from Vehicle and one Burglary and one Theft in the area Green Meadows Community. Green Meadows West had one Burglary from Vehicle. Central community had two Burglaries and one Grand Theft Auto. The Old Towne Community had two Burglaries and one Burglary From Vehicle. There is no suspect description at this time. Please call Police if you see anyone in the neighborhood that does not belong.
Block Captains training sessions are available for any community. If you have any question please call Senior Lead Officer Wilkins at 310-869- 2106
To report Narcotic activity in Harbor City, Please call the Harbor Station Narcotics Detectives at (310) 726-7840. You can make the call anonymous or please leave a message.
To report Gang Activity in Harbor City, Please call the Harbor Area Gang Unit at (310) 726-7891.
Home Security Inspection Checklist
• Are all outside doors in the house of metal or solid wood construction?
• Are doorframes strong enough and tight enough to prevent forcing or spreading?
• Are door hinges protected from removal from the outside
• Are there windows in any door or within 40 inches of the locks
• Are all door locks adequate and in good repair
• Are strikes and strike plates adequate and properly installed
• Can the locking mechanism be reached through a mail slot, delivery port, or pet entrance in the doorway
• Is there a screen or storm door with an adequate lock
• Are all entrances lighted with at least a 40 watt light bulb
• Can the front entrance be observed from the street or public areas
• Does the porch or landscaping offer concealment from view from the street or public areas
CRIME PREVENTION TIPS
For a complete list of home and business tips, please search the LAPD's online home security information section. www.lapdonline.org
West Wilmington Community, August 2013
Basic Car Area 5A25
Senior Lead Officer Shawn Crabbe
Office: (310) 726-7924
Cell: (310) 869-2173
Email address: 33841@lapd.lacity.org
Wilmington Events for August:
Summer Night Lights event will take place at Wilmington Recreation Center, located at 325 Neptune Av, Wilmington. The event starts on June 26th thru August 10, 2013 (Wednesday through Sunday night), throughout the summer. The park will host a variety of free events so please come and participate.
For more details of the event, please contact Senior Lead Officer Crabbe at 310-869-2173.
Crime Trends
LOCK YOUR VEHICLES!!!! Crime in the West Wilmington area has been limited. There are still thefts of motor vehicles occurring though. Please remember to lock your vehicles and remove any valuable items from plain sight at all times. Harbor Station still offers steering wheel locks for sale at the front desk. Remember, these steering wheel locks are one of the best ways to secure your vehicle.
With summer approaching, we will have more warm days in the Wilmington area. Please refrain from keeping your windows open and unlocked while you are away from your home. Thieves will take advantage of this and you could become an easy target.
Please call 911 if you observe any groups of gang members loitering or associating. Wilmington has an active gang injunction and it is against the law for Westside and Eastside Wilmas gang members to associate with each other in public.
Quality of Life
If you are interested in starting a “Neighborhood Watch” program in your area, please feel free to contact me at 310-269-2173.
Please remember that you are only allowed one yard sale every 6 months. The Wilmington area has an increased number of yard sales in the past few months. Please contact me at 310-869-2173 if you have issues in your neighborhood with excessive yard sales.
During the month of August, we will be conducting a task force to enforce illegal vending throughout the area. This will be an ongoing effort to target these illegal vendors. If you have a specific problem, please feel free to phone or email me with the information.
We will also be actively enforcing recreational vehicle parking in the area. Please let me know if see or know of anyone living and sleeping in these parked RV’s.
I will also continue to enforce the Wilmington gang injunction within the Wilmington Safety Zone. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you know of any location where gang members are congregating and creating a nuisance. Just to remind you that the Wilmington gang injunction prevents documented gang members from associating in public. You can call anonymously. In addition, they must stay away from alcohol, narcotics and they must obey all laws.
Neighborhood Events and Meetings
Harbor Station 2175 John S. Gibson, San Pedro
Wilmington Neighborhood Council meets on the fourth Wednesday of every month at 6pm.
Location: 1371 N. Eubank Av.
North Wilmington Community, August 2013
Basic Car Area 5A15
Senior Lead Officer Ria Garcenila
Office: (310) 726-7924
Cell: (310) 869-2177
Email address: 37126@lapd.lacity.org
Crime Trends
Basic Car 5A15 covers the area in Wilmington North of Pacific Coast Highway and Carson Street on the north. West of Avalon Boulevard to the 110 Freeway and South to Opp Street.
Stolen vehicles and Burglary/Theft from Motor Vehicles are still a problem in Wilmington. I would like to remind everyone to please lock your vehicles and not leave valuables in plain view. Criminals look for opportunity in order commit crimes. Please do not give them a reason to victimize you. Do not leave your bags unattended or leave your shopping bags in your vehicle exposed to passersby while you are out of your vehicle.
There has also been an increase in the amount of stolen cars and theft from motor vehicles in the Wilmington area. Don’t be a victim! Always lock your vehicles when you are not in them. Even if you will be gone for only a few minutes. If you would like to purchase an anti-theft Club device for your vehicle, please contact me at the above phone number or email. Each Club is being sold for twenty dollars. Remember , “Lock it or Lose it!”
Detectives in the Harbor Area are warning the public to be aware of strangers approaching them and claiming to have a winning lottery ticket. Detectives stated that the suspects of this lottery scam offer to share the winnings if he or she presents themselves as the owner of the ticket to the State Lottery authority. Ultimately, the suspects demand something of value from the victims, preferably cash, as their protection. This is a scam! Remember, if it’s too good to be true, it probably is!
Station Information
If you do not already know, the address is 2175 John S. Gibson Boulevard. The front desk phone number is: 310-726-7700. Please press the number 1 if you would like to speak to an officer.
Quality of Life
We are currently working quality of life task forces at least once a month. We concentrate on the ongoing nuisance problems that are littering the streets and alleys of Wilmington. If you have a location that is a constant nuisance please let me know.
We also have “Impound Task Forces” where we impound vehicles that are abandoned or improperly parked on the street. People living in RV’s continue to be a problem in the Wilmington area. Please e-mail or call me if you have abandoned vehicles or people sleeping in RV’s in your area. I will do what I can to take care of the problem.
Illegal vending has been an increasing problem in the Wilmington area. We are partnering up with the Health Department and Sanitation to enforce health and safety codes. We are looking forward to conducting additional task forces of this nature in order to decrease the amount of illegal vending in the area.
We are tirelessly working to reduce the incidents of graffiti in the Wilmington area. We continue to discourage taggers from defacing property by prosecuting all vandals to the fullest extent of the law. Keep your eyes open and lets all help to keep Wilmington clean.
Another task force that we have enacted has been our illegal skateboarding task force. We have been receiving numerous complaints regarding skateboarders, who have been causing a traffic hazard by disregarding traffic laws. We will do our best to try to keep both skateboarders and citizens safe.
How to Become More Involved
Start a Neighborhood Watch Program in your community. Starting a program in your neighborhood will decrease the likelihood of crimes being committed in your area.
Install a “Neighborhood Watch” sign in your community. The visual reminder that crime is not tolerated can help unite a neighborhood. If you would like to purchase a sign, please contact me at the above phone number or email address.
Report crime when it happens. Remember, you can always remain anonymous. No one will ask your immigration status for reporting a crime. You can also call 1-800-TIPS or send a text message to CRIMES (274637) from your cell phone and put “LAPD” in letters as the part of the message.
To report unwanted graffiti in a public area or sidewalk, call 311. The longer it remains, the more criminal elements it attracts.
The “I Love Wilmington” group has been very successful in gathering like-minded, positive people the third Wednesday of every month at 626 N. Avalon. They conduct a peace walk beginning at 5:00 PM. Please join us in making Wilmington a great place to live.
Neighborhood Events and Meetings
The Wilmington Neighborhood Council meeting is scheduled every fourth Wednesday of the month at the Wilmington Senior Center located at Banning Park. If you would like to start a neighborhood watch group in your area, please contact me. I’ll be glad to help you get started.
Come and join us for our Community Police Advisory Board (CPAB) meeting! It is held on the third Thursday of every month. Come and join other community members to help with ideas on how to make your neighborhood safer.
A new Skateboarding ordinance has recently been passed by the City Council. This means more safety enforcement for both skateboarders and drivers alike. We are hopeful that this will increase awareness of skateboarding safety in the City.
Harbor Area Community Police Station held a “Movies in the Park” event on July 24th. It was a great success! We had approximately 250 people in attendance watching “Despicable Me 2”. It was a great community and family event. We will let you know if we will have another event coming up.
On August the 6th, the Wilmington Coordinating Council is hosting a National Night Out at Banning’s Landing Community Center. It is located at 100 East Water Street and will take place at 4:30 to 7:00. The Wilmington Coordinating Council will honor the Los Angeles Police Department, The Los Angeles Port Police Department, and the Los Angeles Fire Department. We hope to see you there!
East Wilmington Community, August 2013
Basic Car Area 5A17
Senior Lead Officer Roger Perez
Office: (310) 726-7924
Cell: (310) 869-2096
Email address: 33802@lapd.lacity.org
I want to inform all community members that Harbor Division Station sells “The Club” for $20.00. It’s a great device to secure your vehicle and discourage criminals from targeting your car. Please call me at the above cell phone or stop by at our station to purchase your device. It’s one of many tools we can use to combat vehicles related crime.
I want to also remind everyone to please lock and secure your vehicles. The police Department thank s each and every one of our great community members for their effort. Let’s continue working together in partnership to reduce crime and better quality of life for our community.
I also wanted to point out that our patrol officers have been doing an outstanding job in your community. The officers continue to make arrests related to all areas of crime. Please take a moment to “Thank” the officers in your area for the great work the area doing. I am very proactive in thanking these guys on a regular basis.
The following ideas can help keep you safe and avoid being a victim of crime.
As you know most vehicles are stolen due to many of our community members leaving the vehicles unlocked. Help your neighbors by reminding them to lock your vehicles and have some kind of safety device (The Club/Alarm) on your vehicle so that you DO NOT become our next victim.
Please do not leave valuables in plain sight inside your vehicle. It’s always a great idea to secure valuables inside the trunk. Always be mindful of your surrounding’s as you walk to and from your vehicle. The last advice I will give you is to not park your vehicle in dark areas when you shop.
The last thing I wanted to inform you is that we had a stream of “Burglary from Motor Vehicles” in the East Wilmington area. The only way to combat this problem is to lock your vehicles, remove valuables from plain sight and install an alarm on your vehicles. As you know, LAPD is working very hard to reduce these incidents but we also need your cooperation on this matter. Please call me at the above phone number if you have any questions.
I take great pride in serving the East Wilmington community!
I also host a “Spanish East Wilmington “community meeting every last Monday of each month at “Holy Family Church” at Sanford Ave/L Street. Please come and show your support and be involved in your community and know what is happening in the area you live in and learn how to be proactive in your community.
You can check our department web site and link to Harbor Division if you have any questions or concerns regarding above matter, or feel free to call me on my city cell phone and I will be more than glad to answer any questions.
Also let’s continued to practice the “Lock it or lose it” system that we place for our community, that goes for your vehicles and homes, please make sure your home windows and doors are lock and secure during the night and when you leave your home, even if it’s just for a moment!!!!
www.lapdonline.org for more information and crime maps.
Please feel free to contact me at the above phone numbers if you have any questions or concerns regarding your area.
To report NARCOTIC ACTIVITY in the East Wilmington area, please call the Harbor Station Narcotics Detectives at (310) 726-7840. You can make the call anonymous or please leave a message.
To report GANG ACTIVITY in the East Wilmington Area, Please call the Harbor Area Gang Enforcement Detail at (310) 726-7891.
To report VANDALISM, photograph the graffiti and notify GAP at 311 for removal. Call Harbor Division front desk to reach out to the Graffiti Coordinator.
North San Pedro Community, August 2013
Basic Car Area 5A55
Senior Lead Officer Art Ashcraft
Office: (310) 726-7924
Cell: (310) 869-2067
Email address: 34536@lapd.lacity.org
Crime trends for the month of August for Northwest San Pedro and all of San Pedro for that matter, continues to be Property Crimes such as Burglaries from Motor Vehicles, Residential Burglaries, Vandalism and GTA’s. Also aggressive Pan Handlers have been in the area, possibly casing locations for future Burglaries. Please do not buy things from people selling door to door, and specifically do not give any of your personal information to them. As far as Residential Burglaries, please remember to always lock and secure your windows and doors. Also report any unusual activity in and around your home and neighbors residences. Be advised that juveniles are some of our suspects who are breaking into homes, vehicles and stealing the vehicles. So please be observant of everyone loitering in and around your homes and vehicles. If you see a group of juveniles out during school hours, please call our front desk (310-726-7700) and report it. At least the front desk can put out the word out to the officers that the juveniles were seen in and around a certain area. Our own Senior Lead Officers from Harbor Division take it upon themselves to organize their own Task Forces and work the areas in Harbor Division that have been hit hard with crimes. We make numerous arrests, but we won’t be able to arrest ourselves out of this problem. Let’s not be easy targets. We need to remain vigilant and constantly be aware of our surroundings.
As we all know times are tough for everybody. A certain element likes to take advantage of that. Let’s work together in being better neighbors and look out for one another. Remember criminals have all day and night to think about doing bad deeds and just have to get lucky once. We have to remain vigilant 24/7. Let’s also try and remember to take all valuables out of our vehicles when we exit them. Let’s do this whether we are parking our vehicles in our driveways, in front of our houses or apartments, or whether we are going to the store, work or school. Let’s not leave anything to chance so let’s eliminate the opportunity for criminals to take advantage of us.
Remember, the weather is changing, and starting to get warmer. We all like to leave windows and doors open to catch that cool breeze. Well, we all now have to remember to shut AND lock our windows and doors when we are not at home. We also need to remember to lock our windows when we go to sleep, in the rooms we are not sleeping in.
We also know that skateboarding has become a big issue in San Pedro. It’s not all of the skateboarders in San Pedro, most follow the rules of the road and are courteous to those around them. But there is a large amount of skateboarders that are not following the rules of the road, and are not being courteous to those around them. Those skateboarders are becoming a safety issue in streets. LAPD has worked in conjunction with Councilman Buscaino of CD15 to make the skateboarders have to follow the rules of the road just like bicyclists. I know this is a large concern to MANY. Well as of April 2013, Officers will now be able to cite anyone skateboarding in reckless manner. Officers will be in and around Harbor Division monitoring the skateboarding, and will cite any offender violating the vehicle code.
I have been getting complaints of solicitors coming around more, at odd hours, and sometimes being aggressive as they ask for information or purchases. Please, if anyone feels like the solicitors are becoming aggressive or becoming a nuisance, don’t hesitate in calling the police and letting us find out what they are up to. Sometimes these solicitors are trying to get personal information from you, or trying to see when or if you are home. So the call into the police is very helpful to us, in just figuring out who these people are and what they are up to.
I have also received complaints of people digging through trash bins and recyclable bins, leaving a large mess. But I have also been getting reports that some of these people are also looking into vehicles and homes during the early morning hours they are there. Please call the police when you see these people going through your things. I know it does not sound like that big of a problem, but it could be the key to making some great arrests for burglary and burglaries from motor vehicles.
Prevention for Car Burglaries and Vehicle Thefts
• Avoid leaving your car running with the doors unlocked and windows down
• Avoid leaving valuables in plain view of passing pedestrians
• Install anti-theft devices such as, alarm systems and ignition cut-off switches
• Park in well lighted areas
• Consider the installation of a portable steering wheel lock
• Avoid leaving hidden spare keys where suspects can easily find them
• Make sure to lock your vehicle.
• Report all suspicious activity to police immediately
• Consider starting a neighborhood watch program
•
REPORT SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY IMMEDIATELY!
Consider becoming a Block Captain and forming a Neighborhood Watch Program.
Block Captains training sessions are available for any community member that wants it. If you have any question please call Senior Lead Officer Ashcraft at 310-869-2067.
To report Narcotic activity in San Pedro, please call the Harbor Station Narcotics Detectives at (310) 726-7840. You can make the call anonymous or please leave a message.
To report Gang Activity in San Pedro, Please call the Harbor Area Gang Enforcement Detail at (310) 726-7891.
CRIME PREVENTION TIPS
For a complete list of home and business tips, please search the LAPD's online home security information section. www.lapdonline.org
Central Downtown San Pedro, August 2013
Basic Car Area 5A59
Senior Lead Officer Maligi A. Nua Jr.
Office: (310) 726-7924
Cell: (310) 869-2138
Email address: 31681@lapd.lacity.org
Facebook: FiveSlo FiftyNine
August 2013
Crime continues to downtrend in Harbor Area. As of July 13, Harbor Area is experiencing a 10.2% decrease in violent crime, 15.8% decrease in property crime, and 15.1% decrease in overall part one crimes. The theme for central San Pedro continues to be “There’s no excuse for domestic abuse”.
THIS SUMMER, TAKE A STAND AGAINST DOMESTIC VIOLENCE!
FACTS ABOUT DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
There are many people in our society who still believe in the myth that only a man is capable of being abusive and that only a woman can suffer abuse. The truth is anyone can be a victim of domestic violence. Abusers can be of any gender and abuse happens in all walks of life. Many victims and abusers grew up in abusive homes. Characteristics of the classic abuser and victim may include the following:
ABUSER
• Blames others for their behavior;
• Demonstrates very jealous behaviors;
• Low self-esteem;
• Will often have legal problems, fines or prior jail convictions for domestic violence crimes; and
• Abusers make excuses, such as "blaming" the abuse on other people or situations.
Examples of "blaming" statements are as follows: "I had a rough day at work and it's your fault." "The boss gave me a demotion because of you."
VICTIM
• May have suffered serious physical injury in the past from abuse;
• May experience depression, low self-esteem, anxiety, helplessness and a sense of
worthlessness;
• May blame himself/herself for the violence; and
• May believe no one can help them get out of the violent relationship.
UNREPORTED INCIDENTS
Incidents of domestic violence often go unreported by victims for the following reasons:
• Victims do not realize they are in a dangerous and/or violent situation;
• Victims do not recognize the domestic violence signals;
• Victims feel ashamed, hopeless or they are in denial;
• Victims sense they have no alternatives;
• Victims sense no one can protect them; and
• Victims do not know of services available to them or how they can obtain these services.
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PREVENTION TIPS
• Watch for personality changes such as more aggressive, violent, moody or accusing
behavior;
• Develop a plan of action and instruct your children about the plan;
• Locate a safe house such as the home of a trusted friend, trusted neighbor or family member;
• Locate a safe shelter that is suitable to your needs and accepts children if necessary; and
• Seek counseling assistance.
EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE ORDER (EPO)
Police officers at the scene can obtain an Emergency Protective Order (EPO) for your safety.
• The EPO can be served by any police officer, anytime of the day or evening;
• A police officer may use his/her judgement and obtain an EPO even if the victim is reluctant;
• The EPO is valid for five days; and
• The EPO is free of charge.
TEMPORARY RESTRAINING ORDER (TRO), RESTRAINING ORDER (RO),
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE RESTRAINING ORDER (DVRO)
• Victim must go to Superior Court;
• The order is valid for three weeks;
• A police officer can serve the order;
• When an order has expired, it is the responsibility of the victim to reinstate the order by
going back to court; and
• All orders are free of charge.
CONCLUSION
Take a stand. Reach out to someone in the community if you believe they are a victim of domestic violence, and are being abused. Do not give up easily, change takes time. Part of the abuser’s power comes from secrecy. Victims are often ashamed to let anyone know about their violent partner. Ending the isolation is a critical first step. Victims of domestic violence rarely complain. They will not tell friends, relatives, neighbors or the Police Department. Victims of domestic violence come from all walks of life, all cultures, all incomes, all ages, and religious backgrounds. They share similar feelings of guilt, helplessness, isolation, fear and shame. They hope in vain it won't happen to them again, but hope does not stop the violence. Help if you can.
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE VICTIM RESOURCES
Domestic Violence Safety Plan Hotline (800) 978-3600
1736 Family Crisis Center, South Bay (310) 379-3620
Domestic Violence, Santa Clarita (Spanish) (661) 259-8175
Center for Pacific Asian Families, LA Hotline (323) 653-4042 (24-hr.)
(800) 339-3940
Family Violence Project/Jewish Family Service (818) 505-0900
Good Shepherd Shelter, LA (323) 737-6111
Haven Hills, San Fernando Valley (818) 887-6589
Jenesse Center, South Central LA (323) 731-6500
Rainbow Services, San Pedro (Spanish) Hotline (310) 547-9343 (24-hr.)
Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office
Family Violence Division (Spanish) (213) 974-3785
Free Spirit Crisis Line Hotline (323) 937-1312 (24-hr.)
East Los Angeles Bilingual Hotlines (323) 268-7564
(800) 548-2722
Los Angeles Commission On Assaults
Against Women Domestic Violence
& Sexual Assault Hotlines (213) 626-3393 (24-hr.) Central LA
(310) 392-8381 (24-hr.) West LA
(626) 793-3385 (24-hr.)
Pasadena/West San Gabriel Valley TDD (213) 955-9095 (M-F 9 to 5)
Violence Intervention Program, LA (323) 226-3961
Olive View Medical Center, Sylmar (818) 364-4236
Harbor Free Clinic, San Pedro (310) 547-0202
Hollywood/Sunset Free Clinic, Hollywood (323) 660-2400
Los Angeles Free Clinic, Central LA (323) 653-8622 Ext. 112
T.H.E. Clinic for Women, Southwest LA (323) 295-6571
Women’s & Children’s Hospital, LA (323) 226-3061
SHELTERS
Covenant House California, Hollywood (323) 461-3131
Info Line, LA (800) 339-6993
YWCA WINGS (Spanish/English) Hotline (626) 967-0658 (24-hr.)
Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Center (323) 993-7640
LEGAL RESOURCES
Barrister's Domestic Violence Counseling Project (213) 624-3665
Los Angeles Free Clinic, Legal Dept., Central LA (323) 653-1990
Legal Protection for Women (323) 721-9882
Women's Equal Rights, Legal Defense & Education
Fund (323) 653-8087
COUNSELING AND OUTREACH
Friends of the Family (818) 988-4430
Family Violence Project Hotline (818) 505-0900 (24-hr.)
(818) 908-5007
Kedren Mental Health Center, LA (323) 233-0425
Southern California Counseling Center, LA Hotline (323) 937-1344 (24-hr.)
Prevention for Car Burglaries and Vehicle Thefts:
•Avoid leaving your car running with the doors unlocked and windows down
•Avoid leaving valuables in plain view of passing pedestrians
•Install anti-theft devices such as, alarm systems and ignition cut-off switches
•Park in well lighted areas
•Consider the installation of a portable steering wheel lock
•Avoid leaving hidden spare keys where suspects can easily find them
•Make sure to lock your vehicle.
•Report all suspicious activity to police immediately
•Consider starting a neighborhood watch program
Downtown San Pedro Business Watch
Downtown San Pedro Business Watch meeting every first Wednesday of the month at the Croatian Cultural Center, 510 West 7th Street, San Pedro, at 6 p.m.
Central San Pedro Neighborhood Watch Groups
Vinegar Hill Neighborhood Watch meets every second Monday of the month at House of Hope, 205 West 9th Street, San Pedro, at 6:30 p.m.
Mesa Street Neighborhood Watch meets every second Wednesday of the month at the New Harvest Church, 385 West 18th Street, San Pedro, at 6:30 p.m.
Facebook Neighborhood Watch Social Media
Central San Pedro Neighborhood Watch Group is currently on Facebook! If you are registered to a Facebook account, open the Central San Pedro Facebook page and ‘like’ us! I monitor the page and try to answer any questions users post on the page.
Central San Pedro Neighborhood Council Meeting
The Central San Pedro Neighborhood Council meets every second Tuesday of the month, at POLA High School, at 6:30 p.m.
Lock it or Lose it! STILL IN EFFECT!
Central San Pedro has been experiencing a continued trend of theft and petty theft from motor vehicle. Please take the extra time to secure any personal belongings whether in your vehicle and or residence. Our crime reports indicate that the victim either forgot to lock their vehicle and or did not know if they locked their vehicle. Usually if there is no forced entry, the victim did not lock their vehicle. If you are reading this article, please take the time to share this information with your neighbors.
Acquaintance Rape Awareness
The common thread between many of the reported rapes in San Pedro, is that the victim knew or has met their assailant. Harbor Division has passed out Acquaintance Rape Prevention flyers to businesses within the downtown San Pedro area and many of the bars which align the Pacific Avenue corridor. A few tips to avoid acquaintance rape:
- Know your sexual intentions and limits and communicate them clearly.
- Don’t assume your partner can read your mind.
- Remember that some people think that drinking heavily, wearing “sexy” clothes,
or agreeing to be alone with them indicates a willingness to have sex.
- Trust your gut feelings.
- Don’t be afraid to ask someone for help or make a scene if you feel threatened.
- Be especially careful in situations involving drugs and or alcohol.
- Go to parties and or clubs with persons you can trust and agree to lookout for one another.
- Listen carefully to the person you are with in sexual situations.
- Don’t assume you know what the other person wants.
FOR FURTHER INFO CONTACT:
HARBOR AREA SEX DETECTIVES
(310) 726-7916 or 7917
Coastal San Pedro, August 2013
Basic Car Area 5A85
Senior Lead Officer Matthew Vuoso
Office: (310) 726-7924
Cell: (310) 869-2168
Email address: 39626@lapd.lacity.org
Facebook: ADAMEIGHTYFIVE LAPDHARBOR
Although crime in the Coastal San Pedro is down 33% this year, many folks have continued to be victimized throughout the summer months. Grand theft autos, burglaries and burglary from motor vehicles have been the primary crimes committed in the area. Many times officers rely on radio calls to be directed in the area of concern around San Pedro therefore, it is up to the neighbors and friends in the area to report suspicious activity. As the weather heats up, more people look to the coastal attractions to cool off. Thus bringing more pedestrian and vehicle traffic in the neighborhood at all hours of the day and night. It is up to all of us to be aware of who is coming into our neighborhood.
Skateboarding, vandalism and curfew violations continue to plague not only the coastal San Pedro area but all of San Pedro. Many of these violations are being committed by young persons ages 13-17. Parents, please know where your children area, who they are with, and what they are doing at all times. This alone will dramatically decrease the amount of problems we are having in the area.
TAKE A STAND AGAINST RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY
If you were locked out of your house, would you still be able to get in? Maybe you keep an unlocked window in the back of your house or a hidden key in your mailbox or on top of a window ledge? You may think this is a good idea, but guess what? If you can break in, so can a burglar! According to the National Crime Prevention Council, one out of ten homes will be burglarized this year. For a small amount of time and money you can make your home more secure and reduce the chances of being a victim.
LOCKS
Did you know that in almost half of all residential burglaries, thieves simply breezed in through unlocked doors or crawled through unlocked windows?
• Make sure every external door has a sturdy, properly installed dead bolt lock. Key-in-the knob locks alone are not enough.
• Instead of hiding keys around the outside of your home, give an extra key to a neighbor you trust.
• When you move into a new house or apartment, re-key the locks.
PADLOCKS are vulnerable to attacks at several points. The shackle can be pried out of the lock by a crowbar or jimmy, or it can be sawed off or cut with bolt cutters. The casing can be crushed or distorted by hammering. In quality padlocks, modifications have been incorporated to reduce their vulnerability to these attacks. For instance, hardened steel cases and shackles are used to defeat cutting and crushing. Rotating inserts and hardened materials are used to prevent the sawing of shackles. Heel and toe locking is used to prevent prying. A key-retaining feature is used to prevent the removal of the key until the padlock is locked. Thus, a padlock cannot be removed and returned after an unauthorized person has made a key. To make picking of a padlock more difficult quality locks have five to six pin tumblers. Something else to keep in mind, a padlock is no better than the hasp it engages. For a hasp to offer reasonable security it must be made of hardened metal. A hasp must also be properly mounted on solid material so it cannot be pried off. In the locked position, no mounting screw or bolt should be accessible. Padlocks and hasps should always be considered as a unit. There is no point in mounting a quality padlock on an inferior hasp. The hasp and lock should always be of the same quality.
Where the hasp and the lock are not of the same quality the complete device is only as good as its weakest member.
DOORS
Wooden doors are either solid throughout or have a hollow center. All exterior doors should be of solid wood construction or metal for greater security. A lock on a “flimsy” door is about as effective as locking your car door by leaving the window down. It is useless to spend good money on inferior locks. A novice burglar using simple tools can quickly open them. A properly constructed lock will be a pin tumbler lock and have at least five pins within its mechanism. Every exterior door should have a dead bolt lock for additional security. All dead bolt locks should have:
1. A bolt which extends at least one and a half inches when in a locked position.
2. A cylinder guard ring of hardened steel.
3. A hardened steel insert or bearing in the bolt. This prevents sawing of the extended bolt.
Outside hinge pins can make a good lock useless. An intruder could enter by removing these pins. To prevent this follow these simple steps:
1. Each hinge has two sides or leaves. One leaf is screwed to the door and the other to
the doorframe. Remove one screw from the doorframe leaf. Make certain they are
directly opposite each other.
2. Insert a solid metal pin, screw, or concrete nail into the hole formerly occupied by the
screw on the doorframe leaf. After installation, the pin, screw or concrete nail should
protrude from the hinge about ½ inch.
3. Drill out the opposing screw hole in the door to fit the pin, screw or concrete nail. Do
this to each hinge on your door. When the door is closed and locked, the hinge pins
still remain removable, but the door itself cannot be lifted out.
• The metal plate attached to your doorframe or jamb for the purpose of receiving the latch or bolt is called a strike. Make sure that strikes on all exterior doors are solidly in place.
• If your door has a mail slot, an interior hood will prevent anyone from looking through into your house but will not interfere with mail deposits.
• If your doors don’t fit tightly in their frames, install weather stripping around them.
• Know who is calling before opening your door. Install a peephole or wide-angle viewer in all entry doors so you can see who is outside without opening the door. Door chains break easily and don’t keep out intruders.
• Sliding glass doors can offer easy access if they are not properly secured. However, a sliding glass door can be secured so that it cannot be opened or lifted out of its track even when the lock has been removed or broken.
1. Drill at least a one quarter inch diameter hole that angles downward through the top
channel and continues into the top portion of the sliding doorframe when closed. By
placing a solid metal pin or a bolt into the hole, the door will be held securely in
place. When not in use, the pin can be attached to a cord or light chain and dropped
through a screw eye adjoining the door.
2. For additional security screw two or three number eight or number ten sheet metal
screws into the track above the sliding door. The screws should protrude so the top of
the closing door just clears them. This will prevent the door from being lifted out of
the lower track.
3. A length of broomstick, wooden dowel or metal rod, when placed in the lower track
will prevent a sliding door from opening. Make certain it fits snugly into the track
when the door is closed.
4. Inexpensive pin type locks may be purchased and easily installed to prevent the
operation of sliding glass doors.
WINDOWS
Sliding glass windows can offer easy access if they are not properly secured. Like sliding glass doors you can secure them by installing commercially available locks or by placing a broomstick or dowel in the inside track to jam the window. To prevent the window from being lifted off the track, drill a hole through the sliding window frame and the fixed frame. Then insert a pin in the hole. Casement windows are the easiest to secure. Make certain the locking latch works properly and the crank that opens and closes the window has no excessive play. Replace any worn hardware. Double-hung sash windows are usually found in older homes and apartments. To secure these windows, drill a hole that angles slightly downward through a top corner of the bottom window. Then place a solid pin or nail into the hole to prevent the window from being opened. Keyed latches may also be purchased to lock double-hung sash windows. Louvered windows are difficult to burglar proof because the individual panes of glass are easily removed. The application of a two-part epoxy resin to each pane of glass will prevent easy removal. Another effective way to secure louvered windows and basement windows is to install
a grille, grate or security bar on the windows. However, be sure the grilles, grates and security bars are designed to easily and simply open from the inside, otherwise they could prevent escape in the event of fire.
Warning! Do not install grilles, grates or any type of security bars on windows before checking with the Los Angeles Fire Department.
• Don’t forget to secure any windows located in the garage area of your home.
• Break-resistant plastic or treated glass in windows gives added security.
• Make sure window air conditioners are firmly secured to the window.
Place gravel beds below windows. Gravel can be noisy and tough to sneak across without being heard. Plant thorny bushes around windows and walkways. Shrubs and bushes are favorite hiding spots for burglars. Spiny or thorny plants will discourage entry.
MISCELLANEOUS OPENINGS
Don’t overlook ventilation openings or crawl spaces that permit access under your home, or pet doors. Grilles, grates or heavy screening will deter entry through these miscellaneous openings.
EXTERIOR OF THE HOUSE
Look at your house from the outside. Make sure you know the following tips:
• Burglars prefer darkness and they hate bright lights. The front, rear and side of your house should be well lighted and the lights should always be kept on at night. You should locate outside floodlights just below the edge or eaves of the roof. Wire coverings can be effective for protecting against intentional bulb breakage. Installing a timer or photoelectric cell will automatically turn lights on at dusk and off at dawn. Installing motion sensor floodlights will ensure floodlights turn on when a person or object moves past them. Installation of low voltage lighting uses very little energy and is an excellent way to illuminate lawns, steps, walkways and shrubs.
• Prune large any tree limbs near your house. Tree limbs too close to your house could provide easy access to a second story window. Keep shrubbery trimmed so it never blocks the view to or from any door or window. Trimmed shrubbery will give you, your neighbors and police patrols a better view of trespassers and will deny an intruder a place to hide. A well maintained lawn and landscaping gives your house a “lived-in” look.
• Clearly display your house number so police and other emergency personnel can find your home quickly.
• If you travel, create the illusion that you’re at home by getting some timers that will turn lights on and off in different areas of your house throughout the evening.
• 24-hours a day is a signal to thieves the house is vacant.
• Leave shades, blinds, and curtains in normal positions.
• Don’t let mail pile up in your mailbox. Call the post office to stop delivery or have a
neighbor collect your mail.
GARAGES
Your garage should be kept closed and locked at all times. By leaving your garage open,
burglars not only have access to valuables stored in your garage they have access to your tools. Burglars can use these tools to break into your home. It is recommended that you secure both sides of your garage door with hardened steel hasps and quality padlocks. Install a dead bolt lock on any doors that lead from the house into the garage.
GATES AND FENCES
Solidly built gates and properly built fences is the first line of defense against illegal or unwanted entry. Equip all gates with good locks and use them. Make sure they don’t hide your windows, doors and walkways from public view, or serve as a step up to a window or balcony.
STORAGE LOCKERS
Many apartment houses provide storage lockers for tenants. They are generally located in
carports or areas accessible to burglars. If the storage locker has exposed hinges, install one-way (non-removable) screws or install interior hinges. Check storage locker doors and hasps for proper closure. A loose hasp can allow burglars to easily reach in and take whatever they want.
OPERATION IDENTIFICATION
Property recovered by the police cannot be returned unless the rightful owner can be identified. Participate in the Operation Identification program by taking photographs of your valuable property and by recording and maintaining an up-to-date record of their serial numbers and descriptions. Place the photographs and valuable property record in a safe place. Also, keep a detailed and accurate description of all valuables that do not have serial numbers. Additionally, remember to mark your valuables with your California Driver License or Identification Card number, not your social security number. Marking your property with these numbers increases the likelihood of your valuables being traced by the police and returned to you, if recovered. Report stolen or lost items to the police as soon as possible.
ALARMS
Alarms can be a good investment, especially if you have many valuables in your home, or live in an isolated area or one with a history of burglaries.
• Check with local companies before you purchase so you can decide what level of security fits your needs. Do business with established companies and check references before signing a contract.
• Learn how to use your system properly! Don’t “cry wolf” by setting off false alarms. People will stop paying attention and you can also be fined.
• Some less expensive options are as follows:
1. Sound-detecting socket that plugs into a light fixture and makes the light flash when it
detects certain noises;
2. Motion sensing outdoor lights that turn on when someone approaches;
3. Lights with photoelectric cells that turn on during the day and off during the night.
BURGLARS DO MORE THAN STEAL
Burglars can commit rapes, robberies, and assaults if they are surprised by someone coming home or pick homes that are occupied.
• If something looks questionable, i.e., a slit screen, a broken window or an open door, don’t go in. Leave the location immediately and call the police from a neighbor’s house or a public telephone.
• At night, if you think you hear someone breaking in, leave safely if you can, then call the police. If you can’t leave, lock yourself in a room with a telephone and call the police. If an intruder is in your room, pretend you are asleep.
• Guns are responsible for many accidental deaths in the home every year. Think carefully before buying a gun. If you do own one, learn how to properly store it and use it safely.
TAKE A STAND AGAINST RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY
• Join a Neighborhood Watch group! If one doesn’t exist, you can start one with the help of
the Los Angeles Police Department. Neighborhood Watch is a crime prevention program
that enlists the active participation of residents in cooperation with law enforcement to
reduce crime in their communities. Neighborhood Watch involves:
1. Neighbors getting to know each other and working together in a program of mutual
assistance;
2. Neighbors being trained to recognize and report suspicious activities in their
neighborhood;
3. Neighbors implementing crime prevention techniques and strategies within their
neighborhood.
• Never leave a message on your answering machine that indicates you may be away from home. Rather than saying “I’m not at home right now,” say, “I’m not available right now.”
• Consider placing expensive jewelry and priceless family heirlooms in a safe-deposit box. Never hide these items in your home.
• Purchase a quality safe and have it mounted to the floor. Use the safe to secure valuables
you cannot secure in your safe-deposit box, i.e. guns and furs. If a safe is not within your
budget, set aside a closet in your home and install a solid core or metal door with non-removable hinge pins and a dead bolt lock for additional security. Use this closet to secure your larger valuables.
• Work with neighbors and local government to organize a community cleanup. The cleaner your neighborhood, the less attractive it is to crime.
VACATION TIPS
Whenever you are on vacation and your home will be unoccupied for an extended period of time, make certain your home looks “lived-in” while you’re away. Discontinue all deliveries before you leave. Leave a key with a trusted friend or neighbor and ask them to change the position of your blinds and drapes daily. Place interior and exterior lights on a timer so lights go on at dusk and turn off at dawn. Arrange with a friend or neighbor to regularly pick up mail, advertising circulars, newspapers and debris during your absence. Burglars want to get in and out of a home without being noticed in a minimum amount of time. They will usually avoid a home that looks occupied or is difficult to enter.
SUMMARY
Even with the precautions already mentioned, a burglar may still get into your home. Remember that no home can be made 100 percent burglarproof, but in most instances, by making it extremely difficult for the burglar to enter your home burglars will most likely move on to a home where “entry” is less difficult.
CONCLUSION
The residential burglary prevention information included in this circular was compiled from materials obtained from the following:
• Los Angeles Police Department, Crime Prevention Resource Center
• National Crime Prevention Council
• National Sheriffs’ Association
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