Neighborhood Watch Meeting

Our next Neighborhood Watch Meeting will be on Thursday January 10th, 2013 at 7PM.  The mmeting will be held at Debbie's house as always.

We look forward to seeing you all there!

Wishing everyone a Very Happy New Year!

Don't be a Victim

"Don't be a Victim." Toyota Priuses are being targeted for Auto Burglaries.

Please don't let your holidays be spoiled by Auto Burglars. If you own a Toyota Prius you may be a target. Your sideview mirrors, air bags, and headlights are highly prized by thieves.

Whenever you can, avoid street parking and parking lots unless they are well lit and have security cameras. A secure garage is the the best place for your car. We are still seeing unlocked vehicles which are an open invitation to thieves. So please remember to Lock It - Hide It - Keep It.

Holiday Tips

The following Holiday Safety Tips were compiled, in cooperation with the LAPD Crime Prevention Section, to contribute to the safety and security of people during the holiday season. The holiday season is always a special time of year. It is also a time when busy people become careless and vulnerable to theft and other holiday crime.
 
We can never be too careful, too prepared or too aware. Please share this information with family, friends and neighbors. The Los Angeles Police Department wishes you a safe, happy and peaceful holiday season.

• If you must use an ATM, choose one that is located inside a police station, mall, or well-lighted location. 
• Withdraw only the amount of cash you need.
• Protect your PIN by shielding the ATM keypad from anyone who is standing near you. Do not throw your ATM receipt away at the ATM location. 
• Shop during daylight hours whenever possible. If you must shop at night, go with a friend or family member.
• Dress casually and comfortably. 
• Avoid wearing expensive jewelry.
• Do not carry a purse or wallet, if possible.
• Always carry your California Driver License or Identification Card along with necessary cash, checks and/or a credit card you expect to use. 
• Even though you are rushed and thinking about a thousand things, stay alert to your surroundings.
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
• Pay for purchases with a check or credit card when possible. 
• Keep cash in your front pocket.
• Be extra careful if you do carry a wallet or purse. They are the prime targets of criminals in crowded shopping areas, transportation terminals, bus stops, on buses and other rapid transit.
• Avoid overloading yourself with packages. It is important to have clear visibility and freedom of motion to avoid mishaps.
• Beware of strangers approaching you for any reason. At this time of year, "con-artists" may try various methods of distracting you with the intention of taking your money or belongings.
• If possible, leave small children at home with a trusted babysitter. 
• Teach your child to go to a store clerk and ask for help in case your child is separated from you. 
• Teach children to stay close to you at all times while shopping.
• Never allow children to make unaccompanied trips to the restroom.
• Children should never be allowed to go to the car alone and they should never be left alone in the car.
• Teach children their full name, address and telephone number to give to police officers or mall security. Teach children to immediately inform you if a stranger is bothering them.
• Be extra cautious about locking doors and windows when you leave the house, even for a few minutes.
• When leaving home for an extended time, have a neighbor or family member watch your house and pick up your newspapers and mail.
• Indoor and outdoor lights should be on an automatic timer.
• Leave a radio or television on so the house looks and sounds occupied.
• Large displays of holiday gifts should not be visible through the windows and doors of your home.
• If you use lights on your Christmas tree ensure the wiring is not damaged or frayed. Frayed or damaged wiring can cause a fire.
• Place your Christmas tree in water or wet sand to keep it green.
 
For more tips go to http://lapdonline.org/crime_prevention/content_basic_view/1376

Changes

We had personnel changes in our Command Staff at Mission Area a few months ago. Captain John Romero was reassigned from Mission Area to the Commanding Officer of our Real Time Analysis and Critical Response Division. I would like to personally thank Captain Romero for the dedication and leadership he has displayed while serving as the Patrol Commanding Officer at Mission Area. I would like to welcome Captain Maureen Ryan to our team at Mission as the new Mission Area Patrol Commanding Officer. Captain Ryan brings a wealth of experience, knowledge, enthusiasm and energy to Mission Area and I am very excited to partner with her to make our community safer.

On October 10, 2012, community members hosted Officer Appreciation Day here at Mission Division. This was your opportunity to say thank you to the hard working officers at Mission. I can honestly say we were all deeply touched and moved by the amazing show of support from all of you. Officers have personally shared with me how wonderful it was to hear and see people who care about them and their service to the community. Thank you for putting on such a wonderful event for all of us who work in Mission Division. One of the major topics of concern raised by community members are issues related to loud parties that disturb the quality of life for many residents that live in Mission Area. This summer, we spent considerable resources towards monitoring loud parties due to the fact that we experience several hundred radio call related to loud parties each summer. Loud parties many times are also the focal point for violence. In a continuous effort to tackle this problem, we have partnered with Councilmember Richard Alarcon, who has provided Mission Area with funds to assist our efforts. These funds will allow our command to deploy a team of officers to help combat this ongoing problem. We are committed to doing our best to serve the Community and will continue to do so.

Our crime reduction efforts continue to have positive results. As of October 20, 2012, Mission Area had achieved a reduction of 3% in total Part I crimes over the last two years. Total Violent crime, which includes homicide, rape, robbery and aggravated assault, is currently down 8% compared to last year’s Year-to-Date statistics. Property crime, which includes burglary, auto theft, burglary/theft from vehicle and other theft, remain steady with no increase or decrease compared to last year’s Year-to-Date statistics.

I want to hear your concerns and encourage your participation in our community policing efforts. Your questions regarding Mission Area can be directed to me at (818)838-9980 or to Mission Area Community Relations Office at (818) 838-9860. You may also e-mail me at: 

24642 @ LAPD.LACity.org

TODD C. CHAMBERLAIN, Captain
Commanding Officer

Free Spay/Neuter

Greetings!

FixNation is excited to announce that part of Best Friends NKLA (No Kill LA) Initiative we are fixing pet cats from Van Nuys, North Hollywood and Panorama City for FREE!

 

To be eligible for this program, the owners’ must live in one of the designated areas (91405 / 91605 / 91402 zip codes) and have an annual household income of less than $40,000.00.  If you qualify and would like to make an appointment, it’s simple!  Just visit this link and fill out the form HERE. If you have any difficulty filling out the online form, please let me know and I will help you through the process.

Don’t have any cats that need to be fixed? Help us spread the word!! 

We need area residents and individuals familiar with these communities to pass out/drop off information about the program to neighbors and businesses. If you’d like to volunteer to do this please let me know and I can arrange to mail you outreach materials or have a package ready for pick up at the clinic in Sun Valley if you prefer.  There is a strong need for bilingual Spanish/English speaking volunteers in these areas. Would you rather join a team?  We’ll also be scheduling group outreach efforts.  Please complete the Volunteer Application HERE and I will email you with details as events are scheduled. 

A little bit about the NKLA initiative – Last year, over 56,000 dogs and cats entered Los Angeles City shelters. More than 17,000 adoptable, healthy or treatable shelter pets were killed.  The solution is fewer animals into shelters via spay/neuter access and more out via adoption and fostering efforts. The reason why we are concentrating on these zip codes is because the highest percentage of the animals received at the valley area shelters come from these areas and neighborhoods. 

Together we can help make L.A. No Kill, one kitty at a time.

FixNation, Inc.
7680 Clybourn Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 91352
T 818.524.2287
F 818.767.7791

MIssion Station Party Car

Funds Allotted to Run Party Car in Northeast San Fernando Valley NR12488bb

Los Angeles:  The Los Angeles Police Department joined City Councilmember Richard Alarcon, 7th District, at a news conference this morning, to announce funding for a dedicated police party patrol car, which will resume operation next weekend and every weekend until the end of the year.

“I want to thank Councilman Alarcon personally and on behalf of the public in the northeast valley for fighting for these funds,” said Captain Todd Chamberlain, commanding officer of the LAPD Mission Community Police Station.  “This patrol car will bring a little more solace to the neighborhoods and no doubt reduce some major crimes.”

“The “Party Car” might sound like a bit of a misnomer,” said Captain Todd Chamberlain.  “It’s no party for the officers assigned as they patrol through neighborhoods where loud, raucous parties often hold neighborhoods hostage.”

The Party Car was instituted earlier this year as a way to free up regular patrol cars for other, more pressing cases.  “We’re not talking about kids’ birthday parties or baptisms,” Captain Chamberlain explained.  “These are adult parties with heavy drinking, loud music, and often sponsored and attended by gang members.”

Nearly 5,000 party disturbance calls after 10 p.m. were logged with 9-1-1 last year for the northeast valley.  This year through August when the Party Car was last run, officers had responded to nearly 2,100 parties.  Among those, one rape, two robberies and over a dozen aggravated assaults had occurred.

“That may not seem like many crimes, but what we can’t show you was how many more crimes were prevented due to the early intervention of the dedicated Party Car,” Captain Chamberlain stressed.  “We have no doubt that without the Party Car’s early intervention, many more crimes would occur.”

On October 14, 2012, three men were stabbed, one nearly to death, in two incidents at a party on Dronfield Avenue in Sylmar.  Early intervention from officers assigned to the Party Car can prevent these all-too-common assaults.

Anyone with information on crimes can report information anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477), or by texting 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Online tips may be placed at www.LAPDOnline.org, click on “webtips” and follow the prompts.

To Catch a Thief

Advisory: TO CATCH A THIEF ~ help dets ID man suspected in stealing shoes from Marshalls in SFV #LAPD

 

Panorama City. Detectives have released photos of a man suspected in shoplifting athletic shoes from the Marshalls store in Panorama City.

One theft occurred on the evening of October 13, 2012 when store security captured the nearly 6-foot tall Hispanic man placing shoes under his large, untucked shirt.

"These are misdemeanor crimes so we have to identify the man first, then get an arrest warrant before he can be arrested," explained Lt. Paul Vernon, commanding officer of the Mission Detective Division. "But misdemeanor or not, these are serious crimes because they lead to higher prices for customers and in some cases, high theft occurrences lead to stores closing or moving from neighborhoods."

Typically, simple thefts account for one-quarter of all Part I (major crimes) in the Mission Area, which includes Panorama City. A large percentage of the thefts occur at stores concentrated in Panorama City. Of the 3900 Part I crimes reported in the Mission Area, nearly 900 involved simple thefts, and many of those from shoplifting.

The wanted man is Hispanic, between 30 and 35 years old, and weighs about 210 pounds.

"I would suspect he lives in the neighborhood," Lt. Vernon added. "If he's ripping off one store, he's probably stealing from others too."

Anyone with information on this crime is urged to call Detective Randy Elzinga, Mission Burglary Unit, at (818) 838-9882. Anonymous tips can be called into Crimestoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477), or by texting 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Online tips may be placed at www.LAPDOnline.org, click on “webtips” and follow the prompts.

DON'T BE A VICTIM

Community: DON'T BE A VICTIM Ways to reduce property crime and keep your belongings #LAPD

 

Typically, property crime rises dramatically during the holiday shopping season, so now's the time to start practicing better habits to protect yourself from theft, car burglary, and residential burglary.

1) Remove all belongings from the passenger compartment of your car BEFORE you park. Placing things in the trunk while in the parking lot just tells the crook where to find them.

2) Don't text and walk in the street, on sidewalks, or in malls. Same goes for listening to music with earbuds in both ears. Being distracted makes you a vulnerable target.

3) Shop with a partner, especially if you are a woman. You are less susceptible to thefts, cons, and robberies.

4) Carry purses on shoulders and zipped. Men, place wallets in front pockets. Pickpocketing rises during holiday shopping.

5) Be cautious when retrieving money at ATMs. Have a partner looking behind you or away from ATM. Don't flash money when it's dispensed. Put it away!

6) Don't be lured or suckered into street gambling games like 3-card monty. They are one: illegal, and worse: you will be ripped off. You cannot win! And the intent in most games is to get victims flashing money in their hands so shills (usually gang members) can steal the money before you even play the game.

7) Lock your car and your house...always!!!

8) Keep gifts, wrapped or not, out of sight of the public or passersby.

9) All types of electronic devices are the most sought-after loot by crooks. LIKE IT; HIDE IT; KEEP IT!

Advisory: Putting Cops on the Dots --- Look Who’s Stealing Cars

Advisory: Putting Cops on the Dots --- Look Who’s Stealing Cars #LAPD

 

Putting Cops on the Dots --- Look Who’s Stealing Cars

Pin maps are an age-old way police keep track of crimes and identify patterns. Putting cops on those dots on the map often results in drops in crime.

Such has been the case in the Mission Area, which has seen a spike in stolen cars. “We’ve seen a drop of about 5 stolen cars per week over the last month, compared to August,” said Lt. Paul Vernon, commanding officer of the Mission Detective Division. “But the number of stolen cars is still high compared to the same time last year.”

For the same four weeks last year, the Mission Area had 50 cars stolen over 4 weeks, compared to this year’s 83.

Patrol officers have been focused on stolen cars (GTA), following a profile that’s developed lately:

* 33% of GTAs are taken between midnight and 6 AM.
* 88% of GTAs are taken from the street or parking lots
* Nearly 50% of GTAs are Hondas and Toyotas
* 83% of GTAs taken are for models over 10 years old
* Majority of cars are recovered within a couple days, not stripped

Over the last 3 days, LAPD patrol officers assigned to the Mission Area have arrested 7 men, all gang members, among three stolen cars.

“Two of those cars had not even been reported stolen yet,” Lt. Vernon explained. “But the officers knew the times, places, and types of cars being stolen, so they were looking and ready to pounce if they saw a car fitting the profile.”

Not surprising to police, one of the arrestees was on probation under the state’s AB 109 realignment program, released from prison just a couple months before from a GTA conviction; and another arrestee was just released on regular parole.

“We’re seeing a gradual uptick in crime, primarily property crimes, because these are the types of criminals being released from jails,” Lt. Vernon explained. “We’ll keep putting the cops on the dots and push the crooks back through the ever faster revolving door.”

In the mean time, police recommend that owners of cars with model years before 2001 purchase steering-wheel anti-theft devices that will visibly lock their steering wheel to the brake pedal.

Prepared by
Lt. Paul Vernon

Crime is on the Rise

ALERT:  There was a home burglary on Marson yesterday Sept 20, 2012.

We need to watch out, not only for ourselves but, for our neighbors. Please report any suspicious activity going on in and around our neighborhood.

Next Meeting in January 2013

Just wanted to let everyone know that we will not be having another Neighborhood Watch meeting until January 2013.  Debbie will be out of town the beginning of November and with the Holidays and everything we have decided to postpone out next meeting until then.

We are experiencing a large number of dogs in our neighborhood running free or off their leash.  If your pet is out front of your house it needs to be on a Leash. If you see dogs running around our neighborhood, please call Department of Animal Control and report them. The number to call is (888) 452-7381.

 

California Dog Leash Laws

Each state has their own unique set of rules regarding leash laws for dogs. When it comes to California, the state has a strict liability policy which means people are liable for any injuries or damage that a dog does, whether or not the owner was negligent. Owners are not only liable if the dog attacks a human, they are also liable if the dog attacks any animal, except for another dog or cat. Knowing that the owner is always at fault, eases the litigious process and reduces the number of drawn out legal claims made against owners for dog attacks.

Dog Bite Statue

• California has a dog bite statue. This means that owners are liable if their dog bites someone, and this rule extends to private property as well. Only in the case of trespassing is the dog bite statue reconsidered, and a court will determine who is liable in those cases. The only people exempt form the dog bite statue are police, military, and other government agencies that are using an attack dog to assist with job duties.

Warning

• In California, it is illegal to leash or affix a dog to anything unless the dog has adequate food and shelter within reach. California believes that every dog should be provided with enough area to exercise and leashes prohibit this basic need. Therefore, dog owners who keep their dogs tied to parking meters, benches, or other objects can be threatened with a misdemeanor offense. However, there are certain areas where leash laws do not apply and that includes when an animal is in transit, in a vehicle, or in the physical possession of someone.

The information on this page is from materials created by the Emergency Survival Program (ESP) in 2006, and based on "The Seven Steps to Earthquake Safety" in the handbook, Putting Down Roots in Earthquake Country.

Step 1: Secure it now!
Reducing and/or eliminating hazards throughout your home, neighborhood, workplace and school can greatly reduce your risk of injury or death following the next earthquake or other disaster. Conduct a "hazard hunt" to help identify and fix things such as unsecured televisions, computers, bookcases, furniture, unstrapped water heaters, etc. Securing these items now will help to protect you tomorrow.

Step 2: Make a plan
Planning for an earthquake, terrorist attack, or other emergency is not much different from planning for a party or vacation. Make sure that your emergency plan includes evacuation and reunion plans; your out-of-state contact person's name and number; the location of your emergency supplies and other pertinent information. By planning now, you will be ready for the next emergency.

Step 3: Make disaster kits
Everyone should have disaster supplies kits stored in accessible locations at home, at work and in your vehicle. Having emergency supplies readily available can reduce the impact of an earthquake, a terrorist incident or other emergency on you and your family. Your disaster supplies kits should include food, water, flashlights, portable radios, batteries, a first aid kit, cash, extra medications, a whistle, fire extinguisher, etc.

Step 4: Is your place safe?
Most houses are not as safe as they could be. Whether you are a homeowner or a renter, there are things that you can do to improve the structural integrity of your home. Some of the things that you might consider checking include inadequate foundations, un-braced cripple walls, soft first stories, un-reinforced masonry and vulnerable pipes. Consult a contractor or engineer to help you identify your building's weaknesses and begin to fix them now.

Step 5: DROP, COVER, and HOLD ON!
Learn what to do during an earthquake, whether you're at home, at work, at school or just out and about. Taking the proper actions, such as "Drop, Cover, and Hold On", can save lives and reduce your risk of death or injury. During earthquakes, drop to the floor, take cover under a sturdy desk or table, and hold on to it firmly. Be prepared to move with it until the shaking stops.

Step 6: Check it out!
One of the first things you should do following a major disaster is to check for injuries and damages that need immediate attention. Make sure you are trained in first aid and in damage assessment techniques. You should be able to administer first aid and to identify hazards such as damaged gas, water, sewage and electrical lines. Be prepared to report damage to city or county government.

Step 7: Communicate and recover!
Following a major disaster, communication will be an important step in your recovery efforts. Turn on your portable radio for information and safety advisories. If your home is damaged, contact your insurance agent right away to begin your claims process. For most Presidentially declared disasters, resources will also be available from federal, state, and local government agencies.

The following links have several tips to prepare your family, yourself, and your home for a major earthquake.

USGS
This web site is provided by the United States Geological Survey’s (USGS) Earthquake Hazards Program as part of our effort to reduce earthquake hazard in the United States.http://earthquake.usgs.gov/prepare/?source=sitenav
http://earthquake.usgs.gov/prepare/links.php

CAL-EMA
The California Emergency Management Agency (Cal EMA) is delegated by the Governor to support and enhance all phases of emergency management which include Preparedness, Response, Recovery and Mitigation.http://www.calema.ca.gov/LandingPages/Pages/Plan-and-Prepare.aspx

LA-ESP
At the Los Angeles County Emergency Survival Program’s website, you will find a great selection of useful, lifesaving materials and publications for download to share with your family, community, friends, co-workers and children.http://www.espfocus.org/
(a direct link to publications)http://www.espfocus.org/esg.htm

AlertLA
Los Angeles County has implemented an emergency mass notification system to contact County residents and businesses via recorded phone messages, text messages and e-mail during emergencies. For more information and to register your cell phone number, Voice over IP number, and e-mail address, please click the link above.http://portal.lacounty.gov/wps/portal/alertla

SNAP LA County
The purpose of this registry is to facilitate the planning and implementation of disaster response by first-responder agencies to Specific Needs persons living in the County of Los Angeles.http://snap.lacounty.gov/

LA County Fire preparedness website.
Learn what to do BEFORE an earthquake, DURING an earthquake, and AFTER an earthquake.http://fire.lacounty.gov/safetypreparedness/safetyprepearthquake.asp
Partner to prevent or report crime by contacting your local Sheriff’s station. Or if you wish to remain Anonymous, call “LA Crime Stoppers” by dialing 800-222-TIPS (8477), texting the letters TIPLA plus your tip to CRIMES (274637), or using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org