As a response to the increase of crime in the West Valley lately, specifically Encino, a group of local officials held a Zoom meeting last Thursday to discuss details of the situation and answer questions from concerned community members. Attendees included Councilmember Blumenfield, Councilmember Raman, Celine Cordero, Deputy Chief of Staff from Mayor Bass’ office, Emada Tinigiredes, Deputy Chief and Commanding Officer Operations for the LAPD, Alan Hamilton, Deputy Chief of Detectives for the LAPD and Ruby Flores, Deputy Chief Commanding Officer of the Valley Bureau.
While the Zoom began with reassurances from all that resources are directly being diverted into this issue, talk quickly turned to the specifics of the crimes. Given that the burglars involved have all been wearing dark clothing and gloves, it has been difficult to obtain fingerprints or discern identifying features that can aid in their arrest. The home robberies have not been linked to one specific crew, but rather are believed to be the work of multiple crews who have targeted areas such as Encino, Tarzana and Woodland Hills.
Details were also given on the difference between a burglary, a home invasion and a hot prowl. A burglary occurs when the resident is not home and a theft occurs, a home invasion is when suspects use force as a weapon to make their way into a home and a hot prowl is when the resident or individuals are within the home and the burglars gain entry usually through a side door or open window. Citywide, there have been 38 hot prowls, five in the West Valley, especially all in Encino.
While there are no defining factors that link the targeted houses, police relayed that burglars have been tending to use the same methods to approach the homes. Most notable are the use of wifi blockers that cut power to security cameras, which not only cause the intended cameras to not work, but also to take time to reboot once reconnected. Given this issue, police have suggested that those looking to have security measures installed utilizing both wireless and hard-wired systems. Additionally, many homeowners only install a camera at the front door when you should be placing them at the back and sides of a house. Police also stressed the importance of having good lighting around the home, checking the perimeter of your house at night and seeing what spots are being missed. For a full list of crime prevention tips, visit lapdonline.org/more-crime-prevention-tips.
While two individuals believed to be tied to some of these burglaries were recently arrested, local leaders stressed the importance of staying vigilant. Creating a community network and talking to your neighbors was highlighted as perhaps the most important step you can take. Look out for one another and notice when something is amiss in the neighborhood. The old adage “if you see something, say something” was highlighted by the various officers in attendance. If you see something suspect, especially hidden cameras like those found in recent months, alert police immediately. Police officers are on call to respond to all reports, but must do so in the order of priority and time sensitivity. It may take a bit longer than anyone feels comfortable with, but they stressed that they will respond.
The West Valley Bureau have significantly increased their patrolling via cars, mounted officers and air support, in addition to uniformed and plain-clothed officers. Routes have been designed to specifically navigate areas of concern and many officers have even been seen walking door-to-door talking with concerned residents. Chief Flores stressed that the goal of the LAPD, as well as local leaders, has been to focus on “reducing crime and reducing the fear of crime.”
For certain minor incidents, you can file a report online via the Community Online Reporting System (CORS) at lapdonline.org/file-a-police-report or call the LAPD non-emergency line at 877-ASK-LAPD. To submit a tip to law enforcement anonymously, you can do so online at lacrimestoppers.org/how-it-works or by calling 1-800-222-8477. As always, if a crime is currently occurring, call 9-1-1 immediately.
Those interested in watching the entirety of the Zoom, can visit cd4.lacity.gov/encino-burglaries.
