Captain's Message


BASIC CAR AREA18A1
SENIOR LEAD OFFICER FRED STARKEY
E-mail: 25253@lapd.lacity.org
Cellular Phone 213-793-0717

Crime Trends:
During this period, forty five Part 1 crimes were reported in Basic Car 18A1 with Grand theft auto (GTA) being the most reported problem. There were twelve vehicles stolen in the basic car area . Burglary from motor vehicle (BFMV) came in second as the most crime reported which was nine incidents were documented. Community members should be more cognizant in securing their vehicle to prevent these crimes.

Commendable Capers by Officers and Citizens:
On October 27, 2009 at approximately 2225 hours, Sergeant Seghee was assigned as a Southeast Area patrol supervisor. Sergeant Seghee was familiar of the GTA and BFMV problems in the area of Manchester Avenue, Broadway Street, 92nd Street. Sergeant Seghee was conducting crime suppression patrol on Manchester Avenue and Vermont Avenue when he observed a BMW sedan with three occupants in the parking lot of a 24-hour pawn shop. The pawn shop is also known to be drop off location for stolen items. Sergeant Seghee queried the California license plate number (3UTV601) thru the Mobile Digital Computer and it returned to be stolen from Seal Beach Area during a commission of burglary on September 25, 2009. Sergeant Seghee summond additional units and the suspects were apprehaneded without further incident.

Crime Tends:
Auto burglaries and thefts can be avoided if you take stand against them. Lock your vehicles and if possible, park your vehicle inside locked garage or carport. If not, park your vehicle in an illuminated area and never leave valuable inside. If you have detachable car stereo faceplate, take it with you. These burglars look for an easy target, so do not give any chances to them.

The Senior Lead Officer for Basic car 18A1 is Fred Starkey; he can be reached on his cellular phone at 213/793-0717. His e-mail address is:  25253@LAPD.LACITY.ORG

Community Events/ Meetings:
The next 91st Street Plus community meeting will be held on November 7, 2009, at 3 o’clock PM, at 9027 South Figueroa Street. Senior Lead Officer Starkey hopes to see you all at the next meeting of the 91st Street Plus Block Club.

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

Crime Trends
During this month, sixty-three Part 1 crimes were committed in Basic Car 18A3. Eighteen residential burglaries were committed. Residents in the area of 87th Street, Central Avenue, Wall Street and 93rd Street should be watchful and vigilant. Trust your instincts and report to the police immediately for any suspicious activities or people in your neighborhood.
 
Also, eleven street robberies were reported during this period. Targeted victims were walking alone or waiting at a bus stop to go school or work. A number of these robberies occur along the Avalon and San Pedro Street corridors.

Commendable Capers by Officers and Citizens:
On October 27, 2009, approximately 1435 Hours, Officer Rodriguez and De Vera were assigned uniform patrol unit 18A26 responded to a radio call, “ Robbery suspects there now” at 104th Street and San Pedro Street. Upon their arrival, the officers met the victim and two witnesses. The victim and witnesses told the officers that the suspects approached the victim and witnesses and asked them, “Where you from?” as one suspect produced a knife. The other three suspects then surrounded the victim and two witnesses. At this time, one of the suspects mentioned the victim’s bicycle to be nice. The suspect with the knife subsequently approached the victim, pushed him and took the victim’s bicycle. The victim and the witnesses feared for their safety did not resist. During this investigation, the victim and the witnesses directed the officers to three suspects who were immediately detained and positively identified. One of the suspects who rode the victim’s bicycle fled the location prior to officers’ arrival. A pat down search on the suspects resulted to a recovery of a knife which was also identified by the victim as the one used by the suspect who threatened him. The three suspects who are all juveniles were booked for robbery.

Officers Rodriguez and De Vera are commended to their attention to detail, community service, quick response that resulted to the arrests of three robbery suspects, good tactics and exemplary investigative skills.

Community Events/Meetings:
The Southeast Community Police is trying to increase numbers of neighborhood watches in the area.  If anyone is interested or wants information on how to start a neighborhood watch, please call Senior Lead Officer George Chavez.

Basic Car Area 18A17
Senior Lead Officer Shawn Massey
E-mail: 31004 @lapd.lacity.org
Cellular Phone: 213-793 0723

Crime Trends
During this month property crimes increased. Burglary numbers swelled in the area east of Main between 93rd and 101st.  These numbers can be expected to remain high as the holidays approach. Historically, burglars target those homes with children with the express purpose of stealing Christmas gifts. Avoid carrying wrapped packages into your home from curbside and avoid putting presents under the tree until Christmas Eve. Furthermore, school is in session. There shouldn’t be any school age children wandering the streets in the daytime hours. They should be in school. If you feel they may be “casing” a neighbor’s residence, please phone 911.

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
Our monthly meeting at the YMCA, located on the corner of Vermont Avenue and Century Boulevard, is back on the schedule. Many of you will receive a mailer as a reminder. If you do, tell a friend as logistical restraints prevent the mailing of 600+ mailers every month.  Officer Massey provides community related event information and a crime update.  This group meets the fourth Saturday of every month at 11:30 a.m.

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
E-mail:25421@lapd.lacity .org
Cellular phone: 213-793-0721

Crime Trends:
Now that schools are back in session, crimes are being to decrease.  Burglaries and robberies are decreasing also but at a slower rate that the other crimes. Suspects are still targeting victims on their way to work, in the early morning hours.  Most crimes are occurring in the area of Wilmington Avenue near Century Blvd, and 103rd Street at Grandee (train/metro platform). Please beware of your surrounding when travelling through these areas. LAPD Officers and LASO Deputies have increased their patrols in the afore-mentioned areas. Arrests have been made, but several outstanding suspects are still targeting male and female victims. 

Community Event/Meetings:
On October 7, 2009, the Safe Passage Collaborative members will be holding their monthly meeting at Southeast Division at 9: 00 a.m.

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

Crime Trends:
Forty-seven Part 1crimes were reported during this period. These crimes consisted of aggravated assaults, burglary from motor vehicles, burglary, grand theft auto, rape, robbery and thefts. Residential burglary is still a concern in the area bordered by 99th Street, Central Ave, Imperial Highway and San Pedro Street. A number of the reported robberies occurred on San Pedro Street corridor during the dismissal period of Locke High School.  Some suspects are believed to be students from Locke High School, robbing the other students of their cell phones, jewelry, skateboards and bicycles.  Parents should educate their children on how to secure or not to expose their property while walking home and to be cognizant on their surroundings at all times. Potential victims should always walk home with other acquaintances or schoolmates.

Commendable Capers by Officers and Citizens
On October 8, 2009 at approximately 1515 hours, Southeast Bicycle Unit Officer Tate responded to a radio call, “211 suspect there now, being followed by victim on 114th Street west of Central Avenue.”  Officer Tate met with the victim who directed the officer where the suspect was last seen.  Officer Tate who was familiar of the transient encampment along the wash area, north of 114th Street, proceeded to the location in an attempt to locate the suspect who was described aas a transient, wearing a green shirt and green pants.  While Officer Tate was canvassing the encampment area, he observed movement from under a blanket.  Tate ordered the possible suspect to stand up. The suspect complied and as he stood up, Officer Tate observed the suspect was wearing dark pants and no shirt.  The officer, however, noticed that the suspect appeared to be out of breath and was sweating profusely. Tate detained the suspect and requested unit to conduct a field show up.  During the field show up, the victim positively identified the suspect who took his property.  Further investigation revealed that the suspect committed a burglary from the victim’s residence and not a robbery. Officer searched the location where the suspect was feigning sleep and he recovered a green shirt and jewelry which the victim identified as his.
 
Officer Tate was commended for his quick response, attention to detail and a thorough investigation that resulted to an immediate arrest of a predator and recovery of the victim’s stolen property.

Crime Prevention Tips
Many crimes can be prevented if you trust your instincts. If you suspect something is wrong, or if a situation seems dangerous, you may be right! Do not dismiss suspicious people, cars or situations. Report them immediately to the police and have them investigated. Avoid dangerous situations. Do not invite trouble. Use your best judgment about where you go and what you do. Lastly, work with law enforcement officials in your neighborhood.

Since community involvement is the best crime deterrent that a neighborhood can have, we encourage you to join a Block Club or Neighborhood Watch.  If you do not have a Block Club or Neighborhood Watch in your area, start one. Get to know your neighbors and watch out for each other.  For more details, call Senior Lead Officer Floro Pinzon at 213-793 0722.

Community Events/Meetings
On October 5, 2009, Pinzon attended the scheduled 104th Street Block Club meeting. Officer Pinzon discussed the crime trends and burglary problems around the area. He also gave the members some crime prevention tips.

On October 7, 2009, Officer Pinzon attended the monthly Community Police Advisory Board (C-PAB) meeting. Pinzon discussed the robbery and burglary problems along the safe passage routes.

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

Crime Trends
Robberies are occurring on Central Avenue between 108th Street and Imperial Hwy. These robberies were occurring between the hours of 12:00 PM and 6:00 PM. The suspect would approach a female and use bodily force to take her property. The suspect would then flee eastbound on foot.  The suspects have used bodily force. 

Senior Lead Officer Yanez and officers assigned to the basic car are providing extra patrol in the area. Southeast Detectives are working on identifying the suspects involved.

Commendable Capers by Officers and Citizens
Nickerson Gardens Housing Development has been plagued with gang and narcotics activity.  These gang members use these units to sell narcotics.  Officers received a complaint regarding drug activity at apartment 391.  Senior Lead Officer Yanez verified with Housing Authority that the unit was vacant.  Southeast GED unit was informed of the problem.  On October 8th 2009, Southeast GED Officers conducted a vacant unit check.  2 were arrested for sales of cocaine, over $5600.00 dollars and over 118 gross grams of cocaine was also recovered from the location.  

The officers’ are commended for their quick response, observation skills and attention to duty.

Community Events
The next Nickerson Gardens Resident Management Council meeting will be held on Wednesday, November 18, 2009, at 11:00 o’clock AM at 11251 Compton Avenue.

The Watts Gang Task Force meeting is held every Monday at 10:00 o’clock AM at 10221 South 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 Figueroa Street between Imperial Highway and 104th Street.  The area is being plagued with Robberies and GTA’s (Grand Theft Auto).  The area has heavy pedestrian and vehicle traffic due to apartments, motels and it also parallels the 110 Freeway.  LAPD Southeast patrol units, Gang Enforcement Detail and Vice Units are working hard to make the area safer for the community.  However, community involvement and being aware of your surrounding is the best tool to reduce crime.

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 13, 2009, 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.  

Please contact Senior Lead Officer Stewart for the date of the next meeting for the108th Street Block Club located at the Community Church, 10611 S Hoover St. 

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

Crime Trends:
Residential burglaries have been on the significant increase in reporting district 1849.   The area hardest hit by these crimes has been Imperial Courts.   Do not become a victim of this crime! When you leave your residence, ensure that ALL of your doors and windows are secure. Be vigilant of your surroundings when leaving and arriving at your residence and as always, please report all suspicious activities that you observe.

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 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:
Officer Young encourages all residents in his basic car 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 p.m.  Please come and get involved in your community!

Also, the Watts Gang Task Force meets every Monday morning at 10:00 a.m.  The meeting is held at the City Councilwoman Hahn’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!

Officer Young will be holding a community meeting on Thursday, November 12th, 2009.  The meeting will take place at the San Miguel Catholic Church, in the auditorium.  The address is:  2214 E. 108th Street.  All community members of the area are encouraged to attend.

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 was a significant decline in robberies partially due to citizen calls and patrol officers consistently monitoring our targeted areas. There has been an increase in residential burglaries, stolen vehicles and burglaries from motor vehicles. Suspects are committing these crimes primarily in the early morning to afternoon hours. Stolen vehicles that are being targeted are Toyotas, Honda Accords and Nissan, all small compact vehicles. In addition to home burglaries, vehicles that have items of value are being broken into. The areas that have an increase in activity are near or adjacent to the 105 freeway, from Central Avenue to Main St.

Commendable Capers by Officers and Citizens:
Due to the recent trend of property crimes occurring in our area, several senior lead officers in Southeast Area conducted a task force. Our primary goal was to monitor and make arrest in the areas being hit hard by burglaries, stolen vehicles and burglaries from motor vehicles. The senior lead officers set out early in the morning conducting surveillance. The task force was a success having arrested 8 individuals for misdemeanors and one for a felony crime. In all 9 suspects were arrested, four citations for traffic violations were given and several identification cards were completed. Each individual arrested had an extensive criminal history which displayed numerous property crimes in their history. These officers should be commended for their attention to duty, tactics and arrest procedures while arresting 9 repeat criminals. With this type of effort it should impact the high crime areas and send a message of zero tolerance for any type of crime attempting to be committed. The senior lead officers are dedicated to the community and will continue this type of work ethic to keep our community safe.

Crime Prevention Tips:
Due to the increase of property crimes, make sure to lock and secure your homes and vehicles. Items of value should be taken out of your vehicles and secured inside your home.  Large shrubbery, bushes and overgrown trees should be trimmed and maintained.  Don’t make your home or vehicle a target.

Community Events/Meetings:
The 118th Street Block Club will hold their monthly meeting on November 11th.  at 6:00 o’clock p.m.  The location will be at 353 E 119th St. 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 October, 2009, there were no homicides in Basic Car Area 18A97 (Imperial Highway to the Artesia (91) freeway and Vermont Avenue to Figueroa Street).  During the period of October 1st through October 27th, 2009, there were a total of 59 Part I crimes (Homicides (0), Robberies (7), Aggravated Assaults (7), Burglaries (9), Grand Theft Auto (14), Burglary from Motor Vehicles (12), Rapes (0), Grand Theft from a Person (0), and Thefts (10).  One of the areas most affected by crime was the area in the vicinity of Rosecrans Avenue and Vermont Avenue.  Mondays and Fridays, followed by Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays were the days of the week when crimes were most frequent.  The time when many of the crimes took place was from midnight to 6:00 a.m.

Commendable Officers / Community Members
Over the years, Ms. Terreah Dietel has devoted much of her free time to organizing neighborhoods for the purpose of improving the quality of life in the affected communities.  Ms. Dietel has organized large community clean ups and other community events in the Gardena Gateway community, in the Harbor Division of the City of Los Angeles and in other areas.  Ms. Dietel has repeatedly mentioned that she loves the Gardena Gateway and that her heart is with helping children and adults in any way possible.  Ms. Dietel is a founding member of the Gardena Gateway Community Club (GGCC), and her efforts in this club have helped to produce significant reductions of crime and in noticeable enhancements to the quality of life in the Gardena Gateway of the City of Los Angeles.  Ms. Terreah Dietel, for all your hard work and generous contributions, please accept our deepest appreciation and our best wishes!

Crime Prevention Tips
Recently, there were a series of “chain snatches” in the area of Rosecrans Avenue and Vermont Avenue and in other areas in the Southeast community.  The holiday season is upon us, and it is important to increase your alert level when out in public.  If you wear jewelry, consider not wearing it or concealing it when you are out in public during this season.  Exposed jewelry makes for an easy target for robbery suspects.  Additionally, consider the times and places where you will be using your mobile phone.  Mobile phones are some of the most commonly stolen items from victims when they are in public.  If you must use your mobile phone when out in public, you might want to stop walking and place yourself in a position that allows you to see who is looking at you while you are on the phone.  Finally, when you go shopping or to the bank, take a look around when receiving money.  There have been suspects who followed their victims home from a shopping location and/or the bank and robbed them at their home, when the victims felt more secure.  Please have a safe and enjoyable holiday season!

Community Event/Meeting
The next Harbor Gateway, North Neighborhood Council meeting will take place on Tuesday, January 26, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. at 135th Street Elementary School at 801 West 135th Street.  As always, you are all invited!