Greetings from North Hollywood Area! At the end of April, our violent crime rose slightly, but our total Part 1 crimes went down by 8%. We had a slight increase in street robberies. Please be aware of your surroundings at all times. We must remain vigilant in all of us working together to keep North Hollywood Area safe.
The North Hollywood Senior Lead Officers want to keep all their residents informed concerning special events and crime trends within North Hollywood Area. “E-Policing” is a new way of communication and is an effective tool to relay information to the public in a quick and timely manner, utilizing your E-mail. The process is simple, and I invite everyone to utilize this new technology. Simply log on to Lapdonline.org and click on the “E-Policing” section. On the next screen, click on “sign up now.” It will ask you for your email address, residence address and zip code. After submitting this information you will be entered in our database. None of your registration information will be shared or used outside this Department.
I want to thank our community members, who have been working hard, making strides to clean up our neighborhoods. On April 12, 2008, a divisional neighborhood clean up took place where volunteers from all over the San Fernando Valley converged to assist us. Numerous special projects were completed including a clean up at Victory Elementary School and the sprucing up of several empty lots. We ended up clearing out over 15 tons of trash and debris. Special thanks goes to the North Hollywood Clergy Council and the San Fernando Valley Faith Coalition, who devoted many hours of planning to make the event a success.
Another great program under way is the North Hollywood volunteer surveillance teams, called PAST, Police Assisted Surveillance Team. The team, which consists of volunteers who conduct surveillance at various locations where crimes are occurring, conducted their first mission, which resulted in several misdemeanor arrests. If you would like to join this team or have any questions you can contact Officer Albert Valdez at 818-623-4001.
SHARYN I. BUCK, Captain
Area Commanding Officer
North Hollywood Community Police Station
North Hollywood Basic Car 15A3
Senior Lead Officer Esther Vasquez
Voice Mail 818-634-0854
Mar. 19 to Apr. 18, 2008 Feb. 19 to Mar. 18, 2008 % CHANGE
Agg Assault 7 9 -22.22%
BTFV 23 23 0.00%
GTA 18 21 -14.29%
Burglary 27 8 237.50%
Homicide 0 0 0.00%
Robbery 10 4 150.00%
Rape 0 1 -100.00%
Other Theft 25 13 92.31%
GTP 0 0 0.00%
Total 110 79 39.24%
Crime Trends:
This period we continued our enforcement on burglary/theft from vehicle, which stood the same. Burglaries and robberies show an increase, with burglary taking the biggest hit.
Crime Strategies:
Increase the visibility of patrol units in the affected areas.
Use of Violent Crime Task Force in areas of robberies.
Utilize undercover officers for surveillance in residential areas for burglaries.
Continued education of local neighborhood watch groups to share information on crime prevention as well as received information regarding criminal activity in areas.
Significant Arrests:
A particular gang seems to have some newcomers interested in ‘proving’ themselves. We were able to make arrests of two of these subjects, for different crimes. A burglary arrest, as well as several arrests for grand theft auto, were also made. These great arrests should result in a decrease in crime in the areas affected.
Upcoming events:
May 3, 2008
Sun Valley Environmental Day at Sun Valley Park
May 21, 2008, 6:30 p.m.
Strathern Neighborhood Watch meeting
Strathern Elementary, 7939 St Clair
Crime Prevention Tips:
Windows, Windows, Windows, please, Lock, Lock, Lock. With springtime here, even if you run out to the store, still lock those windows at your home. The longer it takes to try to get into your home, the likelihood of discouragement increases.
North Hollywood Basic Car 15A13
Senior Lead Officer Gabriel Ahedo
Voice Mail 818-634-0949
Mar. 19 to Apr. 18, 2008 Feb. 19 to Mar. 18, 2008 % CHANGE
Agg Assault 8 3 166.67%
BTFV 9 12 -25.00%
GTA 12 7 71.43%
Burglary 10 4 150.00%
Homicide 1 1 0.00%
Robbery 7 9 -22.22%
Rape 1 0 100.00%
Other Theft 5 16 -68.75%
GTP 0 0 0.00%
Total 53 52 1.92%
Crime Trends:
During this deployment period, we had an increase in aggravated assaults. We had eight assaults compared to three last period. We also had a slight increase in grand theft autos and burglaries. We did show a 22 percent decrease in robberies. There were seven robberies compared to nine last period.
Crime Strategies:
Continue to brief roll calls on problem locations.
Continue the visibility of patrol units.
Use a decoy patrol car in the area affected by burglaries.
Work closely with GED, auto detectives and violent crime task force.
Significant Arrests:
On March 28, 2008, Gang Enforcement Officers responded to the area of Vanowen Street and Lankershim Boulevard after hearing a robbery crime broadcast. Approximately 10 minutes later an attempt grand theft auto radio call came out with the same suspect’s description as the robbery. The officers immediately responded to the call, which was a few blocks away and as they were searching the area for the suspect, the officers observed a male matching the suspect’s description walking westbound Kittridge Street from Radford Avenue. The officers immediately took the suspect into custody without incident and recovered a loaded revolver from suspect’s right rear pocket. A field show-up was conducted with the robbery victims at which time they identified the person in custody at the person who had committed the crimes. Officers took a career criminal and a loaded firearm off the streets.
Upcoming events:
May 12, 2008, 1900 hours
Neighborhood watch meeting
Church of San Pablo, Valerio/Tujunga
Crime Prevention Tips:
Don’t become a victim of auto theft; invest a little in anti-theft devices such as an alarm and a “club.” Don’t forget to park your vehicle in a well lit area and never leave your valuables in plain view.
North Hollywood Basic Car 15A21
Senior Lead Officer Carol Sawamura
Voice Mail 818-634-0852
Mar. 19 to Apr. 18, 2008 Feb. 19 to Mar. 18, 2008 % CHANGE
Agg Assault 6 4 50.00%
BTFV 17 19 -10.53%
GTA 11 16 -31.25%
Burglary 12 10 20.00%
Homicide 1 0 100.00%
Robbery 7 3 133.33%
Rape 0 0 0.00%
Other Theft 21 8 162.50%
GTP 1 0 100.00%
Total 76 60 26.67%
Crime Trends:
Burglary/theft from motor vehicles as well as Grand Theft Auto’s are slightly down this period. However, robberies and other thefts have both increased 133% and 162%, respectively. Overall, our crimes are up over 26% this period.
Crime Strategies:
Continue working with Neighborhood Watch groups regarding crime trends, prevention information, and crime tips.
Closely monitor parolees by Detectives and Violent Crimes Task Force.
Continue with strategic proactive enforcement with uniform patrol and specialized units for specific crime area spikes and monitoring of potential suspect and vehicle information.
Utilize information from Area Detectives for enforcement and investigative follow-ups, especially with the Property Crimes Unit.
Target Tagger Crews for significant crime trends and information.
Utilize surveillance equipment in crime spike areas
Significant Incidents:
On April 18, 2008, at approximately 7:30pm, a fifteen year old male Hispanic was walking on the sidewalk on the 7000 block of Ethel Avenue when he was approached by another individual. The other individual, identified as the suspect, was described as a male Hispanic, 5’7” 150lbs and approximately 18-20 years old. An argument ensued, the suspect pulled out a handgun and shot the victim multiple times. The victim was transported to Holy Cross Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.
Upcoming Events:
No events scheduled at this time.
Crime Prevention Tips:
The North Hollywood Area Homicide Detectives are asking the community to call “911” when gunshots are heard. It is very important that the police make sure that no one has been injured from the gunshots and to secure and evidence as soon as possible.
Continue to be vigilant of suspicious activity in your neighborhoods. Again, your tips can lead to identifying criminals and possible arrest(s), as well as prevention of crimes.
North Hollywood Basic Car 15A27
Senior Lead Officer Tito Mariscal
Voice Mail 818-634-0941
Mar. 19 to Apr. 18, 2008 Feb. 19 to Mar. 18, 2008 % CHANGE
Agg Assault 4 9 -55.56%
BTFV 14 8 75.00%
GTA 6 5 20.00%
Burglary 6 9 -33.33%
Homicide 0 0 0.00%
Robbery 2 7 -71.43%
Rape 1 0 100.00%
Other Theft 19 20 -5.00%
GTP 1 0 100.00%
Total 53 58 -8.62%
Crime Trends:
Aggravated assaults are down over 50 percent, robberies are down over 70 percent, and burglaries are down over 30 percent. Burglary/theft from vehicles was up 75 percent. Overall crime was down over 8 percent during this period.
Crime Tips:
Do not leave items such as GPS and Ipods in your vehicle in plain view. If you must keep items in your vehicle, lock them in the trunk. Thieves are walking around looking into vehicles for items to steal. If they do not see it, they will not break in.
Upcoming Events:
May 20, 2008, 12:00 p.m.
Business Watch meeting
6650 Lankershim Boulevard, North Hollywood.
May 13, 2008, 12:00 p.m.
Neighborhood Watch Meeting
6733 Cleon Avenue, North Hollywood.
Crime Prevention Tips:
The service to call for graffiti removal is the City information line, 311.
North Hollywood Basic Car 15A33
Senior Lead Officer Chris Rowland
Voice Mail 818-634-0809
Mar. 19 to Apr. 18, 2008 Feb. 19 to Mar. 18, 2008 % CHANGE
Agg Assault 2 2 0.00%
BTFV 20 18 11.11%
GTA 5 13 -61.54%
Burglary 4 9 -55.56%
Homicide 0 0 0.00%
Robbery 1 10 -90.00%
Rape 0 1 -100.00%
Other Theft 8 9 -11.11%
GTP 0 0 0.00%
Total 40 62 -35.48%
Crime Trends:
Based on the crime statistics for this period, there has been a significant decrease in
Part 1 crimes. Specifically in robberies, burglaries and grand theft autos. Crime has dropped over 35 percent. Unfortunately, the burglary from motor vehicle crimes continue to be a problem. The Reporting District most affected is 1532.
Crime Strategies:
Educate the community members on the importance of not leaving anything visible in their vehicles. This includes tote bags, GPS navigation systems, IPODS and even spare change.
Increase the amount of neighborhood watch meetings in the area.
Work with specialized units and patrol units to provide more visibility in the areas and during specific times of day where the crimes are occurring.
Target smaller crimes to help prevent more serious crimes.
Deploy the decoy car in the affected areas.
Upcoming Events:
May 20, 2008, at 7:00 p.m.
Neighborhood Watch Meeting
Colfax Elementary School (Colfax Avenue and Addison Street)
Crime Prevention Tips:
Report all suspicious activities. For non-emergency call 877 ASK-LAPD
(877-275-5273). For emergency calls, dial 911. If you have a situation that does not require immediate attention, call your Senior Lead Officer and he will get back to you as soon as possible.
North Hollywood Basic Car 15A39
Senior Lead Officer John Catalano
Voice Mail 818-634-32740
Mar. 19 to Apr. 18, 2008 Feb. 19 to Mar. 18, 2008 % CHANGE
Agg Assault 5 6 -16.67%
BTFV 20 11 81.82%
GTA 14 16 -12.50%
Burglary 7 5 40.00%
Homicide 0 1 -100.00%
Robbery 8 8 0.00%
Rape 2 1 100.00%
Other Theft 5 9 -44.44%
GTP 1 0 100.00%
Total 62 57 8.77%
Crime Trends:
The area has had a slight increase in residential burglaries. Last period, only five of these crimes were reported. This period, a total of seven were reported. An 81 percent increase in burglary/theft from vehicles were also reported. Aggravated assaults decreased slightly, down almost 17 percent. Overall for my basic car area, total crime increased by less than 9 percent.
Crime Reduction Strategies:
Continue to have community members sign up for e-policing. This way we can continue to keep the area advised of any crime related problems
Utilize the North Hollywood “BID” ambassadors as deterrents for crime and additional eyes and ears of the area.
Continue to encourage and create new neighborhood and business watch groups in the area.
Zero tolerance of crimes within the problematic area.
Extra patrol in and around the subway and Orange Line.
Work in conjunction with the Los Angeles Sheriffs to assist with extra patrol around the MTA facilities.
Upcoming Events:
May 14, 2008, 7:00 p.m.
Mid- Town North Hollywood Neighborhood Council
Sendak Elementary School, 11414 Tiara Street
Significant Arrest:
Officers continue to make numerous arrests in the area. However, an increase in crime was reported for this last period. A major problem has been the area of Burbank / Vineland. A lot of these problems are related to the school kids in and around the area of East Valley High School.
North Hollywood Basic Car 15A43
Senior Lead Officer Manny Arreygue
Voice Mail 818-634-0829
Mar. 19 to Apr. 18, 2008 Feb. 19 to Mar. 18, 2008 % CHANGE
Agg Assault 7 4 75.00%
BTFV 34 37 -8.11%
GTA 4 11 -63.64%
Burglary 9 11 -18.18%
Homicide 0 0 0.00%
Robbery 4 6 -33.33%
Rape 0 0 0.00%
Other Theft 11 5 120.00%
GTP 1 0 100.00%
Total 70 74 -5.41%
Crime Trends:
Based on the current crime statistics, overall crime is down in our area. Unfortunately, aggravated assault’s showed an increase of 75 percent. We will continue to work hard to reduce that particular crime. The areas still in our radar are on Magnolia Boulevard between Colfax Avenue and Laurel Canyon Boulevard, which continues to be a constant ongoing problem with property related crimes.
Crime Reduction Strategies:
Organize neighborhood clean-up days to send the message that your community is closed to thieves, vandals, and loiterers.
Sponsor a Neighborhood Watch.
Be sure the outside doors of your home or business have strong deadbolt locks.
Keep spare keys with a trusted neighbor or nearby shopkeeper, not under a doormat or planter, on a ledge, or in the mailbox.
Lock gates, garage doors, and shed doors after every use.
Illuminate or eliminate places an intruder might hide, including the spaces between trees or shrubbery, stairwells, alleys, hallways, and entryways.
Set timers on lights when you’re away from home or your business is closed so it appears to be occupied.
Keep your bike and sports equipment inside the house when not in use.
Avoid confrontations with burglars.
Significant Arrests:
Recently, I arrested an individual that was responsible for property- related crimes in the southern portion of our area. This arrest would not have been possible without the assistance of the various Neighborhood Watch groups. As you can see, Neighborhood Watch works!
Upcoming Events:
May 20 2008, 7:00 p.m.
Neighborhood Watch meeting,
Colfax Elementary (Addison Street and Colfax Avenue).
Crime Prevention Tips:
The service to call for graffiti removal is the City information line, 311.
North Hollywood Basic Car 15A67
Senior Lead Officer Rob Benavidez
Voice Mail 818-634-0978
Mar. 19 to Apr. 18, 2008 Feb. 19 to Mar. 18, 2008 % CHANGE
Agg Assault 9 3 200.00%
BTFV 38 34 11.76%
GTA 12 10 20.00%
Burglary 17 14 21.43%
Homicide 0 1 -100.00%
Robbery 8 3 166.67%
Rape 0 1 -100.00%
Other Theft 6 17 -64.71%
GTP 0 0 0.00%
Total 90 83 8.43%
Crime Trends:
My area experienced an overall increase in almost all categories. Burglaries, GTAs and burglary/theft from vehicles were just slightly up from last month, however there was a large increase in robberies in the NoHo arts district. This was due to a robbery suspect that was committing these robberies. This suspect has been arrested and should result in a drop in robberies.
Crime Reduction Strategies:
Encourage and create new neighborhood and business watch groups.
Provide information for crime prevention/awareness and to get the community involved in crime reduction strategies and the reporting of criminal activity.
Enforcement of all LAMC and Penal Code sections along the 101-Freeway embankment for homeless violators.
Extra patrol from basic cars, Vice and FES
Continue to work with Cal Trans and California Highway Patrol to clear homeless encampments along all freeway embankments.
Maintain relationships with building managers and property owners and provide suggestions to improve security and lighting.
Obtain trespass letters and get property owners to board up vacated properties
Upcoming events:
May 20, 2008 7:00 PM
Greater Toluca Lake Neighborhood Council Meeting
Toluca Elementary, 4840 Cahuenga Boulevard
Crime Prevention Tips:
Ipods and portable GPS systems continue to be the most commonly stolen items from cars. PLEASE remember to take the extra few seconds to remove these items from your car. Burglary/theft from vehicle continues to lead my crime statistics. Help to reduce the numbers by taking these items out of your car.
North Hollywood Basic Car 15A85
Senior Lead Officer Mike Lewis
Voice Mail 818-634-2593
Mar. 19 to Apr. 18, 2008 Feb. 19 to Mar. 18, 2008 % CHANGE
Agg Assault 2 2 0.00%
BTFV 36 34 5.88%
GTA 11 6 83.33%
Burglary 33 27 22.22%
Homicide 0 0 0.00%
Robbery 2 6 -66.67%
Rape 0 0 0.00%
Other Theft 19 19 0.00%
GTP 0 0 0.00%
Total 103 94 9.57%
Assessment
As you can see Grand Theft Auto’s and Burglaries both increased compared to last month. In total crimes increased by almost 10 percent overall.
Crime Trends:
As noted above there has been a large increase in burglaries, both commercial and residential. There is a current trend of optometry stores being burglarized. The suspect’s are entering the businesses in the middle of the night and taking high-end sunglasses. As of now there have been four burglaries in North Hollywood Division and two of them are here in Studio City. The suspect’s have been known to cut the phone wires prior to entering the business in order to disable the alarm and prevent the notification of the alarm activation to the alarm company.
Significant Incidents:
On Friday April 19, 2008, at 10:30am, the victim was in front of his residence, reading his mail. The suspect walked up to the victim and asked him directions to Sunset Boulevard. The suspect then hit the victim in the face, who fell to the ground. The victim was tied up to a chair with ropes and cords the suspect found around the victim’s house. The suspect took numerous watches and money and fled the location. The description of the suspect is a male black 509 150lbs in his 30’s. The suspect’s vehicle is a white 4 door sedan.
Crime Strategies:
Continue to educate citizens on strategies of how to not become a victim.
Aggressively target the motels along Ventura Boulevard.
Work in cooperation with the Violent Crimes Task Force
Upcoming Events:
May 13, 2008, at 7:30 p.m.
Studio City Residence Association meeting
Walter Reed Middle School
valley bureau 
