Neighborhood Watch Point Fermin area 11/19/08

Neighborhood Watch Point Fermin area

http://pointferminwatchdog.blogspot.com/

Please forgive me for getting this out a little late. I had foot surgery on 11/19 and have been a little bed-ridden and behind. But I'm back. Carol Anne Schmidt


L.A.P.D. Officer Joe Buscaino was present with special guest City Attorney and Neighborhood Prosecutor, Justin Houterman, (323) 789-2701

Big thanks to Joe for bringing in Mr. Houterman! :)


Officer Joe Buscaino's update:
- Crime report for our area web site —
to receive an up to date interactive map of our area, go to http://www.lapdcrimemaps.org/
type in your address, select date and mileage range to get results

- residential break-in at 3004 South Carolina Street, during the day (time of break-in unknown at this time),
entry -- windows left open
- there has been an increase in grand theft auto and break-ins to automobiles 3% and 4% increase respectively, the police is asking for our help to bring number down on this crime by keeping items out of sight when cars are parked
- theft by misinformation is another crime on the rise, for example, a person will damage a car and ask owner to exchange information and then take their money
- police is asking for a goal of 5% crime reduction, the metro police and motorcycle patrol have been brought in to assist with this goal
- the person who has in the past be caught watching people in the neighborhood is now using a motorized scooter to get around

Joe also briefed us on Quality of Life Issues program
- inspecting catering trucks, closing outdoor restaurants from unlicensed restaurants run from front of homes (quality of life issue), working in conjunction with health inspectors and with Building and Safety Department, making crime arrests,

- narcotic arrests are still being made in our area, meth and meth paraphernalia

-- Officer Joe Buscaino introduced City Attorney & Neighborhood Prosecutor, Justin Houterman who spoke to us
about the Quality of Life Issues

Mr. Houterman is in charge of filing the following issues for the City of Los Angeles, (323) 789-2701 - office
Mr. Houterman gave us a summary of what he does
- recycling theft (although this is not at the top of the list for important issues these still get filed), city realizes this is a concern
- files charges against those who drug deal
- looks into complaints about homes suspected of being used to sell illegal narcotics and abate by closing properties, adding security lighting, request security guards to enforce the law and stop the problems in the neighborhood, usually property owners cooperate with changes that are mandated
- unfortunately, there can be no specific comments concerning ongoing investigations, but, once filed with court it is public information
- Mr. Houterman detailed what happens to properties when there are issues
- be patient, in the civil world the process can be slow due to motions, filings,...
- when to call the police — loud music, drug dealing, fighting, break-ins...
- retribution can be an issue so call police and call anonymously
- restraining orders can be issued

Both Officer Buscaino and Mr. Houterman behooved us to do what's right in our neighborhoods to make them a great place to live and reiterated that the police are here to help us

Update on speed bumps, the City has said it is feasible to put in 3 speed bumps on Carolina Street from 26th to 30th but that 70% of neighbor endorsements will be needed from head-of-household

Joe mentioned that the police has been viewing our blog and interested in http://www.pointferminwatchdog.blogspot.com/


Mr. Houterman commented on cameras in the neighborhoods and that when the new Harbor Division police station opens there will be more information on this

Next meeting:
3rd wednesday january 21st, 2009