Studio City Vehicle Burglaries, Thefts Continue Climbing, Says LAPD

While violent crimes and residential burglaries continue dropping in Los Angeles, including Studio City and North Hollywood, thefts and motor vehicle burglaries are climbing, and it could be directly tied to a loophole in the state judicial system that criminals are aware of.

The Studio City Resident's Association heard from Senior Lead Officer Michael Lewis Tuesday night at its community meeting Beverly Garland's Holiday Inn. He highlighted recent incidents, including the increase of plain clothes officers along Ventura Boulevard to combat the rise in specific crimes.

"We're a target rich environment," Lewis told Patch, highlighting nearby North Hollywood as being tops in the city for property crimes. He said the amount of low budget motels and medical marijuana dispensaries are playing a role in many thefts, motor vehicle burglaries and grand theft auto incidents.

Lewis said a huge reason for a rise in those specific crimes are directly tied to the state's 2011 approval of AB 109, which significantly increases the punishment for only violent crimes and residential burglaries.

In the October 2013 crime map provided by Lewis, which is also attached to this post, it highlights a great concentration of thefts and motor vehicle burglaries along Laurel Canyon Boulevard in neighborhoods just south and north of Ventura Boulevard, as well as neighborhoods along and nearby eastern stretch of Ventura Boulevard in Studio City.

Compared to September's 72 incidents, there are 97 reported for October by the LAPD.

An accurate crime map of the latest Studio City incidents is also compiled on the Los Angeles Times website.

Lewis specifically noted that Acama and Aqua Vista streets are a hotbed for these crimes lately, including bicycle thefts.

"There's lots of thefts in subterranean parking garages and parking lots," he said.

For more information on how to report to the North Hollywood Division, visit its website.