Captain's Message:

Wilmington - District 5A17
Senior Lead Officer –Ana Pinell #32591 310-869-2096
E-mail address:  32591@lapd.lacity.org

Crime Trends
Basic Car 5A17 covers the area in Wilmington east of Avalon Blvd to Nicholson Street and south of Pacific Coast Highway to Harry Bridges Blvd.  Crime trends in the area for the month of  June are as follows.

During the month of  June vehicle thefts remained high.  Thefts and Burglary from motor vehicles have decreased in the area.  The recent arrest of two suspects in the area has improved the quality of life in the area regarding this issue.

LIMIT  YOUR CHANCES OF BECOMING A VICTIM:
-Remember criminals prey on easy targets.
-Keep your valuables out of sight.
-Avoid displaying money in public.
-Report all suspicious activity  to police immediately.

Please contact me if you are interested in starting a neighborhood watch group in your neighborhood.

Also, the Harbor Area Community Relations Office has KLUBS for your vehicles for sale  ($12.00).  If you are interested please contact us at 310-522-2042.

If you would like to report suspicious activity, please call the non – emergency line at 877 ASK – LAPD contact LAPD Harbor Division at (310) 513-7017 or 9-1-1 for an emergency.  To report possible terrorist activity, such as, someone walking the perimeter of the refinery or the Vincent Thomas Bridge and taking photos, please call 1-877 A THREAT.

Quality of Life
To request city services dial 3 – 1 – 1.

Illegal Vendors:
- Illegally prepared food can cause food poisoning.
- Each year approximately 76 million people get sick and 5,000 die from food poisoning,
- Food for sale should not be prepared outside or in a private home.
- Food sold from vehicles must be prepared in vehicles that have been approved by the Health Department.

If you have any questions, please call the vehicle inspection program at 626-430-5500.
 
Neighborhood Events
Wilmington Task Force meeting is held the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month at the Wilmington Green Belt Recreation Center on the 900 blk of Sanford Street in the city of Wilmington.

The Wilmington Neighborhood Council meeting is scheduled every fourth Wednesday of the month at the Wilmington Senior Center located at Banning Park.

Every second Tuesday of the month the Spanish C-PAB is held at the Wilmington Senior Center (Banning Park). The meeting starts at 7:30 pm.  The next meeting is scheduled for 07/08/08.

Wilmington Community Organization Meeting
3rd Monday of each month
7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Harbor Christian Church
1551 Wilmington Blvd.
Located in the Ezell Hall (near church parking lot)
Contacts: Eddie Greenwood - vip009@comcast.net
or Marcus Perez - 310-567-9324 www.WilmingtonCommunity.org

Crime Prevention Tips
Residential Burglaries
Lock all of your doors (even if you're just stepping out for a quick errand).
Secure all your windows.
Secure your garage door.  If you have a garage that faces to the alley, make sure to check it to see if it can be easily dislodged.  Don't leave your garage door open even if you are somewhere inside the house.
Install a motion detector light or a timer for the exterior of your residence.
Install a timer for your interior lights.
Install a residential burglar alarm.
Keep a big dog.
Have someone trustworthy check on your residence if you are leaving town.
Mark your property with identification numbers (engrave your initials, special number or symbol, especially on electronic items).

Operation Identification
The goal of Operation Identification is to deter property-related crime and to assist the Los Angeles Police Department in their efforts to find and return stolen or lost property to its rightful owner. Remember the following:
Mark gifts with your California Driver License or Identification Card number.
Do not use your Social Security Number.
For items that cannot be marked with an engraver, photograph or videotape the items.

Start a neighborhood watch program, for inquiries call 310-548-7600. 
Call the police and stay on the line if you see a crime in progress.
Report suspicious activity to the police department.

Harbor City - District 5A11
Senior Lead Officer - Andrey Wilkins 310-869-2106
E-mail address: 30418@LAPD.LACITY.org
Blackberry Email Address: 5A11@mycingular.blackberry.net

Crime Trends
During the month of May the Harbor City Area experienced an increase in Grand Theft Auto (10) in the Central and Narbonne community. Please do not leave property in your vehicle and lock your vehicle.   Please lock and secure your homes. In an effort to combat this activity, Harbor Area Patrol, Detectives and Senior Lead Officer Wilkins (SLO) have all redirected additional resources to the area. Additionally,

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 310-548-2616.  You can make the call anonymous or please leave a message.

To report Gang Activity in Harbor City, Please call the Harbor Area Gang Enforcement Detail at 310-548-7504.

TIPS FOR WALKERS

Choose busy streets and avoid passing vacant lots, alleys
At night, stick to well-light areas.
Don't walk or jog alone.
Carry your purse close to your body, and keep a firm grip on it.
Don't overload yourself with packages
Avoid wearing shoes or clothing that restrict your movements
Carry a whistle or other sound device in case of an emergency

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

Wilmington - District 5A25
Senior Lead Officer - Ron Johnson 310-869-2173
E-mail address:24991 @lapd.lacity.org

Crime Trends
During this period we experienced a rise in vehicle thefts and car burglaries along the Anaheim, Avalon, and Wilmington Corridors.  The suspects are primarily targeting early model Honda Accords, Honda Civics, and Toyota Camry's.  Owners of the aforementioned vehicles are encouraged to utilize anti-theft devices to help safeguard their vehicles.  The majority of our car burglaries involve situations where vehicle owners leave items of value in plain view of passersby.  Please report any suspicious persons loitering near any parking structure or carport. 

The new disturbing trend involves suspects removing the computer brain from the engine compartment of large commercial trucks.  This type of theft can be reduced if potential victims install an exterior hood-locking device.  Remember criminals prey on easy unsuspecting targets.  Please take extra precautions to safeguard your family and property by using the below listed crime prevention tips.  For a complete list of crime prevention tips and information please log on to www.lapdonline. 

Car Burglaries and Vehicle Thefts are on the Rise

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
Report all suspicious activity to police immediately
Consider starting a neighborhood watch program 
 
Limit Your Chances of Becoming a Crime Victim

Remember criminals prey on easy targets
Keep your valuables out of sight
Avoid displaying money in public
Avoid giving rides to strangers
Shop in pairs whenever possible
Report all suspicious activity to police immediately

Consider becoming a Block Captain and forming a Neighborhood Watch Program.  For details please call Senior Lead Officer Ron Johnson at 310-869-2173.  Remember to be a good witness when crime strikes.  Call 1-877 ASK-LAPD for non-emergency calls and 911 for crimes in progress.

Traffic Enforcement  
The Anaheim Corridor located between Figueroa Street and Alameda Street, has been singled out as the third highest street in the city for preventable traffic accidents.Stepped up traffic enforcement will be implemented along the Anaheim Corridor by South Traffic and Harbor Area Police Officers.

The intersection of Anaheim Street and Wilmington Boulevard has historically been a troubled location where major traffic accidents have occurred.  Drivers traveling at excessive speed and running red lights have greatly contributed to the traffic collisions at the intersection.  Photographic enforcement cameras have now been installed at the intersection of Anaheim Street and Wilmington Boulevard.  Since the implementation of the camera system officers have been able to focus their traffic enforcement activities on other problem areas of Wilmington. 

Community Meetings
The Wilmington Neighborhood Council Meeting empowers community members to make needed changes in their community and to improve their quality of life.  The meeting is hosted at the Wilmington Senior Citizen's Center located at 1371 North Eubank Avenue.  The meeting takes place on the fourth Wednesday of every month at 6:00 p.m.

The Harbor Vista Neighborhood Watch Meeting takes place on the first Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m.  The complex is located at 450 North Wilmington Boulevard.  Spanish speaking community members are encouraged to attend.

The Harbor View Place Neighborhood Watch Meeting takes place on the second Tuesday of each month at 6:00 p.m.  The development is located at 326 North King Avenue just north of C Street.

The newly constructed towne home development located at 550 North King Avenue has been completed.  Community awareness meetings are scheduled for the third Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m.  The meetings are held in the club house on King Avenue just south of F Street.  All area residents are welcome to attend.

June Newsletter

San Pedro Area
Basic Car 5A59
By Senior Lead Officer Helen Pallares #35359
(310) 869-2138
35359@lapd.lacity.org

Crime Trends
Unfortunately this period saw a spike in our property crimes including thefts and burglary from motor vehicles and stolen vehicles.  I encourage everyone to make their vehicles the least attractive to would-be thieves; there are several simple ideas to assist in this endeavor. If you have one available, consider using an antitheft device that locks over the steering wheel.  These can be unwieldy and inconvenient to apply, especially when we are in a hurry, but they are effective against the criminal who is looking for a quick and easy vehicle to steal.  Always make sure all windows are rolled up and doors are locked.  If you are washing you car in your driveway, don't leave the keys in the ignition, to listen to the radio.  Instead, put the keys in your pocket, just in case you have to run inside for the phone and your car will be less likely to be taken.  Many of us don't use our garages for cars anymore, but for storage.  A spring-cleaning could leave you room for your vehicle, making it and you a lot safer.

Criminals also steal vehicles license plates or registration tags and this crime often goes undetected, until we happen to look at our vehicle's bumper and notice the loss.  These tips are from www.lapdonline.org and are provided for your protection, check out the website for these and many other crime prevention tips.

Protect your vehicle license plates and the registration tabs. Numerous license tabs are being stolen and resold because proof of insurance is required in order to apply for current registration.
Check your license plate occasionally to ensure your current year license tab is attached
If you have a build-up of past year tabs remove them prior to adding the current year
Once you attach the current sticker - slice an X or diagonal lines, with a sharp razor blade, through the year tab so the sticker will not come apart in one piece
A sturdy metal frame bolted to the license plate will discourage thieves from cutting the corner off your license plate in order to steal the year sticker
Be aware of people loitering near the rear of vehicles
Call the police if you suspect criminal activity

Community Outreach:
Our Central Neighborhood Council is trying an outreach program , they provide food and light refreshments prior to each meeting purchased form one of our Central San Pedro Businesses.  We are attempting to meet all our neighbors and have them participate with us. This month our meeting was preceded by Channel Seven, Eyewitness News who held a town-hall meeting and gave all citizens a chance to ask questions and discuss ideas.  The meeting is always informative and this month was no different.  The City of Los Angeles Department of Urban Empowerment (D.O.N.E.) gave a presentation on their renewed efforts to streamline the Neighborhood Councils, and the several plans put forth by the Port of Los Angeles for the waterfront improvement were also discussed.

The Central Neighborhood Council Meeting takes place on the second Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. Please call the Central Neighborhood Council for details.

Quality of Life Issues:
In closing the please be safe and drive carefully during our warmer evenings. Make sure you have flashlights and batteries in your house and car in case of emergencies like a power outage and discuss an emergency plan with your family in order to be prepared for anything.
Here are some tips that were taken for our own website at www.Lapdonline.org. Please visit it for more information.

What can I do about my noisy neighbors?
A noisy neighbor may create a disturbance by having a loud television, stereo, or radio. These types of complaints are best handled by a resident's local police station because the loud noise is intermittent, occasional, or spontaneous. A loud party is also best resolved by the officers assigned to the area.
The Noise Enforcement Team (NET) is responsible for the investigation of complaints of ongoing and aggravated noise, which require monitoring with sound level meters or which are of a habitual nature. Two common examples are a garage or residence being used as a rehearsal hall or local bars where music or amplified sound disturbs those residing or working in the area. You can contact the Noise Enforcement Team at 213-485-2102. The Animal Regulation Department handles barking dog complaints.

Safety
In closing the heat is wonderful in the summer but can also be cause for alarm.  Here are some tips that were taken for our own website at www.Lapdonline.org. Please visit it for more information.
Heat Wave Tips For The Home
Keep air conditioners in good repair;
Keep draperies drawn and windows closed. This will prevent cool air from escaping and warm air from seeping through glass areas;
Seal off unused rooms;
Turn thermostats off and leave vents closed in unoccupied rooms to save energy;
During summer afternoons, try to limit the use of heat producing appliances in the kitchen and laundry areas;
Turn off unnecessary lights;
Clean or replace air conditioner filters at least twice each summer;
Night flushing or ventilating at night to clear the heat from your home cools the structure so it begins the next day at a lower temperature;
In the morning, close all the windows to keep the heat out as long as possible;
Room and ceiling fans help circulate air within a room, blow air over your body and draw heat away;
When used with an air conditioner, the thermostat may be set higher, which reduces the energy used by the air conditioner;
Encourage airflow through your home by opening windows on opposite walls (one allows cooler air in, the other allows warmer air out). Place a fan in the window to boost the flow of air through your home; and
Weather-strip and seal around all doors and windows to keep the heat out and the cool air in.

San Pedro - District 5A55
Senior Lead Officer – Irmina Dumaplin 310-869-2067
E-mail address:  32070@lapd.lacity.org
Blackberry e-mail address:  5a55@sprint.blackberry.net

Crime Trends
Good news!  Three burglars responsible for numerous property theft and mail theft crimes were apprehended in the early part of the month.  A resident, at a condominium complex located on Capitol Dr, called the police and provided a detailed description of the suspects and their suspicious actions.  Police responded and apprehended the thieves.  The thieves were caught with stolen property and stolen mail.

Basic Car 5A55 covers northwest San Pedro.  Crime trends in the area for the month of June are as follows. 

Burglaries remained steady.  During one afternoon, a church office was broken into, but nothing was taken.  Two home burglaries occurred in the area along Gaffey St, between Summerland Av and Miraflores Av.  Money and checks were taken at one location and none from the other.  If possible, please bolt your flat screen television to the wall to make it harder to take.  Also, make a habit of placing valuable jewelry in a safe, preferably a hidden wall or heavy-duty floor safe.   

Vehicle thefts remain high.  Five vehicles were stolen a few blocks away from the Western corridor.  No specific make or model vehicle was stolen.  The vehicles stolen did not have an anti-theft device.

Thefts and burglaries from motor vehicles remain high.  Again, Chevrolet, GMC and Cadillac SUVs with the third row seats are being targeted.  During the late evening and early morning hours, thieves punch the door lock and take the third row seats.  If you currently have third row seats, but don't use them, consider taking it out before the thieves do.  We've also had a few cars broken into while parked at Bogdanovich Park.  All the victims at the park left their purse in the vehicle.  Don't make it easy for the criminals, take your purse with you or leave it at home.  An easy way to prevent this is to lock your doors and close your windows and not to leave any belongings in plain view.  Also, please, take note that half of the thefts from motor vehicles are registration tabs being stolen from the rear license plates.  Slitting the tabs numerous times after being affixed to the plate, has been a proven deterrent because it prevents the thieves from being able to peel a complete tab off.  An unusual thing that has been stolen in the San Pedro area is the catalytic converter from late 1990's model Toyota trucks.

Please, contact Harbor Detectives at 310-513-7133 if you have any information on any past homicides or gang shootings.

There are mainly three local street gangs in the San Pedro area.  Take note that "RSP" stands for Rancho San Pedro, the predominant gang in San Pedro.  "YC" stands for Young Crowd, the rival gang.  "DCC" stands for Dodge City Crips and is also in rivalry with "RSP." Heavy tagging consisting of these acronyms being crossed out is a precursor to gang violence.

If you see a prowler who appears to be casing a neighbor's yard, please, dial 9-1-1.  That prowler may be finding ways of getting into the house whether someone is inside or not.  Don't forget to stay on the line in case the prowler leaves before the police arrive so that you can give fresh information to the police.

If you would like to report suspicious activity, please call the non – emergency line at 877 ASK – LAPD contact LAPD Harbor Division at 310-513-7017 or 9-1-1 for an emergency.  To report possible terrorist activity, such as, someone walking the perimeter of the refinery or the Vincent Thomas Bridge and taking photos, please call 1-877 A THREAT.

Quality of Life
Q-Star cameras continue to monitor high graffiti and illegal dumping areas.

To request city services dial 3 – 1 – 1.

Neighborhood Events

For community events, visit the San Pedro Peninsula Chamber of Commerce website at www.sanpedrochamber.com. or www.southbaycalendar.org.

Crime Prevention Tips
Burglary and theft from motor vehicles:
When you park your vehicle, keep all change cell phones and any valuable items from plain view.
Lock all the doors and close all the windows (completely).
Avoid parking in alleys and dark or isolated areas.
After you affix your registration tab on the license plate, make numerous cuts on the tab.  This will make it difficult to peel a complete registration tab from the plate and cause thieves to lose interest.

Residential Burglaries
Lock all of your doors (even if you're just stepping out for a quick errand).
Secure all your windows.
Secure your garage door.  If you have a garage that faces to the alley, make sure to check it to see if it can be easily dislodged.  Don't leave your garage door open even if you are somewhere inside the house.
Install a motion detector light or a timer for the exterior of your residence.
Install a timer for your interior lights.
Install a residential burglar alarm.
Keep a big dog.
Have someone trustworthy check on your residence if you are leaving town.
Mark your property with identification numbers (engrave your initials, special number or symbol, especially on electronic items).

Auto Theft
Lock all the doors.
Secure all the windows.
Install a wheel-locking device.
Install an auto alarm.
Install a tracking system.
Do not leave the engine running, unattended.
Do not leave the keys in the vehicle.
Avoid parking in alleys and dark or isolated areas

Start a neighborhood watch program, for inquiries call 310-548-7600. 
Call the police and stay on the line if you see a crime in progress.
Report suspicious activity to the police department.