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Crime Alerts
Click Here for info on Anonymous Crime Reporting to the LAPD via Text-A-Tip & TIPSOFT Web Tips
LAPD Northeast Division and Senior Lead Officers
Al Polehonki 213-793-0763--Lenny Davis 213-793-0762--Gina Chovan 213-793-0713
You can get the latest crimemap info by going to http://www.lapdcrimemaps.org/
and selecting the area and time period (sample shown below)
You can also get e-mail updates on area crime by signing up for e-policing www.lapdepolicing.org/

For the year 2009 the biggest crime problem in the Franklin Hills vicinity remained theft, especially theft from motor vehicles. The trend continues into 2010. Look at all the maroon dots on the map above. Please heed the reminder to lock your car, do not leave valuables in sight and park in your garage if possible. A recent LA Times story pointed out that theives were watching customers of Apple computer stores and then following their cars until they parked again and then stealing the computers.
It's important if you are the victim of theft, or any other crime, report it to the police. Our area senior lead officers believe that only about half the thefts in our area are actually reported. Since police resources are allocated on the basis of need, shown by reported crime statistics, every unreported crime gives the bad guys more chances to do it again since the needed police resources will be elsewhere.

Recent Crime Reports

VEHICLE BREAK-INS / BICYCLE THEFTS / ST. GEORGE BURGLARY - 7/20/2010
"During the Week of July 11th to July 17th, there was a surge of vehicle break-ins and bicycle thefts. Most of the bikes taken were from under car apartment garages that had locks on them.
"Items taken within this period are cameras, lens, bikes, electronic devices, computers, garage door openers, laptops, television, cellphone and currency. Please be reminded not to leave valuables in plain sight and lock your vehicles.
"Locations were SOME of these theft incidents occurred: 1900/2000 blk of Rodney Drive, 3900/4300 blk of Los Feliz Blvd, 2000 blk of Hillhurst, Finley and Catalina, 4600 blk of Clarissa, 1300 and 2600 blk of Glendale blvd."

On July 13th, 2010, a burglary occurred on the 2900 block of St. George St., during the hours of 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm. Suspects open unsecured front window, entered and removed property. A witness observed the suspects in the complex but did not call the police department. Suspects were described as 2 male Hispanics, about 506-508 tall, 150 pounds, in their 20's, wearing hoodies.
"As a reminder, please secure your homes even if your leaving for a short time. Make sure alarms and surveillance equipment are in working condition. Please share crime trend information with your neighbors and lookout for one another. If you see suspicious activity call the police department immediately!!! "

BICYCLE THEFTS - 3/10/2010
Recently there has been an increase in bicycle thefts in these areas. The suspects do surveillance in the area and see which garage doors are unlocked or open. The suspects are removing bicycles and other property from these garages. Please remember to close and lock your garages, even if you are home.

ANTI THEFT CLUB $11 3/5/2010
From LAPD Northeast station Capt. Bill Murphy: "We have officially started the Northeast "11 for 11" program. This is a Grand Theft Auto (GTA) reduction program where we will sell you an official "CLUB" steering wheel locking device for $11 (retails at $30 and above) if you pledge to spend the 11 seconds it takes to put the CLUB on your car!
"We began this program with a group of police volunteers who reviewed all of our stolen vehicle crime reports over the past 18 months. They were tasked with identifying all 1990s model Honda and Toyota vehicles stolen over this time period (these types of vehicles account for over 50% of our GTA crime). A list of these victims was generated and a letter was send out to them explaining the "11 for 11" program and encouraging them to purchase a CLUB. For victims that are economically disadvantaged, we may even give it to them for free (this is done on a case by case basis - donations to BLEND help support this).
"We are also working very closely with the Churches of Northeast and our Police Clergy Council to spread the word about the "11 for 11" program. They will be selling the CLUB during church services to increase the distribution.
Anyone interested in purchasing the CLUB can come to Northeast Station, 3353 San Fernando Road, Monday through Friday between 8 AM to 4 PM. As we are not a business, we ask that you have either the $11 in cash or make a check out to "BLEND." This is a one for one program - one CLUB for one person. We want to avoid someone walking into the station and buying 20 CLUBs - only to sell them on the street or at some swap meet for a profit. Remember, we are doing this to reduce auto crime. Thanks for your support!"

STREET LIGHT OUTAGE - WIRE THEFT? 2/10/2010
Last night residents near Prospect & Deloz and Franklin & Hollyvista reported street light outages. In December many Franklin Hills street lights went dark because of the theft of copper wire which is sold for scrap.

A resident near Franklin & Hollyvista e-mailed FHRA: "Once again, our lights are out on Hollyvista and I suspect it may be because of another theft. On Tuesday Feb 9 I noticed a white "cherry picker" truck at the corner of Franklin and Hollyvista." A quick check with the Bureau of Street Lighting this morning could find no record of such a service call by their personnel.

Bureau of Street Lighting, Assistant Division Manager, Jeffrey Ziliotto warned, "thieves have been observed in regular vehicles: a red truck, a red van, and a green truck, in different parts of the City and in other cities. One of the vehicles even had a City seal. The Bureau's vehicles are either yellow (typical City issued vehicle) or white (rental vehicle), with or without the City seal. We urge the citizen to call the authorities for anything that appears to be suspicious, even if it is our crew. Our employees each carry their City issued identification."

HOME INVASION ROBBERY 2/3/2010
LAPD Senior Lead officer Al Polehonki says police are looking for help in a recent mid-morning robbery in the 4100 block of Wanda Pl. "Suspect entered victim’s unlocked residence. When the victim confronted the suspect, the suspect pointed a black handgun at victim and bound his hands with a zip tie. Suspect then searched the victim’s house for approximately 5 to 6 hours while victim was left in a room and checked on by the suspect. Suspect had taken money, DVD’s and some costume jewelry from the victim’s residence. Victim believed he had seen the suspect at his residence two other times looking for work.
Suspect: Male, Hispanic, 5'09", 160lbs, 25-40 years old, dark jacket, dark jeans
Northeast Robbery Detectives are looking for other area residents who may have been approached by the same suspect around the same time frame. Any additional suspect or vehicle descriptions would be greatly appreciated. Please feel free to contact Det. Jones, northeast Robbery at (213) 847-4270."

GRAFFITI February 2010
There has recently been graffiti tagging on the Shakespeare bridge and nearby around Franklin & St. George. One resident e-mailed us about some ominous signs: "Driving home around 8:30 PM (Friday), revealed a gold spray mark drawn through the first [graffiti] marker, This is a known usual challenge to the first perp of the crime. It seems that our hill is now going to be in for a lot of trouble with vandals."

CAR BREAKINS January 2010
We have also gotten car break-in reports from Udell Ct., and a Deloz Ave. resident sent this e-mail last month "Just want everyone to know that our car was broken into (AGAIN) right in front of our home. The burglar obviously knows how to open a locked car without breaking a window. Everything was stolen from the glove box and back seat. So, do not keep anything of importance in your car!"

2009 CRIME STATS
LAPD Northeast Division Capt. William Murphy reports: "Good News: Part I [serious]crime Down 30.3%, Homicide Even (0 Crimes), Rape Down 100% (2 vs. 0), 459* Down 45.8%, Larceny Down 16.6%, and the best number BTFV* Down 51.2% (67 less crimes). Great numbers here.
"Needs Improvement: AGG* Up 18% ( 2 more crimes), and GTA* Up 16% (7 more crimes)."
Due to Federal Court orders thousands of prisoners are expected to be released in the coming months. Capt. Murphy writes: "As of right now, we are being told that the prisoners (if released) will be non-violent offenders. This means that they probably went to jail for property-related offenses such as GTA, BTFV, 459, or narcotics charges. Unfortunately, property crime happens to be NOE Area's biggest crime problem - auto-related crime alone accounted for 52% of our crime - and we may very well get dozens or even hundreds of these types of prisoners released onto our streets. Know that we are already planning for this and will use every prevention, intervention, suppression, and re-entry strategy available to keep you safe and your quality of life high."
*(Crime Terminology, 187: Homicide, 211: Robbery, BTFV: Car break-in, GTA: Car theft, AGG: Shooting, stabbing, or assault not resulting in death, 459: Burglary of a residence or business, 261: Sexual Assault, rape)"

The official stats are just part of the story. In a meeting with community groups Northeast Senior Lead officers estimated that as much as half of crimes such as auto break-ins go un-reported. And while that might make the figures look good, it hampers officers in the battle against crime which increasingly relies on accurate statistics of where crime is occurring to allocate resources for prevention and enforcement. Even if the police response to your call doesn't lead to immediate results the information over time may help prevent future crimes in the area.

ATTEMPTED KIDNAP OF KING MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENT
A 14 year old female student at Thomas Starr King Middle School attacked about 7 a.m., near the corner of Santa Monica Blvd. and Hoover St., a man approached her from behind, grabbed her at the waist, covered her mouth, and attempted to kidnap her. The student fought, elbowed and kicked him and he fled in a 2008/09 dark gray Honda Accord with dark tinted windows. The suspect is Hispanic between 30-40 years old, 130-140 lbs., 5’6” - 5’7” tall, and unshaven. Northeast LAPD Robbery Detectives are seeking additional information if anyone saw anything please call (213) 847-4270.

Mail Theft

Responding to reports of mail theft from homes in the area LAPD Senior Lead officer Al Polenhonki sent along these helpful tips of activity to watch out for, remember and report to the Police:

"The suspects that engage in this kind of activity may be following the carriers around as they make their deliveries. During the holidays, we had several reports of thefts involving Fedex deliveries. Several suspects were apprehended and booked.
Please be a good witness and call 911 if you happen to see any of the delivery trucks being followed. The suspects will be easy to spot when they stop to pick up the packages right after the driver leaves. Most drivers can't see the activity because of the large trucks and limited visibility.
A suspect / vehicle description, license plate and direction of travel would be very helpful."

And of course having a locking mailbox, or mail slot through a door or wall is a way to help safeguard your incoming mail.

Watchful Residents = Arrests

On September 30, 2008, a resident in the 2100 block of Lyric Ave. noticed a prowler in the back yard and called 911. The radio report was received in the patrol car of the LAPD Senior Lead Officers (SLO) assigned to the Franklin Hills area. Officers Al Polehonki and Lenny Davis (who replaced recently retired, SLO Sam Salazar) just happened to be patrolling the area along Lyric near Hyperion. The reporting resident, still on the cellphone waved to them as they passed. Then they heard the radio give the description of a shirtless, heavily tattooed, male Hispanic, 5'10" 200lbs, and they spotted him heading down the hill. When he saw the police car, he began to run and was arrested after a short chase ending along Griffith Park Blvd. between Lyric and Scotland. This obviously wasn't his first police encounter. Officer Polehonki reported the suspect's rap sheet is 50 pages long with arrests for drugs and burglaries. Until this arrest he was a "parolee at large" meaning he had failed to report to authorities as required.
A great example of what can be done with timely teamwork between observant neighbors and patrolling police. Without putting yourself in danger, the advice from the SLOs is to make yourself a good witness. Make a mental note of the suspects' physical description, license plate/vehicle description, etc. so that the info you report has a higher chance of leading to an arrest and making our neighborhood a safer place.

LAPD Senior Lead Officer Gina Chovan reports there is a high rate of property crimes in the Franklin Hills and Los Feliz areas. There were 8 burglaries in the week from 8/11/08-8/18/08. The crimes have occurred between 6am and 6pm. Five of the eight involved cutting through screens on open windows at the rear of homes. The suspects are described only as two black males seen in a maroon sedan. When you leave home please remember to close and lock all doors and windows.

Another series of crimes occurred over the weekend of August 9th, where 6 businesses along Vermont and Hillhurst were vandalized with broken windows and two reported property stolen in the nighttime hours.
Officer Chovan suggests that high quality surveillance cameras can be a real help in catching this kind of criminal. If you have them turn them on, or at least have good lighting to make it harder for the evil doers to go unnoticed.

At the FHRA annual Meeting in June 2008 LAPD Senior Lead Officer Al Polehonki noted that recent arrests had greatly reduced the number of car break-ins in the general area. But it continued to be a prevalent problem. At 3am on July 15, 2008, LAPD arrested another suspect who reportedly admitted to at least three car breakins. Office Polehonki reports that "GPS is the big item right now" and suggests everyone make a note of the serial numbers of all valuable items so if you do have to make a police report of a crime, when police find your stuff in pawn shops etc. they can make a case and you can get your gear back. Photographing valuable items such a jewelry is also very helpful. He also pointed to a very interesting video on YouTube that shows a very methodical overnight burglar checking out cars for their contents in nearby Silver Lake. Click here to watch the video Although several in this theft ring were arrested, there are plenty more still hunting, so it's important to remember not to leave things of value in the car and if possible hide it in your garage.

In late July 2007 we received reports of home burglaries in the Franklin Hills and Silver Lake where neighbors have spotted a Black Mercedes sedan with tinted windows and 3 male occupants. Additional reports indicate others have seen such a car loitering in the area recently perhaps its occupants planning their next caper.

Also in late July 2007 we received the report below written by a resident on Vermont north of Los Feliz

"While my husband and I were at work two guys showed up at around 2 p.m. at our house. They were wearing white construction hard hats. They were driving an off white large pick up truck - possibly a Ford or Toyota truck." (The men were described as being in their late 40's one an African-American with a pock marked face, the other a white man had a short beard.)

"They told my housekeeper they had an appointment and needed to inspect the house and did not give a company name. She asked for their business card but they refused but still wanted to inspect the house. She said that the owner was not available and to come back in 15 minutes. They didn't come back.

"Our neighbors' housekeeper had the same experience on the same day except she let them into the house where they went about checking doors and general security. The owners were not there and when they found out they were quite upset.

'Obviously these people were not who they said they were and could be a danger to the neighborhood. We did not get a chance to photograph them but we are going to keep a camera at the front door in case they return. If anyone could get one - that would be helpful."

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Restaurant and bar owners, recently there has been a rash of restaurant and bar robbery take downs. The method used by suspects are, they come in two or three at a time. They prefer restaurants with alleys to the rear. They appear at closing time when employees are closing businesses and there are few customers in the restaurant.

Suspects enter OPENED back doors. They come in armed, very calm ordering employees and customers to the kitchen. One suspect is a lookout and the other suspect(s) orders everyone to remove jewelry, money, property and place on the table. Sometimes suspects go through victims personal pockets. All suspects are wear ski masks. Once suspects remove property they leave in a vehicle.

Approximately 15 robberies have taken place since March 2006 to August 2006. And 49 restaurants in total, in the past two years. The most recent occurred on the 4600 block of Hollywood Blvd. Suspects prefer restaurants/bars that are local (attempting to avoid sophisticated surveillance equipment). No definite suspect information at this time.

Halloween evening, about 9:30 PM, an alert community member observed a tagger spray painting on numerous garages in the alley that parallels St. George St. just off Rowena. A radio call was generated and the tagger was followed as he continued to tag along Rowena heading toward Ivanhoe Elementary School. Officers responded and captured the 15 year old male subject whose hands were covered with paint. The officers photographed 16 locations that had been tagged. He admitted to each one.

He was cited and will soon be working off his community service hours with Officer Colenzo painting out graffiti. This subject appears to have been working the Marshall High School area for quite some time. He is now retired. Our continued thanks to community members that share in our frustration with this type of criminal activity and go the extra step by making that call.
Just thought Id let everyone know about this one,
SLO Al Polehonki

The LAPD is asking for the public’s help in stopping a recent rash of residential burglaries in the Los Feliz and Franklin Hills areas.

Senior Lead Officer Gina Chovan reports there have been a dozen burglaries in just the last two weeks, committed during daytime hours…between 7am and 5pm. Additional police reports indicate that in some cases the thieves shut off electric power and ransacked the homes.

The current description of the suspects is “two black males between the ages of 14 and 20.” They have been seen in a “green late model Toyota,” but the police don’t have a license plate number. That’s why Northeast detectives are seeking your help. If you have seen, or do see, such a vehicle and occupants you are asked to call the LAPD’s Northeast Division 213-485-2563 with a license number and any other information such as location and more descriptive details of the car’s occupants. As always, do not approach any possible suspects, or put yourself in any dangerous situation.
POSTED 8/23/05 6:50PM

TWO TYPES OF ROBBERY TARGETING ELDERLY:

1) Elderly Distraction Burglaries have been increasing lately. Senior Lead Officer Al Polehoni reports on February 22,2005, “a 90 year old female was approached at her residence by a female white in her mid 30`s that claimed to be looking for her lost cat. While the victim was distracted, a male in his mid to late 30`s entered her residence and began to ransack the bedroom. When the victim realized what was happening, she confronted the male suspect and a struggle ensued. The victim sustained a cut on her arm but was able to flee and obtain help at a neighbors residence. " Decoys also pretend to be utility workers or other service personnel.

“Witnesses describe the suspects’ vehicle as a white full size GMC pick up truck with an unknown California license plate. It also appears that the suspects may have actually prowled around the victims property before making contact with her. Although this crime occurred in another part of our division, the suspects / vehicle may be seen again. Should anyone see a similar vehicle and suspects loitering and or / prowling around please call 911. Anyone with license plate information on full size GMC pick up trucks that are white in color can contact:
Det. Martha Ramos at (213)847-4270, Det. Escontrias at (213)485-2524 or
SLO Al Polehonki at (213)793-0763.”

Take a look at the flyer the LAPD put out last fall with 3 suspects pictures and more details.

2) Senior women leaving banks and supermarkets (Albertsons most recently) have been the target of a robbery suspect described as a 6' tall, 300lb black man who follows victims on their way home and picks a secluded spot to attack. Crimes have occurred at midday. Suspect has been seen on Commonwealth Ave.

AUTO THEFT AND THEFT FROM MOTOR VEHICLES:
A rash of Thefts from Motor Vehicles may have ended with the October 9th arrest of a white male/ female couple in a stolen Audi. They are believed responsible for our area's sharp increase in car break-ins, but they were helped by many of their victims who left valuables...purses, cell phones, cameras, etc...in plain view inside their cars. Checkout the LAPD flyer on how to reduce the chances of such a crime.

LAPD's Northeast Division also has some help on making your whole vehicle harder to steal. They have theft deterring clubs available to the public. For details click here for the LAPD flyer.

$50,000 REWARD FOR THE HYPERION BRIDGE RAPIST:
The suspect is still eluding capture after several attacks, many on area students heading to school. Councilmember Tom LaBonge through the GGPNC has financed a surveillance camera on the Hyperion Avenue Bridge to help in the hunt. For the suspect's sketch and more details click here.

FRANKLIN HILLS HOME BREAK-INS
An FHRA member reports there were homes broken into the week of July 19, 2004, on Monday, Tuesday and Friday in the area around DeLongpre and Mayview. All the break-ins were during daylight hours and the suspect is described by one of the victims as being: “about 20, Latino, with a mustache and possibly a long ponytail. He wears a hooded sweatshirt in the warm PM, and is very bold. He will probably continue to hit our neighborhood until he's caught.”

It is also reported that he has stolen items such as CD’s a calculator, water from a refrigerator, but has passed up more valuable items in plain view. He has broken in by forcing open gates, breaking windows etc. The crimes have been reported to the LAPD.

If you actually see a potential crime in progress call 911.
If you have less urgent info call the LAPD’s Northeast station at 213-485-2563,
or our Senior Lead Officer, Al Polehonki at 213-793-0763

Keep your eyes and ears open and your gates, windows and doors securely closed and locked and we’ll all be safer. If you'd like to form or join a Neighborhood Watch group email: FHRA@FranklinHills.org

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