We have a new Patrol Division Captain at Van Nuys. It is my pleasure to allow Captain Kelly Mulldorfer to introduce herself in this space on the newsletter:
I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself and convey my excitement about being assigned to Van Nuys Area as the new Patrol Commanding Officer. My name is Kelly Mulldorfer and I have been with the Los Angeles Police Department since 1981; I was most recently assigned to Southeast Area as the Patrol Commanding Officer. I have spent a large portion of my career in the Valley, including time at Van Nuys Division, and I am delighted to be back.
My goals while assigned to Van Nuys Area include continued crime reduction, enhancement of community/police partnerships, and increased focus on quality of life issues. I look forward to working with members of the diverse residential and business communities throughout Van Nuys Area to achieve these goals, and in doing so, increase community participation in activities designed to enhance public safety and unify the community.
If you know anyone who is interested in becoming a Police Officer, now is the time to apply. The LAPD needs officers and is hiring on a constant basis. The job has a large number of benefits including good pay; health, dental and life insurance; generous vacations and sick leaves; but most importantly a sense of making a difference in the lives of people in the community. Go to JOINLAPD.COM for more information on this truly rewarding career opportunity.
JAMES A. MILLER, Captain Commanding Officer Van Nuys Area
Basic Car 9A11
Senior Lead Officer David Ham
Cellular (Field) Telephone 818-731-2551
E-mail: 25717@lapd.lacity.org
Crime Trends/Statistics
Though several arrests for graffiti were made at the Van Nuys Airport tunnel during the past two months, we continue to ask you to call anytime you observe graffiti. We would also like to remind you that most of our home burglaries are occurring during the daytime hours. Please report any suspicious activities or persons seen in the area by calling the Los Angeles Police Department at the Non-Emergency phone numbers 311 or (877) ASK-LAPD and for crimes in progress dial 9-1-1.
Please secure your home, lock your back yard gates, and remember to use your home alarm if you have one. In regards to vehicle theft, please remember to use the club and your alarm. Additionally, burglary and thefts from motor vehicle are considered opportunity crimes. Please remember not to leave any valuables in plain sight. "LEAVE IT, LOSE IT." Lock all valuables in your trunk whenever possible.
Upcoming Community/Neighborhood Events
During May 2008, Neighborhood Watch Meetings will take place on the following dates in 9A11's area. Please note most Neighborhood Watch Meetings start at 7:00 p.m. unless otherwise designated. If you would like to schedule a meeting, please contact your Senior Lead Officer to schedule a meeting as soon as possible.
Saturday, May 3rd, 9:00 p.m., the C.E.R.T. Group will meet at Van Nuys Fly-Away, 7610 Woodley Avenue, 2nd floor.
Wednesday, May 7th, 7:30 p.m., the Lake Balboa Neighborhood Community Council will meet at 7412 Balboa Boulevard.
Wednesday, May 20th, 7:00 p.m., the West Van Nuys Group will meet at 17400 Vanowen Street and the Wish Street Group will meet at 7525 Wish Avenue.
Please note these meetings may sometimes be rescheduled due to uncontrollable circumstances. If this occurs or if you have any questions or concerns regarding your neighborhood, feel free to contact me at 818-731-2551.
Neighborhood Watch News
During April 2008, there were no major community events schedule in our area, although on Sunday, April 20th, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Sherman Oaks had its annual Sherman Oaks Street Fair.
Basic Car 9A23
Senior Lead Officer Troy Collins
Cellular (Field) Telephone 818-731-2553
E-mail: 34694@lapd.lacity.org
Crime Update
Although the incidents are decreasing, we are still experiencing vehicles being broken into and/or stolen. Continue to keep your vehicles locked and DO NOT LEAVE VALUABLES IN YOU VEHICLES! The hot items for people to steal continue to be CD's, lap tops, MP3 players, and portable GPS machines.
Prostitution activities continue to decline but are still present. To help combat this problem, please call DWP if you see broken or malfunctioning street lights. DWP and the Councilman's Office have finally made some plans to change the old street lights. Please start and continue to call DWP to make reported requests. The streets need to be brighter at night to help prevent criminal activities. Also, Street Services can trim trees back to clear area for lights and signs. Calling 311 and having them connect you to Street Services will get the job done.
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. Because of the major health concerns associated with these vendors, please only use licensed and inspected vendors. If people stop buying from the illegal venders, it will help us get them out of the area. Also, if you feel the need to buy from any of the venders, be sure to throw your trash away in trash cans instead of the street. Teach the children to do the same. This will keep everyone's neighborhood clean, safe, and healthy. Crime Prevention Tips
Be the eyes and ears for your neighborhood and the Police Department. Please report all suspicious activity in your neighborhood by calling (877) 275-5273 (877-ASK-LAPD) or 311 for Police Communications Division. To combat vehicle thefts, try to utilize all auto theft deterrent devices (alarms, steering locks, etc.) Also, do not leave items (lap tops, CD's, keys, etc.) visible in your vehicles at any time.
Upcoming Community and Neighborhood Events
Casa Esperanza will have their community meeting on May 28, 2008, at 1730 hours, at 14705 Blythe Street.
Neighborhood Watch News
If you are interested in becoming a Block Captain, starting a Neighborhood Watch or joining your Neighborhood Watch, please call my cellular phone or Van Nuys Police Station at 818-374-1995 for further details.
Basic Car 9A35
Senior Lead Officer Saul Paredes
Cellular (Field) Telephone 818-731-2554
E-mail: 35275@lapd.lacity.org
Remember, for City Resource assistance, call "311", or log on to www.cityofla.org.My name is Officer Saul Paredes and I am the new Senior Lead Officer for Van Nuys Basic Area 9A35. The former Senior Lead Officer for this area, Ron Carter, has moved the Van Nuys Basic Car Area 9A89. I look forward to meeting the members of my community and working in partnership with you in and enhancing our Community Policing in our neighborhoods.
Crime Trends/Statistics
During this current period, our auto-related crimes are still a concern. The problem will continue until we can convince our families, neighbors and friends to please remove their valuables from their automobiles. Although there have been many outstanding arrests recently, our community really needs to join us in combating crime in the neighborhoods. Please continue to remember to remove your valuables from plain sight, lock and secure your autos and turn on alarms. If all of us would do this, we could reduce auto-related crimes by approximately twenty to thirty percent (20%-30%). It is too often that while reviewing the crime reports for the area, I notice items such as I-Pods, MP-3's, lap-top computers, jewelry, purses, wallets, CD's and cash are being removed from autos by suspects. Please be alert as you enter your parking structures and be sure the gate is closed behind you before driving forward. Also, having you park in areas that are illuminated reduces the chances of having your cars broken into. For those who live in apartment complexes or have businesses, an addition of surveillance cameras can reduce crimes and assist us in the apprehension of suspects.
All suspicious activities should be reported immediately and also shared with your Senior Lead Officer for possible follow-up. This is exactly the involvement needed to enhance Community Policing in your neighborhoods. During this period, the gang-related incidents of violence along Vanowen Street between Haskell and Woodley Avenues have been reduced. There have been significant arrests made at Vanowen Street and Woodley Avenue, thanks to some helpful support from the business owners in the area. You are urged to be aware of your surroundings wherever you travel. Crime Control in the community requires the full participation of all apartment managers, block captains and residents, to call "911" for any crime in progress. Please call "911" if you observe anyone on your property or your neighbor's property who you do not recognize from the area. If you see juveniles who appear youthful in appearance and out after 10:00 p.m., please call the non-emergency number at (818) 734-2223.
Apartment owners, managers and property management personnel are encouraged to get involved and join the Van Nuys Apartment Watch Group. We certainly appreciate the community becoming the eyes and ears for your 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, at 818-374-1997 or call your SLO directly.
Basic Car 9A37
Senior Lead Officer Trent Berry
Cellular (Field) Telephone 818-731-2556
E-mail: 27270@lapd.lacity.org
Crime Trends/Statistics
GTA (Grand Theft Auto) is still our primary concern at this time located in the northeastern part of the division. Most of the incidents involving GTAs are taking place along Van Nuys Boulevard between Arminta Street and Roscoe Boulevard. The majority of these vehicles are being stolen during the late night hours while most people are sleeping and unaware. Please be mindful of this and properly secure your vehicle and avoid parking in isolated spots. Finally, please continue to be mindful of not leaving valuables in plain sight within your vehicle. This will help to reduce the incidents of burglary theft from motor 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 (steering wheel locks, alarms, etc.) to lower your chances of being victimized.
Upcoming Community/ Neighborhood Watch Events Please come out and support the Panorama City Neighborhood Council meeting, which will take place on May 22nd, 2008, at approximately 6:30 p.m. The meeting will take place at Mission Community Hospital in Panorama City.
Neighborhood Watch News
If you are interested in becoming a Block Captain and starting a Neighborhood Watch Program in your neighborhood, please call the station at 818-374-1995 for further details.
Basic Car 9A45
Senior Lead Officer Jose Verdin
Cellular (Field) Telephone 818-731-2567
E-mail: 36718@lapd.lacity.org
If you would like to be a block captain in your neighborhood please call the Community Relations Office at 818-374-1995, or call me on my cellular telephone at 818-731-2557.
E-Policing
The LAPD 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.
Crime Trends /Statistics
Grand Theft Autos are slowly coming back in the area of Vanowen Street and Kester Avenue area. Numerous vehicles have been broken into as well in the same locations. Please take your time to lock and secure your vehicles and please remove any valuables from plain sight. Older Toyota Camrys and Hondas are favorite targets.
We are quickly approaching the summer; normally prostitution picks up during this time. Please report any sightings of prostitution related activities to Van Nuys Area Vice at 818-756-8385 or me on my City cell phone 818-731-2557.
Please report any suspicious activity or person by calling the Los Angeles Police Department's at the Non-Emergency phone, at (877) ASK LAPD and for crimes in progress, dial "911." Together we can make your neighborhoods safe.
Upcoming Community/Neighborhood events
Kester Ridge Neighborhood Watch Meeting will be on April 17, 2008, at 6700 Columbus Avenue, at 7:00 p.m.
I strongly suggest that if you are not yet a member or part of a Neighborhood Watch Group, to join one. 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 818-731-2557.
Van Nuys/North Valley Glen Basic Car Area 9A49
Senior Lead Officer Fox
Cellular (Field) Telephone 818-731-2558
E-mail Address: 36718@lapd.lacity.org
Crime Trends /Statistics
Burglary / theft from motor vehicles are a big problem in the Van Nuys Area. It is important that you take out any valuable property inside your vehicle each day and night. Always remember to lock your vehicle and make sure that your windows are rolled up. Thieves are looking for the easy steal and if you have your cell phone, GPS, or MP3 player exposed, it is a calling card for that thief walking by. This is a constant problem and we need your help in combating this problem.
Graffiti is also another issue we are having. If you see someone suspicious standing in the alley behind your residence or observe someone spray painting on the wall, immediately report it at 1-877-ASK-LAPD.
Crime Prevention Tips
If you leave it exposed you are at risk for losing it. Always remove valuable property when you exit your vehicle. Always make sure that you lock and secure your residence each time you leave the house. Be aware of your surroundings and be alert for suspicious people in your neighborhood.
Upcoming Community and Neighborhood Events
LAPD is always hiring full time and reserve officers. Log on to www.joinlapd.com Testing is conducted on a weekly basis.
The Los Angeles Fire Department C.E.R.T. Program is an excellent program open to the public. The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program is all-risk, all-hazard training. This valuable course is designed to help you protect yourself, your family, your neighbors and your neighborhood in an emergency situation. Log onto www.cert-la.com for more information.
If you would like to become a Block Captain in your neighborhood, please call the Community Relations Office at 818-374-1995, or call me on my cellular telephone at 818-731-2558. If you would like a Neighborhood or Business Watch Meeting, please notify me at the above numbers.
The non-emergency line is 1-877-ASK LAPD. For information on Department services, dial 311. For any other problems are in the area, please call me.
Basic Car 9A59
Senior Lead Officer Anthony Cabunoc
Cellular (Field) Telephone 818-731-2560
E-mail address: 25170@lapd.lacity.org
Crime Trends /Statistics
GRAND THEFT AUTOS: The neighborhood south of Victory Boulevard and west of Van Nuys Boulevard has been plagued with auto thefts. The vehicles have been late 1990's Hondas and Toyotas. It appears the vehicles are taken for the purpose of local transportation and not for parts. Many of these vehicles have been recovered from the very neighborhood they were taken from, sometimes within 24 hours of the theft. In the past, we have found that juveniles are often the suspects. The vehicles were used for joy riding or perhaps committing crimes. The vehicles would then be returned locally possibly within walking distance of school or home. Shaved keys, punched ignitions and scissors are often the method used to start these vehicles. We are asking for the public's help in leading officers to the suspects. We only need a lead and you may remain anonymous.
As reported last month, we are seeing a climb in residential burglaries in the neighborhoods south of Oxnard Street to Burbank Boulevard, bordered by Kester Avenue and Sepulveda Boulevard. Suspects have been targeting single family homes for cash, jewelry and electronic goods. We have no solid leads or suspect descriptions. The incidents have been reported as daytime burglaries, usually Monday through Friday. Burglary suspects often walk freely through these neighborhoods knocking on doors and seeking the opportunity to enter the rear yards of these homes. We are asking the community to report suspicious activity and perhaps step out and take note of suspect descriptions and vehicles. Transients collecting from trash bins on bicycles, and juveniles, should be considered prime suspects. Backpacks are often carried to conceal tools and stolen property. Also, note door to door solicitors who case the area for how many residents are home at the time prior to committing a burglary. Do your part and get to know your neighbors. Schedule a Neighborhood Watch meeting with your Senior Lead Officer. If you are a witness to a crime, call police immediately and write down license plates, descriptions, and note if and where any evidence may have been discarded.
Crime Prevention Tips
For further crime prevention tips, click to the main page.
Upcoming Community and Neighborhood Events
Neighborhood Watch News
Become a member of the "Civic Center West Neighborhood Group." We meet once a month at the "Children's Community School" located at 14702 Sylvan Street, Van Nuys. For more information about this meeting or if you are interested in starting a Neighborhood Watch in your neighborhood, please contact Senior Lead Officer Cabunoc at 818-731- 2560.
Basic Car 9A65
Senior Lead Officer Lucas Hamilton
Cellular (Field) Telephone 818-731-2560
E-mail: 35852@lapd.lacity.org
Crime Trends/ Statistics
Both home and vehicle burglaries are on the rise. Please follow the simple rules that will help you keep from being a victim. I offer a Home Safety brief that can help. Contact me by E-mail or phone to set up a date.
Crime Prevention Tips
- Be aware and pay attention to who is in your neighborhood or on your street.
- Park your car in secure locations. If you are unable to park in a secure location, lock your vehicle and remove anything of value when you are not in the car.
- Park as close to a street light as you can.
- Immediately report any suspicious activity, people or vehicles to the police.
- Communicate with your neighbors, Block Captains, and your Senior Lead Officer.
- Get involved with your Neighborhood Watch.
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 cleans shows the criminals that we have pride in our community and we will not tolerate their activities.
Upcoming Community and Neighborhood Events
Neighborhood Watch News We started three new Neighborhood Watch groups since the last newsletter. Thank you to everybody who got involved. We still have several areas that need groups. 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.
Basic Car 9A79
Senior Lead Officer Justin Bergmann
Cellular (Field) Telephone 818-731-2563
E-mail: 32052@lapd.lacity.org
Crime Trends / Statistics
No major crimes to report during this period in North Sherman Oaks. The crimes affecting our area continue to be primarily property crimes, including burglaries, grand theft autos, and burglary from motor vehicles. The area around Sherman Oaks Park and Westfield Fashion Square Mall continue to be the primary problem areas for property crimes, especially burglary from motor vehicles.
We have seen a noticeable increase in prostitution activity along Sepulveda Boulevard near the L.A. Wash Basin. Vice is aware of the problem and working on it as this is written.
The transient related problems in the Sherman Oaks Area continue but progress is being made. 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. Also, 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 at 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 and 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 7;00 p.m., on the last Thursday of the month. Please come and join us or call 818-374-1995, 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.
Sherman Oaks District 9A83
Senior Lead Officer George C. Aguilar
Cellular (Field) Telephone 818-731-2565
Email: 22632@lapd.lacity.org
Crime Trends/Statistics A new crime is the theft of parts from Rooftop Air Conditioners. This has been occurring all over the San Fernando Valley. We recently had this crime occur in the 14500 block of Ventura Boulevard. Criminals are stealing parts and selling them to recyclers. We have seen an increase in BFMV's in the hills south of Valley Vista Boulevard, "The Hills." They are targeting vehicles that contain property left in clear view such as lap top computers. I am again very concerned about "Garage" burglaries. This is when people leave their Garage doors open after parking their vehicles. I recently was driving around in "The Hills" and observed numerous garage doors open with no one around. Please close those garage doors.
Crime Prevention Tips
Please, when you are out, look up at the rooftops, if you see something up there, please call the police. For the BFMV, remember to set your alarms even if you are just leaving your vehicle for a few minutes. Please do not leave valuables visible in your vehicle when you park it. If you live in "The Hills" area, try to check on your vehicle every once in a while and make it obvious that you are checking on your vehicle. A thief may think twice about taking your vehicle if they think it is being watched.
Upcoming Community/Neighborhood events
You are invited to the monthly Sherman Oaks Community Neighborhood Watch Leaders' Meeting. Come and meet the Officers that patrol your community. This meeting is for everyone who lives or works in Sherman Oaks. We have guest speakers along with crime prevention information. Please come and join us and meet the Neighborhood Watch Community on Thursday, May 29, 2008, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., at 14130 Riverside Drive, Sherman Oaks (at the Sunkist Building.)
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 the above meeting. My office number is 818-374-9406, and my City cell phone number is 818-731-2565.
Basic Car 9A89
Senior Lead Officer Ron Carter
Cellular (Field) Telephone 818-731-2566
E-mail: 23838@lapd.lacity.org
Crime Trends/Statistics
During this current period, our auto-related crimes are still a concern. Until we can convince our family, neighbors, and friends to please remove their valuables from their automobiles these opportunistic crimes may continue. Although there have been noteworthy arrests recently, our community really needs to join us in combating crime in the neighborhoods. Please continue to remember to remove your valuables from plain sight and lock and secure your autos, turning on alarms as you do so. If all of us would do this, we could reduce auto-related crimes by approximately twenty to thirty percent (20%-30%). In reviewing the crime reports for our area, I continue to find that items such as I-Pods, MP-3's, lap-top computers, jewelry, purses, wallets, CD's and cash continue to be removed from autos by suspects. Please be alert as you enter your parking structures and be sure the gate is closed behind you before driving forward. All suspicious activities should be reported immediately and also shared with your Senior Lead Officer for possible follow-up. This is exactly the involvement needed to enhance Community Policing in your neighborhoods.
During this period, the quality of life problems have been brought to the attention of your new Senior Lead Officer. As I mentioned in our last Newsletter, Senior Lead Officer Nate Banry has promoted to Sergeant of Police and is now assigned to West Valley Division. The residents and businesses in the area will miss Officer Banry. Your new Senior Lead Officer has some pretty big shoes to fill and has already begun working on several projects in Sherman Oaks. Complaints involving the homeless encampments along Ventura and the recent burglaries from motor vehicles near Greenbush Avenue and Kling Street, are top priorities at the moment. There has been a significant arrest made by our Van Nuys Property Crimes Detail, involving finding stolen items on E-Bay and tracking computer information back to several victims of residential burglaries during the past year. Congratulations to these hard-working and creative Officers. It is expected that this will have an impact on some of the crime issues. Thanks to some helpful support from the residents in the area, information has been received, regarding a possible sober-living facility and juvenile narcotics activities nearby to recent auto-related crimes. On April 7, 2008, your Senior Lead Officers utilized twenty-four (24) L.A.P.D. Recruit Officers to distribute "Leave It, Lose It" fliers and posters along Ventura Boulevard, at Sherman Oaks strip-malls and parks. You are urged to be aware of your surroundings wherever you travel. Crime control in the community requires the full participation of all apartment managers, block captains and residents to call "911" for any crime in progress and to report all suspicious activities to their Senior Lead Officer.
Please call "911" if you observe anyone on your property or your neighbor's property whom you do not recognize from the area. If you see juveniles who appear youthful in appearance and out after 10:00 p.m., please call the non-emergency number at (818) 374-2223. We would also encourage your calls if youthful juveniles are seen wandering away from school during regular school hours.
Apartment owners, managers and property management personnel are encouraged to get involved and join the Apartment Watch Group. This Senior Lead Officer certainly appreciates the community becoming the eyes and ears for your 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 at 818-374-1997, or call your Senior Lead Officer directly. This will have an impact on some of the crime issues.
van nuys community police station 
