City leaders warn shoppers of crimes of opportunity; Supervisor Barger allocates $1 million for increased patrols
The City of West Hollywood on Tuesday sent out some shopping safety tips as the "hustle and bustle" of the holiday season descends upon us.
During a press conference, West Hollywood Mayor pro tempore Sepi Shyne issued a warning to potential crooks: "The message to anyone that may be wanting to come and cause harm is don't even try it."
City leaders say they've taken measures to make ensure public safety this holiday season with the West Hollywood Sheriff's Station conducting their Holiday Community Safety Patrol operation, as well as city's Block by Block Security Ambassadors providing increased foot patrols in popular areas.
"We can even have an ambassador follow from a very safe distance, so that at least long enough for us to communicate with the Sheriff's Department and give them an exact location so they can make an arrest," said Block by Block Security Ambassador David Aguilar.
Deputies issued a series of tips to help prevent crimes of opportunity:
- Lock your car and hide your valuables in the trunk. Keep recent purchases out of sight,
- Stay alert to your surroundings. Park in a safe, well-lit place. Don't overburden yourself with packages and be cognizant of who's around you,
- Watch your packages. Get a camera if they're delivered to your home, or consider getting a locker/P.O. box for deliveries instead,
- Light up your house. Add motion-sensor lights as an added security measure,
- Hang onto your purse or backpack. Don't leave it on the back of a chair while dining or in a shopping cart,
- Keep your wallet and cell phone in your front pocket to avoid being pickpocketed,
- Watch your drinks when out at a bar and be mindful of leaving with people you don't know. Don't over-imbibe, whether it's alcohol or legal cannabis, as consuming even small amounts may leave you vulnerable,
- Secure your luggage. If you're visiting from out of town, don't leave luggage unattended or where it can be seen,
- Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Pay with a check or credit card whenever possible,
- Don't walk around with your head in your phone. Look up and know what's going on around you.
LASD Captain Bill Moulder advised the public to stay vigilant, and if you do find yourself the victim of a crime to try and get to a safe place and call 911 immediately.
"Be a good witness, whatever you can see -- a description of clothing or vehicle is really important if they can get that -- but nothing to put themselves in harm's way," he said.
Moulder also made sure to note that no one should attempt to be a hero by confronting suspects.
On Tuesday, Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger was also amongst those working to increase security, pledging $1 million of discretionary funding to local sheriff's stations in her district in order to boost patrols and deter crime.
"This month's busiest holiday shopping days are quickly approaching and the threat of increased criminal activity is real," she said in a statement. "Last year's smash-and-grab crime wave taught us we need to be ready to prevent theft before it happens. The funds I'm allocating to sheriff stations in the Fifth District will help provide more law enforcement patrols and increase their presence in the communities I represent."
The funds will be distributed to Altadena, Crescenta Valley, Lancaster, Palmdale and San Dimas sheriff's stations.
"Everyone deserves to feel safe during the holidays, whether they work in retail, are out shopping for loved ones, or simply enjoying time off at home," the statement said.
She said that last year's rash of smash-and-grab robberies and follow-home robberies taught them that they need to be ready this time around.
"It's unfortunate we have to take those steps, but that's just the reality of where we are today," she said. "We all know what we need to do to stay safe, but this is going to be one more tool to make sure we have extra eyes on our malls and small businesses throughout the 5th District."
Newly-elected Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna issued a statement in regards to Barger's decision to assist in public safety.
"With Supervisor Kathryn Barger's significant financial support, we will be increasing high visibility patrols in the unincorporated areas in the Fifth District, in an effort to deter crime and provide for a safer shopping experience," the statement from LASD said. "As always, we encourage the public to be aware of their surroundings, keep valuables hidden out of sight when parking their vehicle, and report any suspicious activity to their local sheriff's station."
