This year we will focus a considerable amount of resources on the education and prevention of illegal fireworks. In the weeks to come, Mission Area Senior Lead Officers will distribute flyers and attend meetings to educate the general public. Our Senior Lead Officers will once again partner with the LAFD to provide patrols in an education, prevention, and enforcement capacity. In the San Fernando Valley alone, the LAPD received approximately 866 radio calls for service associated with shots fired and fireworks from June 15, 2007 to July 10, 2007. In an effort to reduce injuries, death, and property damage associated with the illegal use of fireworks, the LAPD will work in collaboration with the LAFD to promote the safe celebration of the 4th of July in the San Fernando Valley, and more specifically here in Mission Area. The LAPD and LAFD will encourage our community to enjoy a professionally organized pyrotechnics fireworks show and to celebrate the 4th of July safely and responsibly without illegal fireworks. The LAPD and LAFD will also enforce the illegal fireworks laws.
In other news, The City Attorney's Office, the Los Angeles District Attorney's Office, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) and San Fernando Police Department are working together to implement a gang injunction against the San Fer street gang and to establish a safety zone in Sylmar.
The injunction was proposed due to fears and concerns of many members of the community who feel that gangs, wreak havoc and are one of Sylmar's most significant crime
problems. This has been particularly true in the area of the proposed safety zone that is encompassed by the proposed injunction. Community members, during many Neighborhood Watch, Community Police Advisory Board, and other meetings, consistently express their desire for the eradication of gang-related crime. Intimidation, fear and a reduced quality of life is often cited as the primary outcomes of the prevalence of gangs in the community.
Additionally, these concerns are supported by crime data. The data shows that San Fer gang members not only bring intimidation and fear into the community, but also illegal weapons, narcotics, graffiti, and an overall nuisance to the community. In the Sylmar Area, the San Fer gang is linked to the vast majority of the gang crimes, including robbery, assaults, and burglary. The San Fer gang has made claims that the Sylmar Recreation Center, and other parts of the proposed safety zone, is their area; therefore, they create an intimidating atmosphere for students and families who would like to enjoy the park.
With this injunction, San Fer gang members will be precluded from associating with one another in the safety zone in any manner that promotes gang-related criminal activity. The gang injunction would assist the LAPD and San Fernando Police officers in arresting San Fer gang members while in the safety zone. Gang injunctions have proved successful in the past. Last year, Mission Area experienced nearly a 34 percent decrease in gang crime, due in part to the enforcement of the gang injunctions in effect in Panorama City. Despite this reduction, levels of gang violence and intimidation are still far too high throughout Mission Area and in Sylmar.
It is important to note that gang injunctions are not our only strategy, but one of many. We will not abandon our prevention or intervention efforts. We will continue to work with community based organizations, school, parole, probation and Recreation and Parks. Specifically in the safety zone we have been, and will continue to be, closely involved with the Sylmar Juvenile Task Force and the Lets Act Now community programs. Both are collaborative community programs that have sponsored resource fairs, job placement, and other efforts that work toward the implementation of leadership development programs for the youth.
The LAPD will continue the endeavor to reduce crime, the fear of crime, and to improve the quality of life in the community. The use of the gang injunction as a suppression strategy that works hand-in-hand with prevention and intervention strategies should prove to have positive impact and help to make the community safer.
E-Policing allows geographic areas, senior lead officers or detectives to e-mail crime information, newsletters or any law enforcement information to community members who sign up. All that is needed to sign up is a City address and an e-mail address. E-Policing can help the Department reach its 2007 crime reduction goal, improve communications, and allow geographic area personnel to work smarter and more efficiently. Visit the page on the Department’s website at www.lapdonline.org/e-policing, and encourage community members to sign-up. For more information contact the LAPDOnline Unit at (213) 485-1750.
I want to hear your concerns and encourage your participation in our Community 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 Captain Jorge Villegas, 26714@lapd.lacity.org
* Patrol Commanding Officer Captain Duane Hayakawa, 26041@lapd.lacity.org
* Mission Community Relations Office, Sergeant Adrian Torres, 31467@lapd.lacity.org
Respectfully,
JORGE A. VILLEGAS
Commanding Officer
Mission Community Police Station
Basic Car 19A1 Sylmar (West of Glenoaks Blvd.)
Senior Lead Officer John Lonergan
Cell Phone (818) 634-0610 Office Phone (818) 838-9848
As we enjoy our hot summer days, remember a few safety tips:
Do not leave children, seniors or pets in a parked vehicle for any length of time. Even parked in the shade with a window partially open, the temperature can reach a dangerous level in just a few minutes.
Many of us will be leaving town during the summer. Notify a neighbor of your vacation plans and emergency phone numbers. Ask them to remove 'free' newspapers, flyers and business cards left on your property and vehicles, Vacation Hold newspapers and mail. Engrave your Drivers License number on expensive electronics and secure your personal information.
Sylmar Gang Injunction
The LA City Attorney’s Office has filed for an Injunction against the San Fer gang which will create a Safety Zone in the area of Sylmar within the 210, 118 and 5 freeways. The City of LA currently has 33 gang injunctions and as a result, there has been a significant reduction in ‘Quality of Life’ crimes (tagging, drinking in public, loitering) in these areas. Year to date, there have been 100 gang crimes in the Safety Zone with the San Fer gang linked to the majority of them, including burglary, robbery and assault. This Injunction will prohibit known gang members from loitering in public with other gang members, threatening or intimidating residents, possessing or using guns, weapons, illegal narcotics and will impose a curfew. The Injunction will be another tool which will allow the LAPD to better Protect and Serve the residents of Sylmar.
Crime Trends: Distraction Burglaries
Distraction Burglaries involve a group of criminals who pose as DWP workers to gain access to your property. They are practiced and convincing, well groomed and well spoken. They target the elderly who are often home alone during the day and tend to be trusting in nature with a willingness to assist. They distract the Homeowner into another part of the house or backyard allowing team members access through the unlocked front door. It takes only a few minutes to complete the burglary.
What you can do to protect yourself:
Request ID! Do not rely on a vest or hat with a CABLE or GAS logo. Do not allow anyone into your home or yard. Ask them to wait outside, close & lock the door and call the company to verify who they are and their need to be on your property. 311 will conect you to city services.
Pay attention to vehicles in your area.
Note the license plate & description of suspicious vehicles and report them to 1-(877) ASK LAPD (1-877-275-5273).
Keep your doors locked and windows secured.
Put locks on your gates.
With our hectic schedules, we don't know our neighbors as well as we used to.
Make it a priority to get to know your neighbors.
Join a Neighborhood Watch.
Upcoming Events:
I encourage all of you to participant in Mission Station’s various Community Policing Groups. Sylmar Block Captain's meeting Thursday, June 19, 6:30PM at the Sylmar Library 14561 Polk Street. Our Guest Speaker will be Officer Hallock from Operations Valley Bureau who will discuss the upcoming Community Police Academy. Everyone is welcome to attend.
To find a Neighborhood Watch meeting near you or to start a new one, please call me.
Basic Car 19A7 Sylmar
Senior Lead Officer Charles Chacon
Cell Phone (818) 634-0619 Office Phone (818) 838-9847
Hello everyone and welcome to Basic Car 19A7/Sylmar. The community is doing great and we are still looking good with crime. This past month, we were able to stay at a – 11 %. I want to thank everyone for being great neighbors and continue to call on suspicious people and/or cars in your neighbors.
We had a Youth Job Fair on May 20, 2008 at Sylmar Park. It was a huge success! We had over 300 youth in attendance along with 19 Employers. This type of activity and event is what we need in order to keep our youth off the streets and out of crime.
Let’s care about our neighborhoods and keep them clean and crime free. If you want to be part of a Neighborhood Watch Group or want to get one started, call me. It is very important to be active in your community and show the criminals out there that “You Care!”
We have a new Officer assigned to the Graffiti Taskforce at the division. Officer Ramirez can be reached at 818-838-9810. Please call him if you have any questions on the vandalism problems in Sylmar concerning graffiti.
Please continue to secure your residences, vehicles, and personal belongings to help detour property crime.
Crime Trends
The crime trends for this period were property crimes and Robberies. The property crime consisted of 20 Burglary from Motor Vehicles, 12 Burglaries and 15 Grand Theft Auto. The car most likely stolen in Sylmar is a Honda Accord. If anyone has information that will help us identify the person or persons involved in the auto thefts please give me a call. Another trend we had were related to street robberies. We had 5 robberies in the same period.
We want to keep our neighborhoods clean not only for cleanliness, but it also discourages criminals from wanting to commit crimes. A clean neighborhood means that its residents care about their neighborhood and say “NO” to crime. We can all make a difference by working together to make our city and neighborhoods safer. As a reminder, if you do have excess trash and/or furniture items, please call “311” to schedule a pick-up. If your neighbors are placing items on the curb and sidewalk, remind them about “311”. We can all work as a team to keep our neighborhoods clean!
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.
Remember to check your credit rating at least twice a year for any identify theft information. Contact your local bank, credit card, and social security office if any discrepancies exist in your credit rating.
Traffic Problems
If you have any traffic problems, please call me so that we can resolve the issue and get our Officers to issue citations. Let me know about any more stop signs that people are not stopping for: especially if they are near a school. Please slow down and remember to wear your seat belt at all times. Remind your friends, neighbors, family, and especially children about the dangers of jaywalking.
Be safe and help your neighbors.
Upcoming Events
Sylmar Block Captain’s Meeting will be on 6/19/08 at 6:30 pm at the Sylmar Library located at Glenoaks Blvd and Polk St.
Teen Program at Sylmar Park starting on 6/13/08 at 6 pm.
If you have a Question or need information: Remember “Its one call to city hall” call 311for city-related issues and desired information. For non-emergency calls you can dial 1-877-ASK-LAPD (1-877-275-5273). So until next time, be safe and take your time getting where you need to go.
Basic Car Area 19A23
Senior Lead Officer Mike Braun
Office Phone 818-838-9843
Cell phone 818-634-0519
Email: 27025@lapd.lacity.org
Current Events
I would like to invite everyone to our next neighborhood watch meeting scheduled for June 11th, 2008. The meeting will be held in the Community Room at Mission Station and begins at 7:00 p.m. The guest speaker will be Officer Ted Gonzalez, who is assigned to the Bomb Squad as a K-9 Handler. Officer Gonzalez has a very unique position with the Department and his presentation should be very interesting.
There is a 24% reduction in crime this year for Basic Car A23. As long as the community stays involved and communicates with the Senior Lead Officer, crime should continue to fall. If I know about a problem, Police Officers who work in the area or I will give that problem attention. Without your partnership, we wouldn’t be seeing the decrease in crime like we are this year. Keep up the good work and remember to Take a Stand and get your neighbors to join Neighborhood Watch.
Crime Update
In the past month, there has been a pattern of Burglary from Motor Vehicles and Grand Theft Auto in the area south of San Fernando Mission to the 118 Freeway and from Woodley Avenue on the west to the 405 Freeway on the east. This Part-1 Crime pattern is mainly occurring between the hours of midnight to 6:00 a.m. The main vehicles being targeted are any GMC trucks or SUV’s. The method of entry is usually a small hole that is punched under the door handle plate of the driver’s door. Once inside the vehicle, the suspects remove any valuables but are mainly after built in electronics. This is not a new problem or pattern. It was a city-wide problem a few years ago. It seems that it is now resurfacing and needs a lot of police attention. I have directed patrols to this area at night with the hope that we can catch the suspects responsible for these thefts. Please keep an eye out for any suspicious people walking around the area late at night and call (877) ASK-LAPD if you think they may be involved in criminal activity.
Please do your part and secure your vehicle. Don’t leave any valuables visible inside and always lock up your home. Now that the spring is here, I know that a lot of homeowners like to leave their windows open to air out the house during the day. Please do not do this as it provides an easy point of entry for burglars.
Household Bulky Item Collection
(800) 773 2489 or 3-1-1- Effective October 1, 2007, the City of Los Angeles, Bureau of Sanitation, expanded its Residential Bulky Item Collection Program to include apartment complexes within the City of Los Angeles. Call the number above to schedule collection of your household bulky items or to report abandoned bulky items in your neighborhood. Household bulky items include household furniture, mattresses, appliances and E Waste. For information regarding appropriate disposal of automotive parts, tires, construction debris, commercial appliances/furnishings, cardboard, yard trimmings, and household hazardous waste (paint, lawn garden care, beauty care, medicine, fluorescent lights, etc.) please contact the number listed above. Make a difference, Keep LA Beautiful. Together we can reduce neighborhood blight associated with illegal dumping.
Neighborhood Watch Meetings
19A23 Monthly Basic Car Meeting
2nd Wednesday of every month at 7:00 p.m.
Mission Area Community Police Station Community Room
Bermuda Senior Mobile Home Park
2nd Thursday of Every Month at 4:00 p.m.
Meet in the Mobile Home Park Social Hall
Granada Hills North Neighborhood Council - GHNNC.org
4th Monday of the month, 7:00 p.m.
Mission Hills Neighborhood Council – MHNC@verizon.net
Tuesday 8 January 2008
San Jose St. Elementary School
14928 Clymer St. Mission Hills
Basic Car Area 19A61 North Hills and Mission Hills
Officer Michael J. Scott, Acting Senior Lead Officer
Office Phone 818-838-8946 Cell Phone 818-325-7749
E-mail Address: 34948@lapd.lacity.org
Hi everyone. I’m still here serving as your acting Senior Lead Officer while Senior Lead Officer Janine Angeles in on leave. Basic Car 19A61 is currently at a positive 2 %. It looks like the crime trend for the past month has been robberies during the day, burglary theft from motor vehicles during the night (12:00am to 6:00am), and residential burglaries during the day (6:00am to 6:00pm). Please continue to be proactive and report any suspicious activities or persons loitering in your neighborhood. Also, please continue to recruit more neighborhood watch members. The more eyes in the street, the more impact we have on criminal activity. I’m also conducting more extra patrol in the residential areas and citing minors who are supposed to be in school during the day. As it heats up, more residents are leaving their vehicle windows rolled down. That’s an invitation for thieves. Please advise your neighbors if you see this.
Mission Hills and North Hills West is still in need of community members to join our Mission Area Community Police Advisory Board (CPAB). The meetings provide a forum to exchange information and actively make a difference in your neighborhood. For more information, contact Officer Richard Stocks at (818) 838-9860.
Crime Update
Our crime has decreased to +2% from 04-20-08 to 05-17-08. The following are the crime statistics: (7) aggravated assaults, (20) burglary/theft from motor vehicles, (20) burglaries, (13) grand theft autos, (15) robberies, (15) thefts, and
(0) homicides.
Upcoming Events
Sepulveda Business Watch Meeting
1st Wednesday of each month, 6:30 p.m.
6161 North Sepulveda Boulevard (Wickes Furniture)
Mission Hills Neighborhood Council
June 10, 2008, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
14928 Clymer St (San Jose Elementary School)
Community Police Advisory Board (CPAB)
June 18, 2008, 6:30 p.m. (3rd Wednesday of every month)
11121 Sepulveda Bl (Mission Area Community Police Station)
19A61 Neighborhood Watch Group (Mission Hills, North Hills West and Granada Hills)
June 24, 2008, 7:00 p.m.
Mission Community Police Station
Guest Speaker TBA.
Mission Hills and North Hills West Business Watch
Next meeting TBA.
11121 Sepulveda Boulevard (Mission Area Community Station)
Basic Car Area 19A85 (Panorama City and North Hills East)
Senior Lead Officer Karen Reade
Office Line (818) 838-9842
Cell Phone (818) 422-3183
Email: 32851@lapd.lacity.org
Greetings:
Well we are almost half way done with 2008 and crime is still down a whopping 25%! Thank you to all the residence in Panorama City and North Hills (East) who have decided to take a stand and get involved in helping with our communities to become safer. There are not just 2 neighborhood watch groups, but 2 new apartment watch groups, and 2 condo watch groups! Way to go! The residents who belong to and participate in neighborhood watch began to see drastic reductions in crime in their area.
Crime Trends:
Burglaries from motor vehicles: GPS systems are the hot item that the thieves are taking from vehicles. So remember to disconnect it and take it out of your cars.
Residential burglaries: Most of the burglaries occur between 6:00 a.m. and 6 p.m., when most residents are at work. Majority of the suspects are entering through rear or side glass sliding doors or window, with a few entering from unlocked or open doors. Remember to secure your residence before you leave. If you have a home alarm system, use it and set it each time you leave your home and also keep it activated while you are home. This is a perfect example of why it is imperative to get to know your neighbor and participate in your community. Also, keep your lawns cut, trees and bushes cut back to reduce areas of where peoples can hide. If you go on vacation, stop your mail service and your news paper delivery so that it isn’t obvious that no one is home.
GTA (Stolen cars):
If you own a late 1980’s or early 1990’s model Honda, BEWARE!
They are (and have always been) the hot cars for auto thieves. Park your car in your garage if possible, and if not, park in a well lit, safe area. If you have a locking device (The Club) for your steering wheel, use it! Keep your windows up and your doors locked.
Future Events:
National Night Out is just around the corner (August 5th). This year’s event will take place at the Panorama Recreation Center at 8600 Chase St. Details to follow.
Panorama City neighborhood watch meets every 4th Tuesday of the month, 7:00 p.m., at Panorama Recreation Center gymnasium at 8600 Hazeltine Ave.
North Hills East Neighborhood Watch meets on every 4th Monday of the month, at Mission Community Station at 7:00p.m.
Sunset Terrace Apartments meet at 9301 Van Nuys Blvd, on the 1st Tuesday of the month at 7:00 p.m.
Basic Car 19A95 North Hills and Panorama City
Senior Lead Officer Ed Dominguez
Cell Phone (818) 634-0545 Office Phone (818) 838-9845
Welcome to 19A95 basic car newsletter for June 2008. The Safer City Initiative Unit continues to address both criminal and quality of life issues in the area. The unit will operate in North Hills and Panorama City area. The boundaries of the unit are Nordhoff St to the north, 405 Freeway to the west, Roscoe Bl to the south, and Van Nuys Bl to the east. SCI and Patrol have been working very hard to address any issues in the community. Please continue to give them your support.
Crime Trends
There were a total of 47 crimes committed for the period 04-13-08 through 05-10-08 in basic car 19A95. There were 7 robberies, 4 thefts, and 9 burglaries, 4 burglaries from motor vehicles, 15 aggravated assaults, 7 grand theft autos, and 1 rape. Most of the crimes were scattered south of Nordhoff St. I will continue to direct our resources towards the high travel area of Sepulveda Bl, Langdon Av, Orion Av, Parthenia St, and Rayen St.
The hot cars most likely to be taken are Honda Accords, Toyota Camrys, and Ford pickup trucks. If anyone has information that will help us identify the person or persons involved in the auto thefts please give me a call.
We are still in the negative numbers for crime in the basic car. The number one crime for the basic car this extraction period was aggravated assaults. I encourage watching out after each other and walking with a friend at night.
Let’s make sure to secure your vehicles at all times. I encourage using any anti-theft items for your vehicles such as alarms and wheel locks. This prevents opportunist from taking your valuables from inside your vehicles. I encourage you to report any suspicious activity in your community to your local police department
Property crimes continue to be the biggest problem in the basic car. Please remember to secure your vehicles and don’t leave any valuables in your cars. If you have a radio that is removable, please take it with you. When shopping at your local stores, keep your wallets and purses secured. The latest trend is GPS systems being taken from your vehicles. Lets not give anyone a chance to break into our cars and secure those items when you are not using them.
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.
Officers are continuing to check for any suspicious activity in your neighborhood, but they cannot be everywhere at once. Having a neighborhood watch could actually prevent crimes from occurring. I invite all of you to participate in Project Amigo and hear your local police officers talk about crime prevention. The new North Hills East Neighborhood Watch has been meeting on a regular basis. Please tell a friend to come join us to hear crime prevention tips by their local police officers.
Remember to check your credit rating at least once a year for any identify theft information. Contact your local bank, credit card, and social security office, if any discrepancies exist in your credit rating.
Great News
Thank you all for getting involved in your local neighborhood watch programs. I have seen an increased of community members attending my meetings. Thank you.
Traffic Problems
Speeding and jaywalking on Sepulveda Bl continues to be a problem. Please slow down and remember to wear your seat belt at all times. Remind your friends, neighbors, family, and especially children about the dangers of jaywalking.
Upcoming Events
Project Amigo (Spanish Speaking Neighborhood Watch)
2nd Wednesday of each month, 6:00 p.m.
15435 Rayen Street (United Methodist Church)
Next meeting is scheduled for January 9th.
Neighborhood Watch
Combined North Hills East
Last Monday of each month, 7:00 p.m.
Mission Community Police Station
Community Room
North Hills Coordinating Council
4th Tuesday of each month, 11:30 a.m.
Contact SLO Dominguez for location
North Hills East Neighborhood Council Meeting
2nd Monday of every month, 7:00 p.m.
Contact SLO Dominguez for location
Parthenia Business watch
Bi-monthly 4th Tuesday of every other month
Contact SLO Dominguez for time and location
Mission Community Room
North Hills East Neighborhood Watch
Contact SLO Dominguez for details
Plummer Village Tenant Watch
15450 Plummer St
Contact SLO Dominguez for details
Please spread the word to your neighbors about Project Amigo and Neighborhood Watch. It takes everybody to make a difference in our community! Together we can make a difference.
Basic Car Area 19A97
Senior Lead Officer Anna-Marie Izzo
Office Phone 818-838-9844
Blackberry 818-634-0718
Email: 32458@LAPD.LACITY.ORG
Current Events
Welcome to 19A97Basic Car Newsletter for June 2008. I will be on a scheduled vacation this month, however; Officer Mike Scott will be handling the need s of the community in my absence. Officer Scott can be reached at my telephone numbers throughout the month.
The Safer City Initiative Unit continues to address both criminal and quality of life issues in the area. The unit operates in North Hills and Panorama City area; the boundaries of the unit are Nordhoff Street to the north, 405 Freeway to the west, Roscoe Boulevard to the south, and Van Nuys Boulevard to the east. SCI is deployed 20 hrs a day, 7 days a week in that area. Patrol and Gang Officers (which include our Bike Patrol) have been working very hard to address any issues in the community. Please continue to give them your support.
Crime Update
Part-1 crime is steadily decreasing! Year to Date, Basic car A97 has reported 277 Part-1 crimes, –24% less than last year. The following are the crime statistics from 4/20/08 to 5/17/08: (6) aggravated assaults, (10) Burglary from Motor Vehicles, (12) Burglaries, (4) Auto Thefts (5) Robberies and (13) misc. thefts. (Which includes shoplifts from Wal-Mart) A majority of the crime is property crime.
Crime Prevention Tips
Street vendors still continue to plague many neighborhoods and the surrounding schools. Most of them are vending illegally. All vendors are required to pass Health Department inspections and have a permit to vend. They are required to place the vending permit on the cart or in their vehicle and present it for inspection to anyone at any time. The problem, however, is the citizens who continue to buy from these extremely unsanitary, unlicensed vendors. They greatly impact the legitimate business owner who has permits and has periodical inspections. In addition, the sickness they cause generally goes unreported. If they have no business, they will go away.
Neighborhood Watch Program
Apartment owners, managers and property management personnel are encouraged to get involved and join an Apartment Watch Group. We certainly appreciate the community becoming the eyes and ears for the Police Department. Many violent criminals have been removed from our streets thanks to the involvement of our neighborhood watch members and other residents in the community. Any helpful information that might assist in the reduction of criminal activities in our area should be referred to the Senior Lead Office or call me directly.
Neighborhood Watch / Neighborhood Council Meetings
19A97 Monthly Basic Car Meeting
2nd Wednesday of every month – 7:00 p.m.
Mission Community Hospital, 14860 Roscoe Boulevard
Brimfield Avenue Neighborhood Watch
Location TBA / Call for info
June 10, 2008
Panorama City Neighborhood Council
4th Thursday of every month – 6:30 p.m.
Mission community Hospital, 14860 Roscoe Boulevard
valley bureau 
