December Crime Stats for Venice, Mar Vista & The Pacific Division - Captains Message

January 2012 Captains Message
According to recent data, accidents at home rank among the leading causes of injury and death in our area. There has also been an increase in the number of elderly (those over sixty) homeowners preferring to stay independent and in their own homes. For them, the risk of injury and abuse becomes far greater.
Most home accidents can be prevented with attention to detail and help from family members. The home should be a place of comfort, not a source of punishment and fear. With the New Year upon us, it is the perfect time to implement adjustments or home improvements to make life for the elderly more comfortable. The following are some suggestions from Pacific Area Detectives, that may help improve the quality of life for the elderly:
Also, be cognizant of elder abuse. This can occur in many forms such as physical violence, financial exploitation, neglect, or psychological abuse.
Greater public awareness of the elderly can help alleviate many problems. Everyone has an obligation to report suspected cases of elder abuse or unsafe living conditions to social service agencies or your local Police Department.
JON F. PETERS, Captain Commanding Officer

Pacific Community Police Station
District News
Note: The crime statistics quoted are taken from a report published weekly by the City Of Los Angeles’ Information Resources Division. These statistics are the most current available and represent the period of December 1, 2011 through December 31, 2011.
Basic Car 14A11 Venice Beach District
Senior Lead Officer Theresa Skinner - Cell Phone # (310) 622-3968
Basic Car Coordinator Sergeant Merlo - # (310) 482-6334
Crime Trends
The following are the crime statistics representing December 1, 2011 through December 31, 2011:

• Aggravated Assaults 4
• Burglary / Theft from vehicle 6
• Robbery 3
• Burglary (Residential/Business) 10
• Grand Theft Autos 3
• Sexual Crime 0
• Homicide 0
• Theft 15

• During this rating period Theft (Petty) has become a problem in the Venice Beach Marina Del Rey Peninsula areas. Overall crime was reduced in all categories except Petty Theft. Petty theft simply stated is the taking of property without owners consent. Most petty theft suspects are opportunity thieves; they remove items of value we leave lying around unprotected. Teach family members to place bikes, tools, and toys in the garage or storage areas. Lock any storage area or garage when it is unoccupied. If you observe any suspicious activities call the police right away.
ATM Safety Tip
• Select an ATM with a wide-angle transaction camera and/or continuous transaction surveillance camera. Consult the bank or location management for this information.
Reminder
• PACIFIC RESERVE MEETING Thursday, January 12, 2012 @ 7:00 p.m. Pacific Community Station 12312 Culver Blvd., Los Angeles

Basic Car 14A13 Oakwood District
Senior Lead Officer Theresa Skinner - Cell Phone # (310) 622-3970 Basic Car Coordinator Sergeant Merlo – (310) 482-6334
Crime Trends
• The following are the crime statistics representing December 1, 2011 through December 31, 2011:

• Aggravated Assaults 1
• Burglary / Theft from Vehicle 8
• Robbery 7
• Grand Theft Auto 3
• Burglaries (Residential/Business) 2
• Sexual Crime 0
• Homicide 0
• Theft 5

• During this rating period Robbery (Street Muggings) has become a problem in our area. Overall crime has increased slightly in several categories. Street muggings are robberies in which property worn or carried by the victim in public is taken through force or fear. Robbers usually rely on surprise, force and quickness that is why it pays to be cognizant of your surroundings. Travel light, leave extra cash and expensive jewelry at home, only carry what you intend to spend. Walk with someone and avoid isolated places such as dark alleys, closed schoolyards and parks. If you observe any suspicious activities contact the police right away.
Safety Tips
• ATM Safety Tips: Select an ATM that is in a well-lighted location. Whenever possible, select an ATM that is
monitored or patrolled by a security officer.
• PACIFIC HOMELESS OUTREACH MEETING Tuesday, January 10, 2012 @ 6:30 p.m. Pacific Roll Call Room 12312 Culver Blvd., Los Angeles

Basic Car 14A25 Mar Vista District
Senior Lead Officer Marci Garcia - Cell Phone # (310) 622-3973 Basic Car Coordinator Sergeant Merlo - (310) 482-6334
Crime Trends
The following are the crime statistics representing December 1, 2011 through December 31, 2011:

• Aggravated Assaults 2
• Burglary / Theft from vehicle 27
• Robbery 1
• Burglary (Residential/Business) 17
• Grand Theft Auto 8
• Homicide 0
• Sex 0
• Theft 10

During this rating period Burglary/Theft from Motor Vehicle (BFMV) has become a problem in our area (A25). We reduced residential burglary and robbery slightly but we still have work to do in reducing overall crime. Never leave items of value in plain sight inside your vehicle. Lock and secure all doors/windows whenever you leave your vehicle unattended. Attempt to park your vehicle in well-lit areas, ample lighting helps deter BFMV suspects. Stop using your vehicle glove box as a traveling safe; it is the first place BFMV suspects look after they enter your vehicle. Join your local Neighborhood Watch Program it is still the best tool against crime. If you observe any suspicious or criminal activities call the police right away.
Safety Tip
• Subterranean parking safety tips: Avoid walking alone; coordinate with fellow worker when they arrive at work and when they
leave work. Remember there is safety in numbers.
Reminder
• SLAUSON NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH MEETING Wednesday, January 11, 2012 @ 7:00 p.m. Pacific Station 12312 Culver Blvd., Los Angeles

Basic Car 14A27 Palms District
Senior Lead Officer Juan Ceja - Cell Phone # (310) 622-3975 Basic Car Coordinator Sergeant Merlo - (310) 482-6334 Crime Trends
• The following are the crime statistics representing December 1, 2011 through December 31, 2011:

• Aggravated Assaults 6
• Burglary / Theft from Vehicle 25
• Robbery 1
• Burglary (Residential/Business) 12
• Grand Theft Auto 21
• Sexual Crime 0
• Homicide 0
• Theft 12

• During this rating period Grand Theft Auto (GTA) has become a problem in the Westside Village area. Crime has continued to rise in several categories we also reduced crime in other areas as well. Your attitudes and actions are the keys to preventing grand theft auto. Whenever your vehicles are unattended lock and secure all doors, windows and vents. GTA suspects often do not need to break in they often gain entry through unlocked doors. Attempt to park in well-lit areas with heavy pedestrian traffic. If you park in public parking lots do
not tell the attendant how long you intend to be away. Please contact the Los Angeles Police Department at (877) ASK-LAPD, to report any suspicious activity or 911 to report any crimes in progress.

Work safety tips:
Working late to meet the looming deadline make sure to notify your supervisor. Do not broadcast it all through the day, be discreet. Also notify a relative, friend or security that you will be working late.
Westside Village/Palms Area Neighborhood Watch Meeting
Wednesday, January 4, 2012 @ 6:30 p.m. I.M.A.N. Cultural Center Auditorium 3376 Motor Avenue, Los Angeles

Basic Car 14A45 Marina District
Senior Lead Officer Gregg Jacobus - Cell Phone # (310) 622-3971 Basic Car Coordinator Sergeant Merlo - (310) 482-6334

The following are the crime statistics representing December 1, 2011 through December 31, 2011:

• Aggravated Assaults 1
• Burglary / Theft from vehicle 22
• Robbery 1
• Burglary (Residential/Business) 9
• Grand Theft Auto 3
• Homicide 0
• Sex Crime 1
• Theft 19

During this rating period Rape (Date)) has continued to be a problem in our area. Overall crime has increased in several categories but rape is still our number one nemesis. Rape is a sexual act committed against a person’s will that needs to be stopped at all cost. Victim and suspect met at a club and began to get to know each other. Victim followed suspect home in her vehicle; upon entering suspects home they had several drinks, victim was in and out of consciences while suspect raped her. Make your limits clear from the start before you get into a sexual situation. Avoid alcohol and drugs they can cloud your judgment. As a rape victim your main goal is survival. Do not blame yourself for doing whatever you had to do, or not do, to survival. Remember rape is never the victim’s fault. If you observe any suspicious activity or an altercation in progress call the police right away.

• Home safety tips: When you arrive at home, have your keys ready to insert in the door. If a friend brings you
home, have them wait until you get inside before they leave.
Reminder
• LaVILLA MARINA HOMEOWNERS ASSC. N/W WATCH MEETING Tuesday, January 31, 2012 @ 7:30 a.m. Chase Burton Park
Basic Car 14A49 Mar Vista District
Senior Lead Officer Drake Madison - Cell Phone # (310) 622-3972 Basic Car Coordinator Sergeant Merlo - Cell Phone # (310) 482-6334
The following are the crime statistics representing December 1, 2011 through December 31, 2011:

• Aggravated Assaults 1
• Burglary / Theft from Vehicle 8
• Robbery 4
• Burglary (Residential/Business) 8
• Grand Theft Auto 7
• Sex 0
• Homicides 0
• Theft 6

During this rating period Grand Theft Auto (GTA) has continued to be a problem in our area. Overall crime has remained low for the second consecutive rating period. GTA has become our main focus this period; several vehicles were stolen simply because they were not locked. Lock all doors and windows when your vehicle is unattended. Attempt to park in well-lit area with heavy pedestrian traffic, near busy stores, restaurants, etc. Turn wheels sharply left or right and set the emergency brake. This makes it harder for a GTA suspect to tow your vehicle. Anyone whom observes an attack in progress calls the police right away and helps protect a life from being destroyed.
Safety Tip
• Home safety tips: When you arrive at home, have your keys ready to insert in the door. If a friend brings you
home, have them wait until you get inside before they leave.
Reminder
• LaVILLA MARINA HOMEOWNERS ASSC. N/W WATCH MEETING Tuesday, January 31, 2012 @ 7:30 a.m. Chase Burton Park
Basic Car 14A49 Mar Vista District
Senior Lead Officer Drake Madison - Cell Phone # (310) 622-3972 Basic Car Coordinator Sergeant Merlo - Cell Phone # (310) 482-6334
Safety Tip
• Sexual attack safety tips:
Every confrontation is different. The best response depends on a combination of many factors, such as the location of the incident, characteristics of the assailant, the presence of weapons and your personal skills and available resources.
Reminder
• SLAUSON NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH MEETING Wednesday, January 11, 2012 @ 7:00 p.m. Pacific Community Police Station 12312 Culver Blvd., Los Angeles

Basic Car 14A67 Century Corridor
Senior Lead Officer Ruben Garcia - Cell Phone # (310) 622-3976 Basic Car Coordinator Sergeant Merlo - # (310) 482-6334
Crime Trends
The following are the crime statistics representing December 1, 2011 through December 31, 2011:

• Aggravated Assaults 1
• Burglary / Theft from vehicle 26
• Robbery 4
• Burglary (Residential/Business) 13
• Grand Theft Auto 15
• Sexual Crime 0
• Homicide 0
• Theft 13

During this rating period Burglary/Thefts from Motor Vehicle (BFMV) has continued to be a problem in our area. Residential burglary has remained at a level of concern for the third period in a row. Always keep your doors locked even when you are home. Keep plants trimmed. Overgrown bushes can cover windows and doorways, giving burglars a hiding place. Install and use window locks at all times. Place ample lighting around your home, carefully placed lighting can help deter burglary suspects. Join your local Neighborhood Watch Program it is still by far the best tool we have against crime.
Safety Tips
• Gun safety tips:
A good rule of thumb for the use of a firearm is to use it only to protect yourself or another from imminent death or serious bodily injury. If you have to fire the gun, call the police immediately.
Reminder
• Ladera Civic Center Association Meeting Thursday, January 19, 2012 @ 7:30 p.m. LASO Sub-Station
Ladera Shopping Center

Basic Car 14A73 Westchester District
Senior Lead Officer Tony Ramos - Cell Phone # (310) 622-3978 Basic Car Coordinator Sergeant Merlo- # (310) 482-6334
Crime Trends
• The following are the crime statistics representing December 1, 2011 through December 31, 2011:

• Aggravated Assaults 1
• Burglary / Theft from vehicle 28
• Robbery 2
• Burglary (Residential/Business) 12
• Grand Theft Auto 7
• Sexual Crime 0
• Homicide 0
• Theft 19

• During this rating period burglary/Theft from Motor Vehicle (BFMV) has become a problem in our area. BFMV is the taking of property from a motor vehicle without owners consent. Many BFMV suspects do not need to break in your vehicle they gain entry through unlocked doors. Attempt to park in well-lit areas where there is plenty of passer-by pedestrian traffic. Arm and deploy any anti-theft devices you have for your vehicle for extra protection. Place warning stickers on your windows that come with your alarm kits, they may deter would be thieves. Whenever your vehicle is unattended, lock and secure your doors and windows. Call the police if you observe a crime in progress or for any suspicious activity in your community.
Safety Tip
• Vehicle safety tips: Always remove the ignition key before you leave your vehicle alone. Do not hide keys in or
on your vehicle. Secure all windows and vents when you leave your vehicle.
Reminder
PACIFIC RESERVE MEETING
Thursday, January 12, 2012 @ 7:00 p.m. Pacific Station Roll Call Room 12312 Culver Blvd., Los Angeles
Pacific Area Upcoming Events 2012
Note: All event and meeting information is subject to change. To confirm dates, times, and locations call your Senior Lead Officer at (310) 202-4587. Events will be added
or updated as new information is received.
PALMS/ WESTSIDE VILLAGE NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH MEETING
Wednesday, January 4, 2012 @ 6:30 p.m. I.M.A.N. Cultural Center Auditorium 3376 Motor Avenue, Los Angeles SLO Ceja
HOTEL SECURITY DIRECTORS MEETING
Wednesday, January 4, 2012 @ 9:00 a.m. Loc. TBA SLO Garcia
PACIFIC BOOSTERS MEETING
Thursday, January 5, 2012 @ 8:30 a.m. Pacific Station Roll Call Room 12312 Culver Blvd., Los Angeles Officer Delatori
SLAUSON NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH MEETING
Wednesday, January 11, 2012 @ 7:00 p.m. Pacific Station Roll Call Room SLO Garcia
PACIFIC RESERVE MEETING
Thursday, January 12, 2012 @ 7:00 p.m. Pacific Station Roll Room 12312 Culver Blvd., Los Angeles Officer Newson
PACIFIC HOMELESS OUTREACH MEETING
Tuesday, January 17, 2012 @ 6:30 p.m. Pacific Station Roll Call Room 12312 Culver Blvd., Los Angeles Officer Newson
GLASGOW NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH MEETING
Tuesday, January 17, 2012 @ 7:00 p.m. 7128 Glasgow Av., Los Angeles SLO Garcia
COMMUNITY POLICE ADVISORY BOARD MEETING
Wednesday, January 18, 2012 @ 7:00 p.m. Playa vista Community Ctr. Marina Del Ray Sgt. Merlo
LADERA CIVIC CENTER ASSOCIATION MEETING
Thursday, January 19, 2012 @ 7:30 p.m. Ladera Sheriff’s Sub-Station
SLO Garcia
READING RANGERS NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH MEETING
Wednesday, January 25, 2012 @ 7:00 p.m. 8218 Reading Av., Los Angeles SLO Garcia
La VILLA MARINA HOMEOWNERS ASSC. NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH MEETING
Tuesday, January 31, 2012 @ 7:30 p.m. Chase Burton Park SLO Cruz
Wisdom for the month of January
“Success is to be measured not so much by position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome.”
Booker T. Washington