Crime & Safety

Police On Alert After Increase in Vehicle Theft, Armed Robberies, Craigslist Scams and Coyote Attacks

West Valley LAPD officers are warning residents of a spike in violent and property crimes.

ARMED ROBBERIES IN UNDERGROUND PARKING LOTS

A series of four armed robberies in underground residential parking lots in the San Fernando Valley Tuesday were believed to have been committed by the same suspect, police reported.

The robberies occurred overnight in the neighborhoods of Northridge, Van Nuys, Sherman Oaks and North Hollywood.

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The suspect, described as a black man wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt and dark bandana, pointed a handgun at the victims and demanded money and jewelry, police reported. He went through one victim's purse before fleeing on foot, police reported.
  
Anyone with information about the suspect was asked to call 877-275-5273.

LAPD Senior Lead Officer Rob Trulik advises all residents: 

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"Please remember that if you are entering your parking structure, it is important to first scan the exterior as well as the interior, before you enter or exit from your residence. Check your side-view and rear-view mirrors as you enter, making sure that there is no one standing nearby waiting to follow you into the parking area. It is common for these criminals to wait for a car to enter, let them pull forward into their parking spot and then sneak into the garage while the gate is still open or closing. 

Always stay focused on your surroundings and if you are feeling uneasy, do not enter the parking lot. Go around the block and return to see if this person is still there. Depending on his actions, this may be a "911" call for a "prowler suspect there now", or for any other criminal actions that you observe. Stay calm, but try to give a good description of this suspect, including gender, descent, height and weight, clothing and any unusual features. If this person is seen running away or leaving the location, please try to give the Operator a direction of travel so Officers can try to locate this individual and determine his/her business in the area. The Police Department does not want you to confront the suspect. Instead remain safe."

POLICE REPORT THEFT FROM VEHICLES INCREASE

There has been a recent increase in thefts from vehicles in the West Valley Area especially around the Balboa/Woodley Park area, police reported. These thefts have usually occurred while individuals have been exercising around the park.

Police are once again warning drivers and passengers not to leave valuable goods inside their vehicles. They are urging residents to remember the LAPD campaign, “”, that's intended to encourage people to lock their belongings, hide them—or better still, keep them—instead of leaving them in plain sight of thieves.

CRAIGSLIST SCAMS

The Los Angeles Police Department has issued an alert advising people that there has been an increase in of crimes against Craigslist users

"If you are presented with a deal that sounds too good to be true, more than likely it is too good to be true," said Detective Frank Avila of the West Valley LAPD.

Criminals set up accounts and advertise the sale of items that are highly desirable (iPods, iPhones, iPads, computers, etc). The advertised price appears to be too good to be true, and criminals set up exchange deals in public places and robbing their potential buyers.

Although there is no full-proof way to avoid becoming a crime victim, there are some things you can do to minimize your risk.

"Good places to meet are local police stations or malls," he said. "Criminals are less likely to conduct crimes or illegal activity in public areas where lots of people are present."

COYOTES AND YOUR PETS

Coyotes are threatening again, preying on the small, helpless lapdogs found in our backyards. To keep you and your pets safe, on coyote safety.

If you have a sighting with a coyote and are concerned, please make a "Wildlife Incident Report" to Animal Services at (888) 452-7381.


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