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Mission Community Newsletter
September 2013
Vol. XIII, No. 9
Captain's Message
This year for our Mission Area National Night, we tried something new. We had one huge National Night out event at Brand Park and it was a huge success. It was so wonderful to see all the different Mission Area Communities in one place. I would like to thank and commend all those who gave of their time to help make it a very meaningful experience for all involved, especially Betty Ley and Debbie Dalton. I was very pleased at the number of community members in attendance. Thank you all for enhancing that relationship between the community and our Department and I sincerely look forward to that continued success.
The Los Angeles Police Department and Mission Area strongly embrace the philosophy of Community Policing. Community Policing is based upon a partnership between the police and the community whereby the police and the community share responsibility for identifying, reducing, eliminating and preventing problems that impact community safety and order. By working together, the police and the community can reduce the fear and incidence of crime through improving the quality of life in neighborhoods citywide. In this effort, the community and police work as partners to identify and prioritize problems of crime and disorder and share the responsibility for the development and implementation of proactive problem-solving strategies to address identified issues.
Our police personnel and community are working assertively to improve our quality of life here in the Mission Area. As of 8/24/2013, we have had 9 homicides, 29 rapes, 212 robberies, and 247 aggravated assaults. This is a 9% decrease in total violent crime compared to
last year-to-date statistics. In the category of property crimes during the same time period, we had 490 burglaries, 605 grand theft autos, 947 burglary/theft from motor vehicles and 781 personal/other thefts; representing a 7% percent increase in total property crime compared to last year-to-date statistics. Our goals are challenging with opportunities to better our community; with your continuing support, we will achieve our goals.
I want to hear your concerns and encourage your participation in our policing efforts. Your questions concerning Mission Area may be directed to me at 818-838-9980 or to Sergeant Adrian Torres, Officer in Charge, Mission Area Community Relations Office, at 818-838-9856. You may also e-mail us at the below listed addresses:
* Area Commanding Officer Todd Chamberlain, 24642@lapd.lacity.org
* Patrol Commanding Officer Robert Marino, 27226@lapd.lacity.org
* Sergeant Adrian Torres, 31467@lapd.lacity.org
Respectfully,
TODD C. CHAMBERLAIN
Commanding Officer
Mission Community Police Station
Lock It, Hide It, Keep It: You must take responsibility for your property, forcing criminals to look for an easier target.
Lock It: Lock your vehicle every time you leave it unattended and always lock your valuables in the trunk.
Hide It: If you don’t have a trunk, hide valuables under the seats, in the glove box, or other compartments within the vehicle.
Keep It: Personal responsibility is the best prevention to safeguard personal property and to prevent becoming a victim.
Do not leave valuable items including purses, cell phones and iPods unattended in coffeehouses, markets, gyms, and restaurants. If you walk away from it - it may walk away from you.
When leaving your residence- even for only a few minutes-lock all windows and doors and set alarms, close window treatments to make sure you don't have items of value in plain sight. Put a lock on a gate allowing access to your side & rear yard. Burglars may access second story windows using ladders that are being stored outside. Secure them in the garage.
Basic Car 19A1 Sylmar (West of Glenoaks Blvd.)
Senior Lead Officer John Lonergan
Office Phone 818-838-9848
Cell Phone 818-634-0610
The long hot days of summer are over and the arrival of autumn means our days are becoming shorter. Children on bikes and others crossing the street will be harder to see. Be aware when driving, put reflective tape on children’s bikes and back packs to make them easier to spot and dress in light colored clothing that will make you more visible. Please use extreme caution when driving around our schools. It could be your child's life is depending on it.
‘Red Flag Days’ Remove dried vegetation from your property, use caution with gas power tools and open flame. Refrain from using BBQ’s, outdoor fire pits and ‘Tiki Torches’ during extreme heat or wind.
For more information: www.fire.lacounty.gov, www.lapdonline.org/get_informed, www.lafd.org. As Smokey says: Remember Only YOU can prevent forest fires.
Opportunity Theft: Burglary is a crime of opportunity and there are things you can do to protect yourself and your family.
Knock-Knock Bandits: If someone knocks on your door and you are not expecting anyone- you do not have to open the door. Use your peephole to see who is knocking, call out through the door, and have them leave their information or business card. When they leave your door, watch where they go. If they are acting in a suspicious manner call the LAPD non-emergency number (877) 275-5273 (877-ASK-LAPD) and report what you observe including a description of all persons and vehicles.
Distraction Burglars: Target the elderly who are home alone during the day, tend to be trusting and willing to assist. Do not let strangers in your home or yard for any reason! Do not rely on a vest or hat with a CABLE or GAS logo. Require ID. Ask them to wait outside, close and lock the door, call the company to verify their need to be on your property. 311 will connect you to all city utilities.
Use caution when listing personal information on Social Networking sites including vacation plans, expensive purchases and times you are away from home.
Check your credit rating for identify theft: www.annualcreditreport.com .You are allowed one free credit report yearly from each of the three credit companies. If any discrepancies exist in your credit rating immediately contact your local bank, credit card, and social security office.
Community Awareness is the Key to Crime Prevention. To be successful we must be aware, persistent and vigilant. Community members are our number one source for reporting suspicious activity
Do not depend on your neighbors to call the police. Responsibility starts with YOU! Keep an eye out for suspicious people and vehicles in your neighborhood and take action!
What you can do:
• Pay attention to what is going on in your neighborhood. Be aware of pedestrians and vehicles, joggers and bicyclists, vans and delivery trucks, juveniles out during school hours.
• A license plate number can crack a case. If it is safe- collect and report details including the number and description of suspects, vehicle description, license plate numbers and distinguishing marks.
• If you see someone knocking on doors on your block or other suspicious or criminal activity immediately call LAPD non-emergency dispatch: (877) 275-5273 (1-877-ASK-LAPD).
• Call 911 for emergencies, immediate threat or if you believe a crime is in progress.
• Contact 311 for Non-Police and all City Services.
Quality of Life Issues:
Keeping our neighborhoods clean will discourage unwanted and illegal activity. Do not leave sofas, mattresses or other large items by your trashcans. Call 311 to schedule a pick up. You don't have to be present and it can be for any address where you spot bulky items.
Got graffiti? For graffiti removal call Sylmar Graffiti Busters at (818) 362-8702. Be prepared with the address, surface material and color where graffiti was located.
Neighborhood Watch, Events & Links:
Neighborhood Watch groups are an important part of community policing and maintaining an open line of communication between citizens and law enforcement agencies. Join a Neighborhood Watch today or start one. If you are not currently involved in Neighborhood Watch group consider attending our monthly Sylmar Block Captain's meeting on the third Tuesday of the month.
Basic Car 19A7 Sylmar (east of Glenoaks)
Senior Lead Officer Alonso Menchaca
Office Phone 818 838-9846
Cell Phone 818 634-0619
One of my goals as a Senior Lead Officer is to get the community more involved in crime reduction. The community has the primary responsibility for fighting crime. Help stop crime before it happens. The way you can do this is by becoming a member of Neighborhood Watch. Neighborhood Watch is a crime prevention program enlisting the active participation of residents on your street and in your neighborhood. Typically, active members are the “eyes and ears” of the community and keep in direct contact with the Senior Lead Officer for the neighborhood.
Sylmar Block Captains meet on Sept.17, 2013, 6:30pm at LAPD Mission Station, 11121 Sepulveda Blvd at San Fernando Mission Rd. I will cover current crime data. Everyone is welcome.
Sylmar Neighborhood Council schedule and events: www.sylmarneighborhoodcouncil.org/
Basic Car 19A43 (Mission Hills Area)
Senior Lead Officer Philip Ruiz
Office Phone 818-838-9843
Cell phone 818-634-0519
Please make a note that most of our area schools are back in session. With that being said, please watch your speed near school areas and always look out for young children walking to and from school. Remember, SLOW DOWN…
Although the official end of summer is approaching, we still have a lot of area residents still away on out of town vacations. This time of year is often the most opportune time for criminals to take advantage and burglarize the homes of families that are out vacationing. I ask that you please take the time to be a good neighbor & friend and keep an eye out on your neighbor’s residence while they are away.
I want to remind everyone that the telephone number to Mission Area’s front desk is
(818) 838-9800. You may call the station directly for any reason; such as information, crime related advice, quality of the life concerns and to make crime reports. However, if you require police service for (crimes in progress), please call 911 for emergencies. For non-emergency call dispatch at 818-734-2223.
Crime Update:
At the moment, Mission Hills is at (- 1.7%) for the year in Part-1 Crimes. BTFV (Burglary Theft from Vehicles) is currently the hottest crime and is up (+12%) for the 2013 year. The hottest RD at the moment is (1954), with the Sepulveda Corridor between Chatsworth St & Devonshire St being targeted most frequently. Remember to lock your vehicle doors and not leave any valuables in plain sight. Remember, personal responsibility is the best prevention to becoming a victim. Also remember Lock It, Hide It, Keep It.
Mission Hills Community Meetings:
Our next Neighborhood Watch Meeting is Tuesday, September 24, 2013 at 7:00 PM at Mission station in the Community Room. Hope to see you there.
Mission Hills Neighborhood Council – MHNC@verizon.net
1st Monday of every month at 6:30 p.m.
Mission Area Community Police Station Community Room
Basic Car 19A61 (North Hills)
Senior Lead Officer Charles Chacon
Cell Phone 818 634-0545
Office 818 838-9845
It has been a long summer and we are finishing strong. I want to thank the community members who helped out with Adopt a Block on August 21, 2013. Your calls made North Hills safer! We made a felony narcotics arrest from your calls and I appreciate it!
I have been meeting with Apartment Managers and Motel Managers. Please encourage your residents to attend Neighborhood Watch. It makes a difference when we all work together to prevent crime. Please make sure that your vehicles are locked when parked on the street. We still have residents leaving valuables inside their parked vehicles. Individuals are looking into parked cars and stealing your property. Don’t make it easy or attractive for them to break into your cars!
I have been working with the area Apartment Managers. We have an increase in gang activity for the areas of Langdon Ave, Orion Ave and Columbus Ave. Please make sure that you have current Trespass Letters on file for the buildings. Report suspicious activity and call 1(877)-ASK-LAPD. Managers are Block Captains and should have information on the area crime to keep their tenants safe.
We cannot do it alone! I need your help to report suspicious people and/or activity in your neighborhoods. Participate and get involved. Call 1877 ASK-LAPD when you see suspicious activity.
Graffiti is a big problem in North Hills. If you see graffiti, please report it! The faster we can remove the graffiti, the more it will discourage other graffiti from going up. Please call Graffiti Busters at 311.
Remember there is no excuse for domestic violence. Talk to a friend, pastor, or your local support group for relationship problems prior to any violence. You can always call a domestic violence hotline for referrals and assistance 24 hours a day at 1-818-887-6589.
Community Meetings:
Our next Manager/Neighborhood Watch meeting will be held on September 25, 2013 at 6:30 pm at Mission Station.
Basic Car 19A75
Senior Lead Officer Sean Smith
Office Line 818 838-9842
Cell Phone 818 442-3183
This is a just a reminder. If you have or see bulky items (furniture, TV, etc.) please remember to report these items to 311 from a home or office phone. This is the City’s information line. Please give an address or a very specific location so these items can be located and removed.
I want to continue to remind everyone to lock and secure your homes and vehicles. I am continuing to receive reports of BFMV’s where the property taken are now personal documents (mail containing personal information, completed employment applications, and credit card statements). This is just another reminder to protect your personal information and your property.
I am excited to continue to serve the people of north Panorama City.
Community Meetings:
Cancelled this month. I will be on vacation.
Basic Car 19A79
Senior Lead Officer Lee Perry
Office Line 818 838-984
Cell Phone 818 634-0624
The month of September is upon us. It marks the end of the summer. It also marks the beginning of a new school year. This academic year, all local public schools opened three week earlier so it is our job to keep the kids safe by slowing down near all schools. Remember, cars have bumpers and can be repaired but our kids are fragile priceless gifts.
If you are seeking to get more involve in our community, here are some upcoming local neighborhood watch meetings:
Meeting Groups Locations Date & Time
1. Arleta Watch Dogs 13821 Osborne St Sept 3th at 6:30 pm
2. Debell St 13222 Debell St Sept 4th at 7:00 pm
3. Branford Park (at Branford Park) 13306 Branford St Sept 10th at 6:30 pm
4. Arleta Neighborhood Council 13821 Osborne St Sept 17th at 6:30 pm
If you have any questions regarding joining or creating a neighborhood watch meeting in your area, please do not hesitate to contact me at (818) 838-9844.
Basic Car Area 19A85
Senior Lead Officer Edwin Ayala
Office Phone 818-838-9854
Cell 818-634-0718
Thank you for being involved in your community. The LAPD does such a great job reducing crime, but it is with your help that we are able to do so. I know I can count on you to help make Panorama City a safer place to live and work in by being aware of your surroundings. Please continue to be aware of what is happening and who is on your block.
Crime Update
We are continuing our outreach for an Overnight Parking District in the area of Willis, Cedros, Tobias, and Kester, between Rayen St and Chase St. If you live within this area, please contact me or attend one of my Neighborhood Watch meetings for more information.
There has been an increase in stolen vehicles and car break-in’s (BFMV’s), particularly Honda sedans, during the hours of 12 AM-6 AM. Thieves often access apartment building parking lots through inoperable gates. Please ensure that all the gates in your complex are working. Magnetic locks are very difficult to break and will last much longer.
Much of our crime occurs in the commercial areas. We see a lot of theft near the Panorama Mall and Wal-Mart. Please keep an eye on your personal property so that it does not get taken; do not turn your backs to it. The Panorama City Business Improvement District (BID) has played a key role in impacting crime in the commercial areas, such as the Van Nuys Blvd corridor. A “Business Watch” is a great way to share information among other business owners and a great way to let the LAPD know about your concerns. Contact me regarding a Business Watch.
As of August 24th, crime is 23% above 2012’s numbers. This is high, but we are seeing a great decrease because we were as high as 31% a few weeks ago. It is great to report that we are 19% above last year’s numbers in arrests.
Community/Neighborhood Watch Meetings:
Safer Cities Area Enhancement Meeting
(Covers area between 405 Fwy/Roscoe/Van Nuys/Nordhoff St)
3rd Wednesday of every month - 9:30 AM
Plaza del Valle Community Room, 8700 Van Nuys Blvd
Panorama City-West Neighborhood Watch Meeting
2nd Wednesday of every month – 7:00 PM
Mission Community Hospital, 14860 Roscoe Boulevard
8437 Cedros Ave Neighborhood Watch
4th Tuesday of every month- 7:00 PM
Panorama City-Tyrone Ave Neighborhood Watch Meeting
4th Wednesday of every month, 7:00 PM
8600 Block of Tyrone Ave, exact location TBA
Kester Community Neighborhood Watch Meeting
2nd Thursday of every month, 7:00 PM
Location TBA
Panorama City Neighborhood Council
4th Thursday of every month – 6:30 PM
Mission Community Hospital, 14860 Roscoe Boulevard
Community Police Advisory Board (CPAB)
3rd Wednesday of every month - 6:15 PM- Social/6:30 PM- meeting
Mission Community Police Station, Community Room
Basic Car 19A93 (Panorama City)
Acting Senior Lead Officer Deborah Lewis
Office Phone 818 838-9847
Cell Phone 818 731-2553
I would like to start off first by congratulating Officer Fabiola Humphrey who promoted to the rank of Sergeant and will be transferring to Hollywood.
My Name is Officer Deborah Lewis and I will be filling in temporarily and will be here to assist you until a permanent replacement is made. One of my goals is to get the community more involved in crime reduction. The community has the primary responsibility for fighting crime. Help stop crime before it occurs by becoming a member of Neighborhood Watch. A Neighborhood Watch is a crime prevention program enlisting the active participation of residents in your apartment and on your street. Typically, active members of a Neighborhood Watch act as the “eyes and ears” of the community and keep in direct communication with the Senior Lead Officer for the neighborhood.
If you would like to become more involved in crime prevention in your community, please contact me at (818) 838-9847.
Upcoming Community/ Neighborhood Watch Events
Please come out and support the Panorama City Neighborhood Council meeting, which takes place on the 4th Thursday of each month. The meetings take place at Mission Community Hospital, Medical Office Building, 2nd Floor, at 14860 Roscoe Blvd., Panorama City. Next scheduled meeting for the Panorama City Neighborhood Council is September 26th, 2013, at 6:30 p.m.
Please join us at the Marson Park Neighborhood Watch, on September 9th, 2013, at Marson Park, 5:30 p.m. (Sepulveda Blvd and Marson St).
Please join us for the Kaiser Hospital Neighborhood Watch meeting. Meetings are held at 13652 Cantara, on the first floor across from the cafeteria. Next scheduled meeting is to be announced.
Please join us for the Blythe Street Neighborhood Watch meeting held on the fourth Wednesday of the month at 5:30 p.m., at 14705 Blythe Street (call me for more information).
valley bureau 
