Los Angeles: On Tuesday, October 28, 2003, dozens of Los Angeles Police Department officers from Foothill Area, Valley Traffic Division, and Valley Bureau Headquarters will focus on violent crime and community quality of life issues in an effort to reduce crime in the San Fernando Valley. This task force will emphasize the apprehension of Grand Theft Auto suspects and the recovery of stolen vehicles.

There are two target zones. The first target zone is the area considered the Van Nuys Corridor. That is the area three blocks on either side of Van Nuys Boulevard from Foothill Boulevard on the east to Laurel Canyon Boulevard on the west. That area includes the San Fernando Gardens Housing Development and the Pierce Apartments.

The second target zone is bordered by Terra Bella Street to the north, Sheldon Street to the south, San Fernando Road to the east and Woodman to the west. This target area has had a recent cluster of crimes, which include robbery, GTA, burglary and BFMV.

Operations will commence at 7:00 a.m. and will continue until 4:00 a.m., on October 29, 2003. There will be zero tolerance for traffic violations and criminal activities in the affected area. Recent task forces in other parts of the Valley have resulted in hundreds of traffic citations, vehicle impounds, and dozens of arrest. Other similar forces to combat violent crime and improve the quality of life will be conducted in other parts of the Valley throughout the year.

For additional information please contact Captain Kirk Albanese, Commanding Officer, Foothill Division or Captain Kris E. Pitcher, Commanding Officer, Foothill Patrol Division, at 818-756-8860.

This news release was prepared by Public Information Officer Lucy Diaz, Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.