On May 31st our Councilman, Tom LaBonge, hosted a public safety meeting at John Burroughs Middle School. He was joined by LAPD Captains Robert Arcos of the Olympic Division and Eric Davis of the Wilshire Division. Captain Davis confirms that there has been an increase in crime in our area this year. In particular there is a sophisticated group of criminals operating in areas like Hancock Park. They often work during the day, knock on doors and if no one is home break in. The LAPD put together a task force, Operation Knock-Knock, to better focus on breaking up this group and there have been some arrests.
The LAPD reminds us that the best defense against crime is to take some simple precautions: 1) Keep your car locked and valuables, including CPSs, telephones, chargers, money, documents and mail, out of sight; 2) Set your house alarm, if you have one; 3) When out of town have papers stopped, mail picked up, keep a car in the driveway and put timers on lights; 4) If anyone comes to the door make them identify themselves before opening the door; and if not opening the door, make it clear someone is at home.
To report a crime in progress or a medical emergency call 911. If you observe suspicious activity call 1-877-ASK-LAPD and notify your private security service, if you are a subscriber. If you are making a report try to be as clear as possible, and collect details, such as descriptions of cars, people, locations and activities. Use your phone’s camera to photograph license plates, cars or anything questionable. The police are compiling a list of all surveillance cameras so they can check neighboring cameras if a crime occurs. Please let our LAPD Senior Lead Officer (SLO), David Cordova; (213) 793-0650; 31646@lapd.lacity.org know if you have a surveillance camera, if you have a question, or just want to introduce yourself. Crime prevention tips are available at website: http://www.lapdonline.org . Remember: Never confront a suspicious person.
If you’re planning changes to your house read the Preservation Plan which can be found at: http://www.hancockparkhomeownersassociation.org/ or http://preservation.lacity.org/hpoz/la/hancock-park ) and contact City Planner Vinita Huang (213-978-1216 or Vinita.Huang@lacity.org). Be sure and look at our website for news – http://www.HancockPark.org . Report graffiti sightings by calling 311 or at the City’s Anti-Graffiti Request System – http://anti-graffiti.lacity.org/welcome.cfm?CFID=1007&CFTOKEN=411CDB4F-0FC3-4EE1-89DE58DCCB435538 and by calling Hollywood Beautification, 323-463-5180 Questions regarding filming – contact Filming Committee, Cami Taylor (323-692-1414-Home and 310-659-6220-Office).