Mission Police Officers Partner with Community Businesses to Prevent Store Thefts NA15233aj

WHAT: A press conference introducing an initiative to educate the public on the possible long lasting and negative consequences of “Beer Runs.”

WHEN: Tuesday, December 8, 2015 1:00 p.m.

WHERE: Mission Community Police Station 11121 North Sepulveda Boulevard Mission Hills, CA 91345

WHO: LAPD Captain Todd Chamberlain, Mission Area Commanding Officer Albert Melena, San Fernando Valley Partnership

WHY: “Beer Runs,” is a slang term used when a suspect walks into a store, takes alcohol and walks casually to the counter as if to pay. The suspect will then quickly run out of the store, stealing the alcohol. While this may appear to be harmless fun and a simple crime, the suspect who commits this crime could face jail time, injury or death. Many of these thefts can quickly turn into felony crimes of robbery when force or fear is used during the commission of the crime. The documented force or fear is often related to the suspect attempting to flee the establishment in order to avoid arrest.

So far this year, there have been 99 “beer runs” at local convenience stores within Mission Area. There is a collaborative initiative between law enforcement, city government and the community to prevent these crimes. It is the goal of this campaign to make our communities safer for our business owners and customers.

CONTACT: For more information, please contact Police Officer Michael J. Scott at 818-456-6416.