| November 2009 |
Vol. X, No. 11 |
VAN NUYS COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER
Captain's Message
Van Nuys Area continues to thrive in the area of crime reduction and positive community interaction. With that said, we still have room for improvement and I implore you as our community representatives to remain involved and if you are not yet involved please consider becoming a member of a block club or a volunteer at our station. To continue to be successful, we need the input of our partners; you the community.
As far as my continued focus on youth programs, we will be beginning our newest phase of Boot Camp sometime in early January. The Department recently codified procedures for the Boot Camps so that all entities are consistent in their delivery. Very shortly our Van Nuys personnel will go through the training so we anticipate keeping on schedule with our January, 2010 Boot Camp. If you are able to volunteer at this momentous occasion in the lives our communities’ youth, we encourage your participation. If you know any members of the youth in our community that would benefit from the program, please do not hesitate to provide us with a referral. Our two other significant programs are also in need of support from our community. They are our Explorers and our Jeopardy programs. Sergeant Marti Whittemore can provide you with the needed information. Sergeant Whittemore’s contact phone number is (818) 374-9403.
I reported in my last newsletter that we had the tragic homicide of a four month old baby boy. As I write this, we have solved the case. Two individuals, one a minor and the other an adult, have been implicated in this most heinous crime and the minor is in custody. The adult remains out of our custody and we are vigilantly perusing his capture. Although I cannot enumerate on the specifics; trust me when I say that this crime WOULD NOT have been solved without the tremendous cooperation and information received from the Van Nuys community. As soon as we went public with a news conference we received numerous tips and leads from you the community, that ultimately resulted in the felony filing of this case by our partners in the District Attorney’s Office. We were also granted great resources from within our Department to put a “full court press” on this case. Our Detectives worked twenty hours per day and seven days per week to solve this case and they deserve significant kudos. However, I repeat that we would not have solved this case without you, our community. Thank you.
As mentioned in the first paragraph, we continue to enjoy a decrease across the board in significant or Part I crimes, and I firmly believe that by working together to solve crimes and target our youth in positive environments we will continue to be a success. Thank you again for all that you do for us.
WILLIAM A. EATON, Captain
Commanding Officer
Van Nuys Area
North Van Nuys Basic Car Area 9A5
Senior Lead Officer Trent Berry
Cellular (Field) Telephone 818-731-2556
E-mail address: 27270@lapd.lacity.org
Crime Trends/Statistics
Residential Burglary is still our primary concern at this time, located however in the northeastern part of the division. Most of the incidents involving these burglaries are taking place during the daytime hours, while most people are out working. Please be mindful of this and properly secure your residence and avoid leaving windows open during the summer months. Please call to report suspicious activity. Finally, please continue to be mindful of not leaving valuables in plain sight within your vehicle, as this will help to reduce your chances of being victimized by this crime of Burglary Theft from Vehicle.
Crime Prevention Tips
Let us watch out for one another as a community and be the “eyes and ears” for your Police Department. Please report all suspicious activity in your neighborhood. To combat auto theft crime, try to utilize a theft deterrent device (i.e.; steering wheel locks, alarms, etc.) to lower your chances of being victimized.
Upcoming Community/ Neighborhood Watch Events
Please come out and support the Van Nuys Neighborhood Council meeting, which will take place on November 11th, 2009, at approximately 7:00 p.m. The meeting will take place at the Marvin Braude Constituents’ Services Center at 6262 Van Nuys Boulevard.
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 Ron Carter
Cellular (Field) Telephone 818-731-2566
E-Mail address: 23838@lapd.lacity.org
Crime Trends/Statistics
Violent crimes continued to be at their lowest since the “1950’s.” However, we all await the arrest of the violent person(s), responsible for the senseless and tragic death of a four month old infant. The incident happened at the 14300 block of Kittridge Street, just after the midnight hour on September 27th. After the exchange of words between unknown gang members, a shotgun was fired into a group of people there. Several persons were injured, but the child was the only fatality. Members of the Van Nuys Clergy Council gathered at the site and held a time-of-prayer for the family of little Andrew Garcia and for peace in the community. This was an isolated incident and is being investigated fully, using all the resources available to locate this criminal(s) and to bring them to justice.
Our property crimes are still a concern. Please ask your family, friends and neighbors to remove all valuables from plain sight inside their vehicles. Please choose secure parking areas, with good lighting and turn on your alarms at all times.
Crime Prevention Tips
Residential burglaries have again been reduced in our area, with only two (2) reported. Both were in the 14000 block of Haynes Street. Windows being left open, even with bars or rods in the track are easily defeated. Please lock and secure your residence and add a few deterrents to keep the opportunists away and out of your homes. Alarm systems work well when they are activated. Whether you are at home or not, you should always close/lock all windows.
During the period between September 27, 2009 through October 3, 2009, we had only one Burglary from motor vehicle at the 14400 block of Sherman Way. We had only two Grand Theft Autos during this same period, with one incident at Sylmar Avenue and Vanowen Street.
Upcoming Community/Neighborhood Watch Events
District-I Bi-Annual Basic Car Meetings:
Twice each year the Senior Lead Officers hold their District meetings, which include the Basic Cars within the North (Dist-I), Central (Dist-II) and Southern (Dist-III) portion of the Division. These meetings are very productive and provide the community with an opportunity to be an active partner with their Police Officers. Your Senior Lead Officer asks that if you are a Police Community Representative, (PSR) a Block Captain, or member of a Neighborhood Watch Group, that you place the date on your calendars and invite the neighbors to come. Our next meeting will be November 18th, 2009, at the Columbus Elementary School. The address is 6700 Columbus Avenue, just South of Vanowen Street and just East of Sepulveda Boulevard. For more information, please call 818-731-2566.
Neighborhood Watch News
A very special “Thank you” to our Block Captains and Neighborhood Watch Groups and to our P.C.R.’s (Police Community Representatives) – Penny Meyer, Vera Wagman, Therese Berkus, Jean Sinatra, Neal Berke, and Carlos Ferreira for their leadership and guidance. Remember to log on to the www.lapdonline.org and www.cityofla.org as well as registering for E-Policing.
Central Van Nuys Basic Car Area 9A23
Senior Lead Officer Jose Verdin
Cellular (Field) Telephone (818) 731-2557
Email: 31536@lapd.lacity.org
Crime Trends /Statistics
Our area did great, we had a record low in reported crimes. We made some great arrests for Robbery. Some unknown citizen called the police on a robbery in progress at a local discount store in the area of Sepulveda/Vanowen. We were able to respond in a timely manner and were able to apprehend both suspects. Both suspects were booked for attempt robbery. Overall, our area has shown a great decrease in Part 1 violent crimes. Please stay active with Neighborhood Watch.
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.” We experience more residential burglaries due to the open windows or doors. Please notify your neighbors if you are going on vacation.
Upcoming Community Events
On November 18th, 2009, our Semi-Annual Basic Car Meeting will be held at Columbus Avenue Elementary School, at 6700 Columbus Avenue, at 7:00 p.m.
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. Just log on to our web site at www.lapdonline.org and click on E-policing.
I strongly suggest that if you are not yet a member, or part of a Neighborhood Watch Group, to please join one. If you desire to have one started, call me at the Van Nuys Station Senior Lead Office at 818-374-1999, or my cell phone at 818-731-2557.
Valley Glen Basic Car Area 9A37
Senior Lead Officer Lucas Hamilton
Cellular Phone: 818 731-2562
Email Address: 35852@lapd.lacity.org
Crime Trends/ Statistics
Crime is still decreasing, this is good news but we still have a lot of work to do. Violent crime is low but property crime is still a concern. Residential burglaries and Burglaries from vehicles are still occurring. Looking over the reports I see that a large percentage of the vehicles being broking into have valuable items left inside that could have been easily removed when the vehicle was parked. Taking these items out of your vehicle will greatly decrease the chances of your becoming a victim. It will also allow both officers and detectives to work on cases that could make a difference in your neighborhood.
Crime Prevention Tips
Remove all items from your vehicle when you park it!
Most vehicles that are broken into have items left in plain sight. This invites criminals to break your window and take it. Please remove all items from your vehicle it will reduce crime.
Lock your doors and windows when you are not home. It may sound simple but 80% of the homes broken into in the past three months had an open door or window. The suspect did not even have to break in.
Keep our community clean. Call 311 to report graffiti, bulky items on the street or sidewalks, or 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.
Upcoming Community and Neighborhood Events:
November 12, 2009, we will be holding a neighborhood watch meeting for all members of the Neighborhood Watch Groups. Keep this date clear and you will receive a flier regarding the time and location.
Neighborhood Watch News
After hard work from all of you we finally have a Neighborhood Watch Group in each part of my basic car area. We are still looking for addition members. If you are not on the list, please contact me. Get your neighbor involved, the more eyes we have working for us the less criminals in our neighborhood.
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. If there is already a Neighborhood Watch in your area and you want to get involved contact me so you can become part of the solution.
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
I would like to discuss the topic of residential burglaries, day time burglaries to be exact. Most occur Monday through Friday day time hours when the majority of us are away from home. That usually means suspects wander through neighborhoods undetected and unidentified. This makes for a difficult case to solve. But with good witnesses, detailed descriptions, and timely reporting this can be the recipe for a successful arrest. Recently, with the timely reporting of witnesses officers were able to apprehend three burglars in our area. In our first incident officer responded to a call of a suspect there now attempting to enter through a window at the rear of the residence. The witness inside the targeted house phoned police and provided a detailed description, including facial hair and the type of print/pattern on the shirt the suspect was wearing. The police perimeter was set and despite that, the suspect attempted to drive out. With the provided description, officers were able to see a match, detained and arrested the suspect with a positive identification. In our second incident, two male youths were seen by a neighbor retreating to the rear yard of her neighbor’s residence. After several minutes the witness phoned police. Again officers responded in full force, equipped with additional units, the exact location, and descriptions of the two. As officers peered into the residence, they observed the two searching through the home. A foot pursuit ensued and the two suspects were arrested. Later, detectives learned that the two had been involved in other area burglaries. In both cases, the method of operation was knocking at the doors before making their entry. Communication and immediate reporting is paramount in the prevention and apprehending of suspects.
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.” Together we can make our neighborhoods safe.
Crime Prevention Tips
Burglary from motor vehicle:
Remove all valuables from vehicle, “Leave it, Lose it.”
Leave the glove compartment empty and open. Take your garage remote inside.
Neighborhood Watch News
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.
North Sherman Oaks Basic Car Area 9A63
Senior Lead Officer Justin Bergmann
Cell Phone: 818-731-2563
Email: 32052@lapd.lacity.org
Crime Trends / Statistics
We are seeing a slight increase in Residential Burglaries in north Sherman Oaks. This would be a good time look into a Neighborhood Watch Group in your area. If you do not have one, contact me and I will help you get it going. If you have one, but have not had a meeting lately, let us schedule one.
Too many people continue to make themselves an easy target by leaving valuables in plain sight inside their vehicles. Please remember, what may not be valuable to you, may be extremely valuable to someone else. Things such as change, CD’s, clothing, cell phones, laptop computers, GPs units and purses are just some of the targeted items. You must keep your vehicle free of any visible items to reduce your chances of becoming a victim. Remember, “Leave it, Lose it.”
We are seeing an increase in graffiti activity in the Sherman Oaks area. Most, if not all is tagging and not gang graffiti. Still this is a blight to the area and we are working hard to catch these vandals. Please report any graffiti to us so that we may photo it and document it. Also, you may request to have it painted out by calling 311.
Crime Prevention Tips
We are utilizing as many resources as possible to combat all these problems. As you know, we cannot catch everyone on our own. Please help us help you by being aware of what is going on in your neighborhood and reporting any suspicious activity. And remember, the best way to avoid becoming a victim yourself is to remove all valuables from your vehicle every time you leave it. Do not leave anything that is not attached to the vehicle in plain sight. Make sure your cars and homes are locked and secured using as many crime prevention tools as possible.
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 Leaders’ Meeting on the last Thursday of the month. This meeting is designed to disseminate information out to our Block Captains that is then given out to the Neighborhood Watches. 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 1900 hours on the last Thursday of the month. Please come and join us or call 818-756-9485 for more information.
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. If I am not working or unavailable to answer your call, leave a message and I will get back to you.
South Sherman Oaks Basic Car Area 9A89
Senior Lead Officer George C. Aguilar
Office Phone 818-374-1995
Crime Trends/Statistics
Residential Burglaries have shown a slight rise in our area, I have noticed that quiet residential neighborhoods have been targeted. The Suspects have used some of the following methods to enter the homes. They have entered via unlocked side or rear windows or entered via “Doggie” doors. BFMV (Burglary From Motor Vehicle) continues to occur in to people that leave something visible in their vehicles. This has continued to be a problem along Ventura Boulevard. This occurs mostly when the sun goes down. The main items that were taken were laptops and other electronic devices. The majority of the vehicles were parked on the street. Violent crime continues to be very low in our area, our problem continues to be property crime.
Crime Prevention Tips
The Residential Burglaries have been occurring mostly during the daytime, if you are home during the daytime, please spend some time outside your home, make a show of looking out for your neighborhood. BFMV has occurred mostly late at night, make sure you do not leave anything visible in your car. Most of the arrests of bad guys we make are from the community calling us. Please report any suspicious activity to the police (call 911 if it is an emergency, or 311 if it is not an emergency). Remember, the best thing that the average person can do to combat crime is to get involved in Neighborhood Watch or Business Watch. This will educate you in Crime Prevention and reporting. It will give you a better understanding of what to look for and how to report it.
Upcoming Community/Neighborhood Events
Everyone is invited to the monthly Sherman Oaks Community Neighborhood Watch Leader’s Meeting. This meeting is for everyone who lives or works in Sherman Oaks. We have guest speakers along with Crime Prevention information. Please join with the Neighborhood Watch Community. The next meeting is on Thursday, November 19, 2009, at 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., at 14130 Riverside Drive, Sherman Oaks (Westside of the Sunkist Building).
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van nuys community police station 
