In recent area crime news, SSA Security and the Hancock Park Homeowners’ Association, Est. 1948, sent out an account of a scary attempted break-in yesterday, in the 600 block of Lillian Way…but thanks to quick thinking by the homeowner, the incident ended in the suspect’s arrest. According to the HPHOA report:
“The information indicates the burglary suspect removed a screen from the residence, which caused an audible alert inside the house. The homeowner looked out the window and saw a man on the side of her house. She told him to leave and instead, the suspect removed the screen on the crawlspace vent on the side of the house and crawled under the house. The homeowner immediately contacted LAPD who responded with dispatch.
When the LAPD officers arrived, they located the suspect located under the house and made the arrest for burglary (459 CA Penal Code).”
The report goes on to note that “the homeowner was wise to have their alarm activated during the hours that one would be asleep. The suspect, while attempting to enter, activated the alarm by taking the screen off, which was alarmed.”
In additional good crime-related news, there are now nine new police officers on patrol in LAPD’s Wilshire Division. According to Wilshire Division Senior Lead Officer Dave Cordova, the new staff is part of a citywide reassignment effort that has put nearly 200 officers who were on special task force duty back out onto street patrols. Meanwhile, Olympic Division Senior Lead Officer Joe Pelayo told the Buzz that Olympic Division also received nine new officers in January.
City Council Member David Ryu issued a statement lauding the increased patrols:
“As a City Councilmember, the peace and safety of Council District Four is my number one priority. I have long called for increased LAPD patrols and more resources to the Wilshire Division to respond to the concern of burglary and act as an active crime deterrent. I’m thrilled to see these resources added to the Wilshire Division, and specifically to serving Hancock Park,” Councilmember Ryu said. “This makes a world of difference in stopping crime – but residents also have a role to play in keeping our community safe. Homeowners should always keep doors and windows locked, and alarms set when leaving the house or going to sleep.”
And according to the HPHOA’s message, “some residents have already noticed more LAPD car presence.”
