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Van Nuys Community Newsletter
JULY 2013 Vol. XIV, No. 7
Captain Message
I would like to wish everyone a safe and happy 4th of July Holiday. Please remember that fireworks are illegal in the City of Los Angeles. Fireworks pose a fire danger, and can cause serious injuries to people. The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend one of the professional fireworks displays being held throughout the City.
I would like to share our crime statistics with you. For 2013, the Department set a goal of reducing Part I crimes by another 1%. As of June 22, 2013, we have a reduction in Violent Crime of -20.0% and a decrease in Property Crime of -3.0%. Overall, Part I crimes are down
-5.0% over this time last year. Burglary from Motor Vehicle has been our biggest crime problem so far this year, followed by stolen vehicles.
I would like to encourage all of you to participate or start a Neighborhood Watch program, and to think about joining our Community Police Advisory Board (C-PAB) or the Mid-Valley Community Police Council. These two groups are an integral part of Van Nuys Community Police Station’s relationship and outreach with the community. The C-PAB Co-Chair is
Penny Meyer. The President of our MVCPC Executive Board is Ron Feinstein. If you would like information about the meetings for the C-PAB or MVCPC, please contact Sergeant
Tarek Ismail, Officer in Charge, Community Relations Office at (818) 374-1996.
If you have not had an opportunity to logon to our websites, please do so. You can “LIKE” us on Facebook at facebook.com/LAPDVanNuysDivision, “FOLLOW” us on Twitter at twitter.com/lapdVanNuysDiv, and “FOLLOW” us on Nixle at local.nixle.com/lapd---van-nuys, FOLLOW” us on Patch at shermanoaks.patch.com/listings/lapd-van-nuys-station, and “VISIT” us online at www.lapdvannuys.com/.
Please look out for your neighbors’ homes this summer while they are traveling, and ask them to do the same for you. Thank you for your continuing support of the Van Nuys Community Police Station!
IVAN MINSAL, Captain
Commanding Officer
Van Nuys Area
North Van Nuys Basic Car Area 9A5
Senior Lead Officer Jose Verdin
Cellular (Field) Telephone (818) 731-2556
Email: 31536@lapd.lacity.org
Crime Trends/Statistics
Currently, property crimes such as Grand Theft Auto (GTA), and Burglary Theft from Vehicle (BFMV) are still my main focus at this time located in the northern part of the division. Most of the incidents involving these crimes are still happening during late night hours. With this in mind, please be mindful of avoiding isolated spots and try to utilize a driveway versus the street when parking.
If you should see any suspicious activity in your neighborhood, please call to report it. Finally, to help combat your chances of being victimized by burglary theft from motor vehicle, please be mindful of not leaving valuables inside your vehicle. Let us all remember to “Lock it, Hide It, Keep It.”
Crime Prevention Tips
Please report any suspicious activity or person by calling the Los Angeles Police Department at the Non-emergency phone number of (877) ASK LAPD, and for crimes in progress dial “911.” Please keep your valuables out of sight, prevent yourself from becoming a victim of a property related crime.
Upcoming Community/ Neighborhood Watch Events
Please come out and join us at the Van Nuys Neighborhood Council meeting located at 6262 Van Nuys Boulevard inside the Marvin Braude Constituent Service Center. The meeting will take place on July10, 2013, at 7:00 p.m.
Neighborhood Watch News
If you are interested in becoming a Block Captain and starting a Neighborhood Watch Program in your neighborhood, please call me at (818) 731-2556 for further details.
East-Central Van Nuys Basic Car Area 9A19
Senior Lead Officer (Temporary - Officer John Larsen)
Cellular (Field) Telephone (818) 731-2566
E-Mail address: 37045@lapd.lacity.org
Crime Trends/Statistics
Property crimes for my Basic Car area are my main focus at this time. Specifically, in the area of Van Nuys corridor between Vanowen Street and Sherman Way is the most active. Criminals are still checking for unlocked vehicles with items of interest inside. These items can be a purse, CD case, navigation system, etc. When the criminals find the unlocked vehicle, they take advantage of the opportunity. Therefore, please, remember to lock your vehicles and either take your valuables inside or place them under a car seat. Simply placing your valuables in the center console or glove compartment may be enough to avoid a criminal selecting your vehicle. Your vigilance will help make our community a safer place to live.
Crime Prevention Tips
Do not leave personal property or any items of value (cell phones, wallets, bicycles, etc.) unattended. Do not leave your items on a table at a diner or restaurant. Do not leave your wallet or purse lying on a counter near a register at a store. Please control your property and be vigilant.
Please continue to report suspicious activity by calling the Los Angeles Police Department at the Non-emergency phone number 1-877-ASK-LAPD, and for crime in progress dial “911.”
Upcoming Community Events
Please come out and support the Greater Valley Glen Neighborhood Council meeting, which takes place the first Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m., at Valley College in the staff lounge. Also, the Valley Glen Neighborhood Association meets at Erwin Elementary School at 7:00 p.m., on the 3rd Tuesday of every other month (on the even numbered months).
Neighborhood Watch News
If you are interested in becoming a Block Captain and starting a Neighborhood Watch Program, please call me at (818) 731-2566 for information.
Central Van Nuys Basic Car Area 9A23
Senior Lead Officer Vince Di Mauro
Cellular Phone: (818) 731-2557
Email Address: 37682@lapd.lacity.org
Crime Trends /Statistics
Property crimes such as Grand Theft Auto (GTA) and Burglary/Theft from Motor Vehicles (BFMV) are on the rise. A majority of these are vehicles either left unlocked, or left unattended with valuables in plain sight. Please talk with your family and friends and remind them to be vigilant by always securing their vehicles, and removing any valuables from inside. Lock it, Hide it, Keep it!
Thefts at our local businesses are also an issue, not only shoplifting but thefts of personal property from store patrons. When you are shopping, always pay attention to your belongings and never leave them unattended in a shopping cart, on a counter, on the floor, etc. If it is important, always keep it with you.
Crime Prevention Tips
Remember the basics. Your mind set will keep you from becoming a victim. Always think about the simple things you can do to keep from being the next report I review. Lock it, Hide it, Keep it!
Keep our community clean. Call 311 to report graffiti, bulky items on the street or sidewalks, and shopping carts in the area. Keeping the streets clean shows the criminals that we have pride in our community and we will not tolerate their activities.
Please report any suspicious activity or persons by calling the Los Angeles Police Department Non-emergency phone number 877.ASK.LAPD, and for crimes in progress dial 911.
Upcoming Community Events
Please come out and support the Van Nuys Neighborhood Council meeting, which will take place on July 10, 2013, at approximately 7:00 p.m. The meeting will take place at the Marvin Braude Constituent Service Center at 6262 Van Nuys Boulevard.
Neighborhood Watch News
The L.A.P.D. is continuing to bring community policing to the Internet. The E-Policing program enables Senior Lead Officers, Area Captains, and Detectives to e-mail Newsletters, crime trends, and other important information to you. It is easy, sign-up now. Get LAPD crime maps, join/start a Neighborhood Watch, and become part of our team of crime-fighters.
Valley Glen Basic Car Area 9A37
Senior Lead Officer Stephen Underwood
Cell Phone: (818) 731-2562
Email: 36355@lapd.lacity.org
Crime Trends/ Statistics
Thefts and Robberies have increased in the area surrounding Los Angeles Valley College. Specifically near the bus stop near Burbank Boulevard and Fulton Avenue. Burglary from Motor Vehicles has also increased along Victory Boulevard between Fulton Avenue and Coldwater Canyon, as well as along the apartment / condominiums along Coldwater Canyon Boulevard.
Crime Prevention Tips
Be vigilant; be aware of your surroundings. When walking to and from your vehicle, even in a crowded shopping area be aware of people approaching your vehicle. Hold on to your purse with two hands. If you have “pepper-spray,” be familiar with how to use it and walk with it at “the ready.”
When strangers that you do not know come to the front door of your home feel free to ask for identification and verify who is at your home. Know your neighbors, and watch their homes when they are away. Have your good neighbors watch your home when you are away and report suspicious activity.
Upcoming Community and Neighborhood Events:
Please come out and support the Greater Valley Glen Neighborhood Council meeting, which takes place the first Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m., at Erwin Street Elementary School. Also, the Valley Glen Neighborhood Association meets at Erwin Elementary School as well, at 7:00 p.m., on the 2nd Tuesday of every other month (on the even numbered months). National Night Out Event is coming August 6th. Local communities are encouraged to plan a “Block Type” celebration.
Neighborhood Watch News
If you are interested in becoming a Block Captain and starting a Neighborhood Watch program in your neighborhood, please call me at (818) 731-2562 for further details.
Central Van Nuys Basic Car Area 9A41
Senior Lead Officer Anthony Cabunoc
Cellular (Field) Telephone (818) 731-2560
Email: 25170@lapd.lacity.org
Crime Trends /Statistics
We have seen a slight drop and overall improvement in our crime numbers here in Basic Car 41. On the 1st of January we were at a 9% spike in property crimes. Property crimes are defined as Burglaries, Burglary from Vehicle (BFMV), Auto Theft, and Theft. Over the past months, our Neighborhood Watch groups have been vigilant in getting the word out and asking the community to take a pro-active stance towards anti-crime efforts. So far the efforts have paid off. We are now experiencing a drop in crime at minus 2.1%. In spite of the improved numbers, we still see Burglary from Motor Vehicle as our number one crime. In comparison to last year’s numbers at this time, Basic Car 41 now has 82 reported crimes of BFMV up 20 crimes in comparison to 2012’. Leaving any items in our cars is an invite for window shoppers. A sense of false security of a parked vehicle in our driveway or behind a gated fence is no guarantee that thieves will not make that effort. One reported crime tested that assumption. A resident in our community parked his vehicle behind his gated yard. He later discovered that a suspect had scaled the fence and entered their vehicle taking property. Please do not give suspects an easy target.
This summer keep your home secured. Set home alarms, secure windows and doors, and have a relative or good friend collect mail, move parked vehicles and interior monitor lights.
Please report any suspicious activity or person by calling the Los Angeles Police Department at the Non-emergency phone number (877) ASK LAPD, and for crimes in progress dial “911.” Together we can make our neighborhoods safe.
Crime Prevention Tips
Burglary from motor vehicle:
Remove all valuables from your vehicle. “Lock It, Hide it, Keep It”
Please report any suspicious activity or person by calling the Los Angeles Police Department at the Non-emergency phone number (877) ASK LAPD, and for crimes in progress dial “911.” Together we can make our neighborhoods safe.
Upcoming Community/Neighborhood Events
Please come out and support the Van Nuys Neighborhood Council meeting, which will take place on July 10, 2013, at approximately 7:00 p.m. The meeting will take place at the Marvin Braude Constituent Service Center at 6262 Van Nuys Boulevard.
Neighborhood Watch News
You can organize a Neighborhood Watch Group. If you desire to have one started, call me at the
Van Nuys Station Senior Lead Office at (818) 374-1995, or my cell phone at (818) 731-2560. The L.A.P.D. is continuing to bring community policing to the Internet. The E-Policing program enables Senior Lead Officers, Area Captains, and Detectives to e-mail Newsletters, crime trends and other important information to you. It is easy, sign-up now. Get LAPD crime maps, join/start a Neighborhood Watch, and become part of our team of crime-fighters.
North Sherman Oaks Basic Car 9A63
Senior Lead Officer Trent Berry
Cellular (Field) Telephone (818) 731-2563
E-mail address: 27270@lapd.lacity.org
Crime Trends / Statistics
Currently, property crime remains to be my main concern heading into the month of July. Most of these incidents involving property crime still include Burglary from Motor Vehicle (BFMV) and Grand Theft Auto (GTA). The majority of these incidents are occurring during the late night hours. With this being said, please be sure to utilize well-lighted parking areas and avoid parking in isolated spots. Also, please continue to help reduce these incidents by remembering our slogan of “Lock it, Hide it, Keep it.” Finally, please continue be a good neighbor and keep an eye out for suspicious activity on your street. Should you see something suspicious, please do not ignore it and call us out to investigate it.
Crime Prevention Tips
Please report any suspicious activity or person by calling the Los Angeles Police Department at the Non-emergency phone number (877) ASK LAPD, and for crimes in progress dial “911.” Please keep your valuables out of sight, and prevent yourself from becoming a victim of a property related crime.
To see additional crime prevention information, go to the “crime prevention” section on the left side of the screen on our Department website, www.lapdonline.org.
Upcoming Community/Neighborhood Events
District three (Sherman Oaks Area) has a Neighborhood Watch Block Leader’s Meeting on the last Thursday of the month. If you are interested in starting a Neighborhood Watch group and participating as a Block Captain, you are welcome to attend any of these meetings. They are located at the Sunkist Building at 14130 Riverside Drive at 6:30 p.m., on the last Thursday of each month. “National Night Out” is fast approaching on Tuesday, August 6, 2013. Area Neighborhood Watch Groups are encouraged to plan a block party, to celebrate this annual event.
Neighborhood Watch News
If you are interested in starting a Neighborhood Watch group or becoming a Block Captain for your area or you were a Block Captain previously, please call me so that we can discuss your area. I can be reached during my workdays and hours on my City cell phone at (818) 731-2563. Thank you for your continued support.
South Sherman Oaks Basic Car 9A89
Senior Lead Officer (Temporary - Officer Jose Saldana)
Cell Phone (818) 731-2565
E-mail: 30853@lapd.lacity.org
Crime Trends/Statistics
Property crimes such as Residential Burglaries and Burglaries from Motor Vehicle continue to be a concern in Southern Sherman Oaks. We are still seeing valuable items being left in plain sight in parked vehicles, and many personal theft issues. Please do not leave your property unattended. There are opportunists just waiting for us to become complacent with our property. Auto-related crimes still continue and we are still focused on this activity. For those of you who are home during the daytime, please keep an eye out and report any suspicious activity you might see. Remember to “Lock-It, Hide-It, Keep-It.”
Crime Prevention Tips
If you are home during the daytime, especially if you live in the hills please occasionally walk outside and take a look around. Please make it look obvious that you are doing this, if anyone is checking out your neighborhood they might go elsewhere. Remind all your friends and families not to leave things visible in their vehicles. Your Los Angeles Police Department does not want you to be confrontational at any time. We would prefer that you are good “eyes and ears” for us and write down the license plate or take a picture, if possible. Please remember to close your garage doors and lock your side gates. Please do not make it easy for “Opportunists” to take advantage of our homes.
Upcoming Community/Neighborhood events
District three (Sherman Oaks Area) has a Neighborhood Watch Block Leader’s Meeting on the last Thursday of the month. If you are interested in starting a Neighborhood Watch group and participating as a Block Captain, you are welcome to attend any of these meetings. They are located at the Sunkist Building at 14130 Riverside Drive, at 6:30 p.m., on the last Thursday of the month. Please come and join us.
Neighborhood Watch News
The Neighborhood Watch Program is alive and well in Sherman Oaks. If you are not a member of a group, contact me or come to one of the above meetings. My City cell phone number is (818) 731-2565. A very Special “Thank you” goes out to all our Block Leaders and Neighborhood Watch Groups for their leadership and guidance.
valley bureau 
