Public Safety Committee Report and Female Suspect Being Sought for Credit Card Theft

Quick report from the Studio City Public Safety Committee meeting by Marcella Bell.

Officer Lewis reported that our area has had the biggest increase in property crimes (car break-ins and home burglaries) than any other area in the Valley.  It is #1 for increase in crime.  To date, our area has a 67% increase from last year-to-date stats, which is a notable improvement from the beginning of the year, which recorded a 123% increase.  As an example, year to date stats through April show 293 reported crimes in 2013 versus 188 reported crimes in 2012. 

Why our area?  As a result of AB109, the state prisoner realignment plan, there are 43,000 more criminals out right now, mostly narcotic suspects, needing a quick fix, and our area is filled with the goods, electronics, jewelry, etc. to satisfy their quick fixes.  It is really important not to leave valuables in your car.  If in your home, it is equally important not to leave valuables in your bedroom.  It’s the first place a suspect goes.

Officer Lewis also reported that he has received 3 calls this week from gardeners reporting equipment stolen from their trucks while working in our area.  Suspects are turning around and selling the equipment to other gardeners almost immediately.  Please let your gardeners know so they can take the extra precautions.

May Incident Report

5/9/13 - - Burglary from Motor Vehicle - - 4400 block Carpenter Ave.

5/11/13 - - Burglary from Motor Vehicle - - 4400 block Colfax Ave.

5/25/13 - - Petty Theft, likely from Motor Vehicle - - 4500 block Laurel Canyon Ave.

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LAPD News Release regarding an incident in North Hollywood.

Resident Awakens and Finds Female Suspect Stealing Property from Her Apartment NR13164SF 

Los Angeles: On May 8, 2013, at 9:30 a.m., a female suspect entered an apartment through an unlocked door in the 5800 block of Laurel Canyon Boulevard in North Hollywood.

The resident of the apartment was sleeping at the time the suspect was stealing property from her apartment. When the tenant woke up, she confronted the suspect who starting fighting with her. Due to the physical altercation, the burglary then escalated to a robbery.

The female suspect left the apartment with numerous stolen items including multiple credit cards. Later that day the suspect used the victim’s credit cards at numerous locations in the northern part of the San Fernando Valley.

North Hollywood Division Robbery Detectives are asking for the public’s help in identifying the female suspect. She is described as a female, Hispanic with black hair and brown eyes. She stands 5’05” tall and weighs 130 pounds. In addition it is estimated that she is between 18-20 years old.

Anyone with information is asked to call North Hollywood Division Robbery Detectives Hammer and Mahoney at (818) 623-4061. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (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 www.LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.

Important Telephone Numbers

City-Wide Directory                                      311

Non Emergency (Dispatch)                                   877-ASK-LAPD (877-275-5273)

Senior Lead Officer Mike Lewis Cell                    818-634-2593

North Hollywood Police Station                            818-623-4016

North Hollywood Area Auto Theft Section          818-623-4085