Violent Paroled Rapist Cuts Off GPS and Runs

Picture of Joseph Serapiglia.  Please keep your eyes open and report it to the police is you see him.

 

Violent Paroled Rapist Cuts Off GPS and Runs

San Fernando Valley:  Joseph Serapiglia, who is a violent registered sex offender, absconded from authorities and police would like to warn residents in the community of this dangerous parolee.

On December 19, 2014, Serapiglia was last seen near the intersection of Sepulveda Boulevard and Roscoe Boulevard in the city of Panorama City.  He cut off his court ordered GPS monitor device and escaped to an unknown location.  According to Los Angeles Police Department’s Registration Enforcement and Compliance Team (REACT) detectives, Serapiglia is a dangerous felon who has exhibited a violent nature and is a threat to the communities of Southern California. 

On July 30, 1991, Serapiglia was sentenced to 42 years in prison for attempted murder and rape.  On April 16, 2014, after serving 23 years of his sentence, he was released to live in the community of San Fernando, California.  Eight months later, Serapiglia is now a parolee at large and the police are asking for the public’s assistance in his capture.

Serapiglia is described as a 43-year-old Hispanic male with brown hair, brown eyes and a bushy mustache.  He stands 5 feet and 11 inches tall and weighs approximately 175 pounds.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact REACT Detective McPartland at (951)809-1647 or Officer Sanchez at (818) 669-5511.  During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (1-877-527-3247).   Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (1-800-222-8477).  Tipsters may also contact Crime Stoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone.  All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.

Make sure your home is secure over Christmas and the New Year

The weeks leading up to Christmas are the biggest shopping weeks of the year and for many retailers often accounts for 70% of their annual revenue. Stocking our homes with the latest electronic gadgets, computers, jewellery and must-have accessories is commonplace; unfortunately it provides criminals with the perfect incentive to commit burglaries.

1. Deterring would-be criminals is one of the most effective forms of crime prevention;

Invest in a motion sensor floodlight or even some outdoor Christmas lights to highlight your home's exterior. This makes approaching your home too conspicuous for burglars. Also, highlighting the fact your possessions are security marked and registered on Immobilise using window decals provide a further warning that your goods are traceable and not worth the risk of stealing!

2. Festive lighting - be secure;

A common mistake of many festive decorators is to feed extension cables through partially open windows, criminals know to look for this vulnerability. When it comes to outdoor lighting, opt for solar or battery operated lights or install outdoor electrical outlets.

3. Dispose of gift packaging carefully;

Refuse collections over the Christmas and New Year period are normally at different times. If you can't take packaging to a recycling point, make sure you only put your rubbish out just before the collection and do your best to break apart boxes so that they do not advertise your new contents of your home to thieves!

4. Be careful not to advertise your home to burglars on social media!;

According to one recent study, social media is a commonly used tool for scouting potential targets. Social media savvy families have a tendency to publish their whereabouts during the holiday season, including any vacation plans. This lets burglars know when your house is going to be empty. Uploaded photos of pricey Christmas gifts can also be a problem as it basically allows burglars to go shopping just by viewing your Facebook profile.

5. Check doors and windows for weak spots;

Government statistics show that 30% of burglaries happen through windows. Installing a few dead-bolts and new window hinges could increase the security of your home exponentially.

6. Keep your curtains, drapes and window blinds closed at night;

Make sure valuable items are out of sight. When going out for the evening make use of inexpensive timers to give the illusion of occupancy.

7. Away over Christmas - plan ahead!;

If you're going away at Christmas be sure to cancel any newspaper or milk subscriptions. Arrange for a neighbour to park on the driveway to help create the impression someone is home. Do not leave descriptive telephone answering machine messages and again make use of light timers.

8. Secure garages and sheds;

Make sure that garden tools or ladders that could be used to force entry into your home are not left lying around or accessible from an unlocked garden shed. Garages are often targets for burglars looking for tools, bikes and gardening equipment - make sure the garage is secure and your possessions are secured too in the case of bikes and tools. Naturally make sure anything portable / valuable is recorded on immobilise.

9. Don't hide keys and use alarms if you have them;

Burglars know to look for hidden door keys so don't hide spare keys under rocks, in flowerpots, or above door ledges. Instead give the spare key to family or trusted neighbour. Many houses these days have alarms, many though are rarely set, make sure yours is on and protecting your home.

10. Lastly don't forget to register your gifts on Immobilise!;

Most consumer electrical goods have a unique identification code such as a serial number or for mobile phones an IMEI number - the IMEI number can be found quickly and easily by pressing the following keys on your mobile handset: * # 06 #. If your gift doesn't have a unique identifier there are several affordable marking kits available from the Immobilise store allowing the police to easily identify the owners of items they recover and so detect crime.

Hopefully your property will not be targeted by burglars and the advice provided helps to keep your home safe. From everyone at Immobilise have a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year!

Beware: The Shoulder Surfer! Guard your PIN

Do you know this shoulder surfer?

Panorama City.  Detectives have released a photograph of a man who is suspected of accessing a Bank of America customer’s ATM account after the patron walked away from the machine, and police are warning the public to protect your ATM PIN.

 

“It’s called ‘shoulder surfing,’ and it happens more oftenthan you think,” said Lt. Paul Vernon, commanding officer of the Mission Detective Division.  “It’s a way for a crook to get into your ATM account without your ATM card.”

 

Pictures from the ATM camera show a second man in line hovering over a bank patron’s shoulder as the patron inserts his card and enters his PIN.  When the patron walks away with the ATM transaction still active, the suspect quickly steps up, and makes another transaction, withdrawing $500.

 

The bank patron suspected the man’s rush to the ATM was odd, so the patron checked his account and noted the withdrawal.  “The suspect got suspicious at that point and asked the man why he got in line again,” Lt. Vernon added.

 

Police warn that all users of ATMs, which is just about everyone, should protect their PIN by covering the PIN entry with their second hand.  “Shoulder surfing can happen any place where debit keypads are used to enter PINs, like at convenience stores,” Lt. Vernon explained.  “I’ve seen situations where disreputable employees have installed cameras over keypads to capture PIN keystrokes at transactions.”

 

The shoulder surfer in this case chose his victim at the Bank of American at 8324 Van Nuys Boulevard, on September 1.  The suspect was Black, in his 30s, 5’11 tall, with a medium build.  Anyone who knows him personally should easily recognize him from the photo.

 

Anyone with information on this crime is urged to call Det. Janette McChesney, Mission Burglary detectives, at (818) 838-9977. 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.

 

Det. McChesney is available for interviews with media.

LASD DON’T LET YOUR MEDICATIONS GO DOWN THE DRAIN

LASD - DON’T LET YOUR MEDICATIONS GO DOWN THE DRAIN, National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day 2014

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department will participate in the ninth and final Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day on Saturday, September 27, 2014, between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM.  The Sheriff’s Department encourages members of the community to take their expired, unneeded, or unwanted prescription drugs to any Safe Drug Drop-Off box located outside Los Angeles County Sheriff’s patrol stations. This is an opportunity for residents to dispose of their medications safely without harming the environment or falling into the wrong hands.  Only pills can be brought to the collection sites this Saturday.

In September of 2009 the new “Safe Drug Drop-Off” Program was first introduced at Lomita Sheriff’s Station.  This program was developed to provide a unique opportunity for residents to safely and anonymously drop-off expired or unused prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, syringes (sharps), and any other controlled substances.  Five years later the program continues to be successful and has expanded. Now there are 21 Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Stations participating in the “Safe Drug Drop-Off” Program. 

The drug disposal drop boxes are available 24-hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year in front of the following stations:

1. Altadena Station: http://www.Altadena.lasd.org

2. Carson Station: http://www.Carson.lasd.org

3. Century Station: http://www.Century.lasd.org

4. Compton Station: http://www.Compton.lasd.org

5. Crescenta Valley Station: http://www.CrescentaValley.lasd.org

6. East Los Angeles Station: http://www.EastLA.lasd.org

7. Industry Station: http://www.Industry.lasd.org

8. Lakewood Station: http://www.Lakewood.lasd.org

9. Lancaster Station: http://www.Lancaster.lasd.org

10. Lomita Station: http://www.Lomita.lasd.org

11. Malibu / Lost Hills Station: http://www.LostHills.lasd.org

12. Marina Del Rey Station: http://www.MarinaDelRey.lasd.org   

13. Norwalk Station: http://www.Norwalk.lasd.org

14. Palmdale Station: http://www.Palmdale.lasd.org

15. Pico Rivera Station: http://www.PicoRivera.lasd.org   

16. San Dimas Station: http://www.SanDimas.lasd.org

17. Santa Clarita Valley Station: http://www.SantaClarita.lasd.org

18. South Los Angeles  http://www.SouthLA.lasd.org

19. Temple Station: http://www.Temple.lasd.org

20. Walnut / Diamond Bar Station: http://www.Walnut.lasd.org

21. West Hollywood Station: http://www.WestHollywood.lasd.org

To view the DEA's new disposal regulations, click on the link below:

http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/index.html

Written by:

Diane Hecht, Sergeant

Sheriff's Headquarters Bureau - Newsroom

Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department

323-267-4800

Email: SHBNewsroom@lasd.org

Website: http://www.lasd.org

Follow us at: Text and Emails, LASD HQ: http://www.Nixle.com

Car Break-ins on the Rise.

Cesar our SLO, stopped by Debbie's to let her know that we are having a lot of car break-ins in OUR neighborhood.  

Please remember to Lock your Vehicle and take your ipod's, phones and other expensive items inside with you.  Don't leave your phone charger plugged in and in view...a thief might think your device is still in your car.   

PLEASE REPORT ALL BREAK-INS TO THE POLICE. WE DON'T GET PATROL IF CRIMES AREN'T BEING REPORTED.

FREE SEMINAR. The Truth About Domestic Violence, Sep 16. in North Hills

LAPD’s Mission Police Station and the Mission Area Clergy Council are sponsoring a 90-minute long seminar on domestic violence called, The Truth about Domestic Violence.

Where:  Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church
               15444 Nordhoff St
               North Hills, CA 91343

When:  Sep 16, 6:30 pm

Domestic abuse strikes all strata of society: millionaire athletes, doctors, lawyers, to the youngest teen couple.  While one might think of domestic abuse as physical, and it often is, it always has a component of emotional abuse.

Through emotional abuse, the abusive partner weakens the victim, who comes to question everything the victim knows and feels.

Attend the seminar and learn the signs of domestic abuse, and where to find help.

Three Feet for Safety Act

NEW BICYCLE LAW REQUIRES MOTORISTS TO GIVE THREE FEET FOR SAFETY 

According to the new law, a driver must allow three feet of distance when overtaking or passing a bicyclist. If three feet is not available, a driver must then slow to a safe speed and pass when no danger is present

"As important as it is for vehicles to be mindful of our bicyclists, those who ride must exercise safe practices and ride smart," added Commissioner Farrow. "With both drivers and bicyclists doing their part, we can help reduce the number of tragedies involving bicyclists."

As a new school year begins, motorists should expect to see more children riding to and from school on their bicycles.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - With children heading back to school, motorists should expect to see more children riding to and from school on their bicycles. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) would like to remind the public that on September 16, 2014, a new law affecting motorists and bicyclists takes effect. According to the law, a driver must allow three feet of distance when overtaking or passing a bicyclist. If three feet is not available, a driver must then slow to a safe speed and pass when no danger is present.

"Motorists are reminded to pay close attention as the school year approaches and exercise caution when they see bicyclists on the road," said CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow. "Be sure to move over or slow down to pass when you see a bicyclist on the road and help keep our roadways a safer place."

According to data from the Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System, in 2012, there were 153 bicyclists killed in California, which reflects a 7 percent increase from 2011. Those deaths accounted for 5 percent of the total collision fatalities in California. "As important as it is for vehicles to be mindful of our bicyclists, those who ride must exercise safe practices and ride smart," added Commissioner Farrow. "With both drivers and bicyclists doing their part, we can help reduce the number of tragedies involving bicyclists."

The danger surrounding motor vehicle traffic is just one aspect of a child's safe passage to and from school. According to Safekids.org, more children ages 5 to 14 are seen in emergency rooms for injuries related to bicycling than any other sport. Bicycle helmets, which are required by law for children under 18 years of age in California, can reduce the risk of severe brain injuries by 88 percent - yet only 45 percent of children 14 and under usually wear them.

The CHP joins with Safekids.org in offering the following traffic safety tips for bicyclists:

· "Use your head, wear a helmet." It is the single most effective safety device available to reduce head injuries and deaths from bicycle crashes.

· Tell your children to ride on the right side of the road with traffic, not against it. Stay as far to the right as possible.

· Use appropriate hand signals and obey traffic signals, stopping at all stop signs and stoplights.

· Teach your children to make eye contact with drivers. Bicyclists should make sure drivers are paying attention and are going to stop before they cross the street.

· When riding at dusk, dawn, or in the evening, be bright and use lights - and make sure your bike has reflectors as well. It is also smart to wear clothes and accessories that have retro-reflective materials to improve bicyclist visibility to motorists.

· Actively supervise children until you are comfortable that they are responsible to ride on their own.

The mission of the California Highway Patrol is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security to the people of California.

Contact Information:
Officer Edgar Figueroa
California Highway Patrol, Southern Division
818-240-8200
efigueroa@chp.ca.gov