Captain's Message

Basic Car Area 18A1
Senior Lead Officer Fred Starkey
E-mail: 25253@lapd.lacity.org
Cellular Phone: 213-793-0717

Crime Trends
Summer is here and Los Angeles City Park and Recreation has opened the swimming pools throughout the city. There have been numerous occurrences at and around park swimming pools within the Southeast Area. Algin Sutton Park is one of those swimming pools with minor occurrences.  The Los Angeles Police Departments Southeast Area has maintained a strong presence at these locations and we will continue to monitor all park swimming pools within Southeast Area throughout the summer months.  Los Angeles City swimming pools will be safe for everyone to attend and enjoy themselves this summer.

Quality of Life Issues
Illegal dumping continues to be a major problem in the City of Los Angeles.  People will dump in alleys, along freeways, parks, schools; any place that they think is safe to dump.  Illegal dumping has become a major project for City Attorney Sonja Dawson within the Southeast Area. We meet monthly with several Los Angeles City Agencies such as Los Angeles City Alley Cleanup, Sanitation, Street Services, and LAPD to discuss a means to eliminate illegal dumping. Illegal dumping is a major problem and we need citizens' help to stop it.

Crime Prevention Tips
This tip is mainly for women when they enter and leave their vehicles. Please have your keys in hand when approaching your vehicle.  Do not stay at the vehicle door and search your purse for your keys.  This is a true sign to a perpetrator that you are an unaware victim. When you enter the vehicle, immediately lock the door, and start your vehicle. Drive safely and do not be a victim.

The Senior Lead Officer for Basic Car 18A1 is Fred Starkey.  He can be reached on his cellular phone at 213-793-0717 or e-mail at 25253@lapd.lacity.org.

Community Events
The next 91st Street Plus community meeting will be held on September 6, 2008, at 3:00 PM at 9027 South Figueroa Street.

Basic Car Area 18A3
Senior Lead Officer George Chavez
E-mail: 27109@lapd.lacity.org
Cellular Phone: 213-793-0718

Crime Trends
The robberies continue to be a problem in the area of Avalon Boulevard from Manchester Avenue to Century Boulevard.  Most victims are merely walking alone on the street minding their own business. Suspects are looking for females who are carrying purses. Suspects also target small businesses.

Grand Theft Autos are also rising throughout the area. Suspects are looking for Hondas and Toyotas because they are easy to steal.  Altered keys also known as Shaved keys can be used to start these vehicles. Please park your vehicles either in your driveway or in an area where there are lights.

Quality Of Life Issues
Due to the summer heat, people are leaving their windows open.  Suspects are walking in the neighborhood looking for windows that are not secured. Suspects will then knock on the door and if no one answers the door, they go to the rear of the house and enter.  Please lock all windows when leaving the house.  If someone does knock on your door, ask their business before opening the door.
 
Crime Prevention Tips
To protect themselves from becoming a victim:
a) Never walk alone.
b) Never start a conversation with a stranger.
c) Never accept a ride from a stranger.
d) Never show your money.

Community Events/Meetings
The National Night Out held on August 5, 2008 in front of the Southeast Area Community Police Station was a success. There was vast participation from the community. Officer Chavez and the officers of Southeast Area extend their gratitude to the vendors, volunteers and sponsors who participated in this successful event.

Basic Car Area 18A17
Senior Lead Officer Shawn Massey
E-mail: 31004 @lapd.lacity.org
Cellular Phone: 213-793-0724

Crime Trends
Street robberies and burglaries continue to decrease.  However, vehicle theft and theft from motor vehicle have increased to levels not seen in a long time.  Luckily, vehicle theft is something citizens can act against.  Beyond the common sense tips of locking your doors and never leaving a vehicle running, citizens can report suspicious activity to the police.  Stealing a car is not as easy as the television shows would have you believe.  From the time a vehicle is targeted, to forcing entry into the vehicle, to overcoming the ignition can take few minutes.  So, if you see someone loitering near your neighbor's car, watch them for a minute.  If they appear nervous (pacing the sidewalk, looking up and down the street, walking away when other people or vehicles approach) this is the time to make the call to the police. Use 9-1-1 and follow my tips at the bottom of this letter for important crime reporting tips.

As a reminder, if you see a "bandit" tow truck towing a neighbor's car, attempt to contact your neighbor. If you cannot, try and get the tow truck's license plate. This type of vehicle theft is on the rise.

Quality of Life Issues
The Figueroa corridor between 94th Street and 104th Street continues to be a source of trouble in our efforts to improve the quality of life.  Specifically, the prostitution and narcotics dealing that accompanies vice activity.  While Vice, Narcotics and Patrol officers endeavor to address this problem, a new effort by the Los Angeles City Attorney's Office is in the works.  In short, any person engaging or loitering for the purposes of prostitution will be subjected to a court "Stay Away" order. This order will prohibit these persons from being on Figueroa Street between Slauson Avenue and El Segundo Boulevard, no matter what the purpose.

Crime Prevention Tips
When reporting a crime, please make sure that you have the following information for the operator:
•The type of crime;
•A detailed description of the suspects involved;
•The suspect's current location or direction taken;
•The weapon(s) used, if any; and,
•A vehicle description (make, model, color, year, license plate number). 

Most importantly, stay on the phone until told to hang up by the operator.

Community Events/Meetings
A neighborhood block club meets the fourth Saturday of every month at 11:30 AM at the YMCA building located on the corner of Vermont Avenue and Century Boulevard.  Everyone is welcome. The meeting focuses on the area bordered by 93rd Street to the north, 104th Street to the south, Vermont Avenue to the west, and Wall Street to the east.  If you have any concerns regarding crime trends or other concerns in the area please call Senior Lead Officer Shawn Massey at 213-793-0723.

Important Numbers
911 Emergency - As we know this is the number used to summon police, fire, or ambulance services.  Please use only when needed as the number of 911 operators is limited.

311 - Though best for non-emergency police service requests, this number will also connect you to an operator trained to identify and transfer you to the City entity (DOT, DWP, Street Services, etc.) best suited to address your needs. 

1-877- LAWFULL (529-3855) - This is the anonymous tip hotline.  You never have to leave your name when reporting a crime, but this number is a great tool to report ongoing or suspicious activity with complete anonymity. 

Basic Car Area 18A26
Senior Lead Officer Anthony Lopez #25421
E-mail:25421@lapd.lacity .org
Cellular phone: 213-278 4825
 
Crime Trends
Summer is here. Gang activity is increasing and as a result you need to be more careful. If you see any type of criminal activity, contact the police immediately. Summer time is a very busy time for us and the more the community gets involved, the sooner community issues can be addressed.  

Quality of Life Issues
Illegal dumping is still a major problem in the Watts Community.  If you see any illegal dumping, report it. The City of Los Angeles may pay reward of $1,000.00 for information resulting to the identification, apprehension, and conviction of any person who commits illegal dumping activity. 

Crime Prevention Tips
Grand Theft Auto is a property crime. Ensure that you secure your vehicles at all times. Keep a copy of your registration readily available in the event that your vehicle is taken so that officers can have pertinent information on your vehicle.

Community Event/Meetings
TBA

Basic Car Area 18A34
Senior Lead Officer Floro B. Pinzon
E-mail: 26758@lapd.lacity.org
Cellular Phone: 213-793-0722

Crime Trends
During this period, there were three homicides that occurred in the basic car area 18A34. Two were gang related and the other was a domestic violence related incident.  A suspect was already arrested on the domestic violence related homicide. The South Bureau Homicide Detectives are working diligently to solve the two gang related homicides.  Officer Pinzon requested the assistance of the patrol officers and Gang Enforcement Detail officers to conduct strict enforcement in the area of Central Avenue between 93rd Street and 104th Street.

Quality of Life Issues
Officer Pinzon received numerous phone calls regarding pocket motorcycles and home made motorbikes racing in the area of 103rd Street, Century Boulevard , McKinley Avenue and Central Avenue.  It should be noted the danger of these pocket motorcycles when they are on the streets. They are potential victims of traffic collisions and the noise of the motors are absolutely annoying to a quiet neighborhood.

Officer Pinzon instructed the patrol officers to conduct strict enforcement of the Vehicle Code section 21720 V.C. which prohibits operating a pocket motorcycle within the public streets and sidewalks. 21721(a) of the California Vehicle Code gives authorization to any peace officer to impound the pocket motorcycles and be kept for forty eight hours.

Crime Prevention Tips
Community involvement is the best crime deterrent that a neighborhood can have.  Join a Block Club or Neighborhood Watch. Please report any suspicious individuals in your neighborhood. 

If you do not have one in your neighborhood, start one.  Getting to know your neighbor and watching out for each other is the best crime prevention.  For more details, call Senior Lead Officer, Floro B. Pinzon at 213-793-0722.

Community Events/Meetings
On August 5, 2008, Officer Pinzon participated in the scheduled National Night Out event where there was vast participation of community members, sponsors, volunteers and vendors. The event was held in front of the Southeast Area Community Police Station.

On August 4, 2008, at 5:00 o'clock PM, Officer Pinzon met with members of the 104th Street Block Club and discussed the burglary from motor vehicles and grand theft auto problems in the area.

Basic Car Area 18A35
Senior Lead Officer Roberto Yanez
E-mail: 30020@lapd.lacity.org
Cellular Phone: 213-793-0720

Crime Trends
There has been an increase of Robberies in the area of 110th Street to Imperial Hwy and Success Avenue to Monitor Avenue.   Suspects would approach the victim(s), produce a handgun and demand their property.  During two incidents the victims' vehicle was taken.  The suspects flee into the Nickerson Gardens Housing Development. These crimes are occurring between the hours of 12:00 o'clock PM and 8:00 o'clock PM. 

The Los Angeles Police Department, local community leaders and Gang Intervention Groups are working together to apprehend the suspects and reduce the crime in the area.

Quality of Life Issues
There are still reports of abandon vehicles within the Nickerson Gardens Housing Development.  These vehicles are left standing in the parking lots and street reducing the limited amount of parking space for the residence.  Several of these vehicles are being used to sell and use narcotics.  Individuals have also been seen sleeping in these vehicles.  These vehicles have become an eye sore for the community reducing the quality of life in the area.

On August 30, 2008, Senior Lead Officer Yanez impounded 10 vehicles for expired registration and issued eight 72-hour notices to have the vehicles moved.  Officer Yanez also met with residents regarding the problem.  On September 4, 2008, Southeast Division will have an impound task force.  Officer Yanez and officers assigned to the task force will remove the vehicles in violation of the 72 hours notice. 

Crime Prevention Tips
Please feel free to contact your Senior Lead Officer if you have any questions regarding crime tips, or if you have information relating to crime in the area you live.  A reminder to all, when calling the police for any incident, tell the operator that you do not want the police to come to your house.  The Police Department is committed to work with the community it serves to reduce crime and make the quality of life better for every member of the community. 

Community Events
The next Nickerson Gardens Resident Management Council meeting will be held on Wednesday, September 24, 2008, at 11:00 o'clock AM at 11251 Compton Avenue.

The next Ozzie Gonzaque Village Resident Management Council meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 9, 2008, at 5:00 o'clock PM at 1545 East 105th Street.

The Watts Gang Task Force meeting is held every Monday at 10:00 o'clock AM at 10221 Compton Avenue.  The committee is looking for volunteers to assist with the program.

Basic Car Area 18A41
Senior Lead Officer Angelo Stewart
E-mail: 27546@lapd.lacity.org
Cellular Phone: 213-793-0725

Crime Trends
During this period, there has been an increase in crime on Main St between Imperial Hwy and 108th Street.  This area is being plagued with GTA's (Grand Theft Auto), Burglaries and Robberies.  The area has heavy pedestrian and vehicle traffic due to fast food restaurants, gas stations and a pharmacy.  LAPD Southeast patrol units and Gang Enforcement Detail are working hard to make the area safer for the community. However, community involvement is the best tool to reduce crime.

Quality of Life Issues
The Southeast Area Vice unit is continuously enforcing the prostitution laws along the Figueroa corridor.  The unit makes multiple arrests on prostitution related crimes on a daily basis.  These efforts help to improve the quality of life for area residents and reduce crime associated with prostitution.  The Southeast Vice unit will continue to respond to this problem and make prostitution an enforcement priority. The District Attorney's Office has filed a prostitution injunction on some of the repeat offenders on the Figueroa Corridor. This will help to control the prostitution activity on Figueroa Street.  

Crime Prevention Tips
Due to numerous crimes in the area, it is a good practice to be aware of suspicious persons loitering around cars or near your place of residence.  Please call the police to report any potential criminal or gang activity.  Another good tip is to get to know your neighbors.  This will make it easier for neighbors to assist each other during an emergency.  

Community Events
On August 20, 2008, the 109th Street Block Club conducted its monthly meeting at 437 West 109th Place.  Officer Stewart informed the members of the crime trends of basic car 18A41.  The next meeting will be held on September 17, 2008, at 6:00 o'clock PM.

The 108th Street Block Club also conducted its monthly meeting at the Hoover Community Church, 10611 South Hoover Street on August 20, 2008, at 7:00 o'clock PM.  Officer Stewart gave information on crime prevention to the club's members. The next meeting will be held on September 17, 2008 at 7:00 o'clock PM.

Basic Car Area 18A49
Senior Lead Officer Eric Young
E-mail: 34444@lapd.lacity.org
Cellular Phone: 213-793-0724

Crime Trends
During this period, there has been only sporadic crime in the area.  Any crime is too much but we currently have no crime trends or patterns of crime.  However, I encourage all residents and business owners to constantly be aware of your surroundings and to report any suspicious activity.

Quality of Life Issues
Illegal dumping and graffiti continue to be a public nuisance in the area of Mona Boulevard and 107th Street.  The City of Los Angeles may pay a reward of $1,000 for information resulting in the identification, apprehension and conviction of any person who commits either of these offenses.  Further information can be obtained at lapdonline.org.

Crime Prevention Tips
The Senior Lead Officer for Basic Car 18A49 is Eric Young.  He can be reached on his cellular phone at 213-793 0724 or e-mail address at 34444@lapd.lacity.org.

To report any crime element in your neighborhood, you can call anonymously the Southeast Area Police Station at 213-972-7813.  Important telephone numbers to remember are for Non-Emergency Police is 3-1-1 and for Emergency Police and Fire is 9-1-1.

Please do not be intimidated by local gang members.  If you witness gang activity in your neighborhood please notify Officer Young for non-emergency situations and 9-1-1 for emergencies.

Community Event/Meetings
I encourage all residents in my area to attend the Watts neighborhood Council meeting at the Watt's Senior Citizen Center, located at 1657 E. Century Blvd.  The meeting is held on the second Tuesday of each month at 6:30 PM.  Please come and get involved in your community!

Also, the Watts Gang Task Force meets every Monday morning at 10:00 AM.  The meeting is held at the City Council's Office, located at 10221 Compton Ave.  Again, please come and get involved with this organization.  Help us put an end to gang violence and neighborhood intimidation!

Basic Car Area 18A63
Senior Lead Officer Robert Martinez
E-mail: 32384@lapd.lacity.org
Cellular Phone: 213-793-0726

Crime Trends
During this past month there has been an increase of residential street robberies and assaults. Our robberies have increased in the area of the 105fwy overpass and Avalon Blvd. The Metro link bus station is at this location. Individuals alone are being targeted while going to and from the bus station.  In the area of 120th St between Main St and Avalon Blvd there has been an increase of assaults.  The victims are younger in age and are being targeted while walking alone.
 
Quality of Life Issues
There has been an increase of abandon vehicles and graffiti in our neighborhoods. Non- working vehicles such as, boats, trailers, bikes and campers are being dropped off in neighborhoods where traffic congestion is light.  Another problem that is occurring is gang graffiti.  Abandon houses, (house for sale and foreclosures) are being targeted by local gangs.

Crime Prevention Tips
Due to our robberies, assaults and graffiti problems, it is a good practice to be aware of suspicious persons loitering near your place of residence.  Please call the police to report any potential criminal or gang activity.  Another good tip is to get to know your neighbors.  This will make it easier for neighbors to assist each other during an emergency.  

Community Events/Meetings
The 116th Street Block Club holds its monthly meeting on the last Wednesday of the month at 6:30 PM at a location to be determined. If you are interested in starting a Block Club or Neighborhood Watch Club, please contact Senior Lead Officer Robert Martinez at (213) 793-0726 for further information.
                                                     
Basic Car Area 18A97
Senior Lead Officer Armando Ramirez
E-mail:  23512 @lapd.lacity.org
Cellular Phone 213-793-0727

Crime Trends
During the month of August, crimes of violence continued to take place in the northern portion of Basic Car Area 18A97.  A shooting took place in the area of Laconia Boulevard and Hoover Street.  Four victims were shot at.  No one was injured during this shooting.  There was also a shooting in the area of 127th Street and Figueroa Street.  An adult male was shot multiple times during this shooting.  These two crimes are being investigated by Southeast Area Detectives.  On August 13th, two vehicles were broken into in the area of 120th Street and Vermont Avenue.  On August 19, 2008 between 1:00 AM and 6:00 AM, four vehicles were also broken into at the same location, in the area of the 15500th Block of South Vermont Avenue.  No additional car burglaries were reported in the same areas during the month of August.  Armed and unarmed robberies took place in the area of Imperial Highway and Hoover Street, in the area of Rosecrans Recreation Center (149th Street and Menlo Avenue), at Vermont Avenue and Rosecrans Avenue, on the 15600th Block of South Ainsworth Street and in the area of Figueroa Street and 117th Street.  There were approximately four residential burglaries and approximately nine vehicle theft related crimes in Basic Car Area 18A97.  Many Department resources continue to be deployed and focused on the reduction of these crime trends. 

Quality of Life Issues
During the month of August, Senior Lead Officer Ramirez coordinated the installation of additional lighting with apartment building managers in the area of 127th Street and in the area of 120th Street and Figueroa Street.  The added lighting was installed by the DWP's Outside Area Lighting Program.

Crime Prevention Tips
One way to discourage criminals from your community is through the installation of additional lighting or through the repair of inoperable lights.  Make sure that the lights around your property are sufficient to illuminate the area of your home or your business.  The Department of Water and Power offers a program called the Outside Area Lighting Program.  Through the use of this program, it is possible to have powerful additional lighting installed (for free) on existing light or electricity poles and to have the lights pointed in the direction of dark areas around your home or business.  The person requesting the lights will be responsible for paying a monthly fee for the use of electricity.  To find out more details, please call Mr.Scott James at 213-792-6574.

Community Event/Meetings
The next Gardena Gateway Community Club meeting is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, September 23, 2008 at 5:30 PM at the Boys and Girls Club at 802 West Gardena Boulevard. 

The next Harbor Gateway, North Neighborhood Council meeting will take place on Tuesday, August 23, 2008 at 7:00 PM at 135th Street Elementary School at 801 West 135th Street.  As always, you are all invited!