Tag: crime

SANTA MONICA—The Santa Monica Police Department was awarded $6.125 million in state grant funding to enhance efforts to combat organized retail theft in the region Governor Gavin Newsom announced this week.

Funding will directly support the ongoing targeted, innovative, and technology-based efforts by the SMPD to improve safety for residents and business owners.

“We are glad that the state has joined forces with local agencies to acknowledge that organized retail theft doesn’t just affect large corporations — it hurts our small businesses, puts employees and shoppers in danger, and it creates feelings of unease and fear in the community,” said Police Chief Ramon Batista.

In an email to Canyon News, Lt. Erika Aklufi noted that further establishes the Santa Monica Analytical Real-Time Center, or SMART Center, which will bring together technology and support staff to synthesize and interpret real-time data to strategically allocate police resources to address crime throughout the region. The SMART Center will help aggregate data and coordinate police response by using existing and coming technology including:

• Closed-circuit television cameras and a video management system
• Automated license plate readers, both mobile and at fixed locations
• Unmanned aircraft systems that can respond to incidents quickly and start collecting information for officers
• Live911, a program that allows officers to hear 911 calls as they are being received

“There is no understating the benefit our entire community will realize with the establishment of the SMART Center. This cutting-edge hub of information will increase the effectiveness and efficiency of public safety in Santa Monica,” Batista said. “The SMART center will support proactive police work that can prevent crime, acting as an additional layer of safety, identifying crime as it happens.”

Santa Monica was one of 38 local law enforcement agencies awarded funds through the Organized Retail Theft (ORT) Prevention Grant Program. This initiative compliments the continued work the SMPD is doing locally by adding focused deployments in major shopping areas and in conjunction with other local agencies — including joining the Los Angeles County Retail Theft Task Force created to collaboratively address high-profile retail theft incidents.

“Promoting a Clean and Safe Santa Monica is a top priority to support the safety and wellbeing of all who live, work and visit our great city,” said City Manager David White. “I commend the Police Department for the work they’ve already done securing this grant and look forward to seeing the tangible impacts of this funding and future strategic initiatives.”

By Trevor

TOPANGA CANYON—The Los Angeles Police Department are hunting for the suspects involved in a “Flash Rob” style theft that occurred at the Nordstrom store inside the Westfield Topanga Shopping Center on Saturday, August 12th.

The LAPD reported the incident occurred after 4 p.m. at the store located at 21725 Victory Boulevard. Over 30 people entered the establishment and started grabbing merchandise. More than $300,000 in merchandise was stolen from displays near the entrance of the store.

The suspects ran from the store, ransacking shelves and display tables as they took merchandise. The suspects were wearing ski masks and fled with high-end handbags, clothing, and other re-saleable items. One suspect, after entering the store, sprayed bear spray on the face and body of the security guard at the entrance.

In video that has been posted on the internet, the masked individuals can be seen storming the store and grabbing items on displays damaging property along the way as they exited the establishment. The store was also targeted in 2021.

Similar incidents have occurred at high-end retailers like the Louis Vuitton store at Union Square in San Francisco in 2021. Last week, thieves targeted an Yves Saint Laurent establishment in Glendale, California. In June 2023, Westfield Mall in San Francisco announced it would stop paying a $558 million mortgage because of the decline in sales in the region. Other retailers like Whole Foods, Old Navy and Nordstrom are also leaving the downtown San Francisco area.

The LAPD is combing through security footage to identify the suspects involved. Anyone with details on the incident or other incidents like this are asked to contact the Commercial Crimes Division, Organized Retail Crime Section, Detective Santander at (818) 374-9420. During non-business hours or on the weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247).

Individuals wanting to submit videos or information about the incident via e-mail, send the information to ORC@lapd.online. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous can call the LA Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (1-800-2228477) or go directly to www.lacrimestoppers.org.

By Trevor

WEST HOLLYWOOD—The city of West Hollywood announced in a news release that on Tuesday, August 1, community members will gather on neighborhood streets in a show of unity against crime to celebrate the annual National Night Out.

Block parties, barbecues, dancing, live entertainment and other things will occur in West Hollywood. Attendance is free. There will be limited street closures during National Night Out; these will occur on Tuesday, August 1, from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. A list of events, times, and event locations is being regularly updated on West Hollywood’s website at www.weho.org/nno as the event approaches.

The year 2023 marks the 40th Annual National Night Out (NNO), which started in 1984 as an effort to promote involvement in crime prevention activities, law enforcement, community partnerships, and neighborhood camaraderie – and to send a message to criminals that neighborhoods are organized against crime.

Nationwide, over 35 million people in neighborhoods across the country gather outdoors to celebrate their unity and their successes in the fight against crime. Celebrating National Night Out has been a tradition in West Hollywood since its incorporation.

National Night Out 2023 participants include members of the West Hollywood City Council, Neighborhood Watch groups, the West Hollywood Gateway, and West Hollywood’s Public Safety Commission and Russian-Speaking Advisory Board. Events will be held in coordination with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, the Los Angeles County Fire Department, and the City of West Hollywood.

For more details contact Jessica Anukam, West Hollywood Public Safety Specialist, at (323) 848-6436 or at janukam@weho.org For people who are Deaf or hard of hearing call TTY (323) 848-6496.

SANTA MONICA—A first-quarter crime report released by the Santa Monica Police Department, on May 25, shows that crime, both serious and petty increased compared to 2022 first-quarter results. While calls for police service decreased by 7 percent compared to last year’s first quarter report, there were 259 more arrests.

According to the 2023 first quarter report, there has been an increase in Part I crimes, which include “homicide, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, larceny, grand theft auto, and arson.” There were 149 more reports (a 14 percent increase) of Part I crimes than the 2022 first-quarter crime report. 

Larceny accounted for a considerable portion of the increase in Part I crimes. Included in the 2023 first quarter report were 180 incidents of auto parts theft, 81 percent of which were stolen catalytic converters. The most targeted type of vehicle for catalytic converter theft was the Toyota Prius.

A new ordinance approved by Santa Monica City Council last week aims to discourage catalytic converter theft. The ordinance will make it illegal to possess a catalytic converter that is not attached to a vehicle unless documentation can prove lawful possession. Proof may take the form of a bill of sale or legal intent to use in an auto repair shop. An individual without valid proof may be fined $500.

Domestic violence has risen by 19 percent, and rape reports increased from eight incidents to 13 compared to the 2022 first quarter crime report. For information on getting help, identifying abuse, or making a plan for safety visit https://www.thehotline.org/get-help/.

Part II crimes such as simple assault, DUIs, fraud, vandalism, and narcotics increased by 119 crimes (a 19 percent increase) compared to the 2022 first-quarter report. 

Although vandalism accounts for the highest number of incidents in the Part II crime category, incidents of vandalism have dropped from 182 in 2022 to 175 in 2023 during the first quarter report. Simple assault incidents have risen to levels seen in 2019, with 174 incidents reported during the first quarter of 2023.

By Paige Strickland

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On Monday, May 16 the West Hollywood City Council approved a motion to add four positions to the city’s budget for Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department services. The positions include one Entertainment Deputy Policing Sergeant, two non-sworn Public Information Officer/Community Liaison positions, and one Sheriff’s Deputy.

The item is posted as part of the meeting agenda and the meeting is available for viewing on the City’s WeHoTV YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/wehotv.

In June 2022, the city council added 30 unarmed security ambassadors to conduct foot patrol in the neighborhood.

The motion includes an option for the city council to consider adding another sheriff’s deputy following a community safety update meeting in December 2022.

“The safety and well-being of our community is the City of West Hollywood’s top priority. We’re seeing that crime is trending downward in 2023 from 2022 levels. We’re deeply committed to continuing that trend and making sure our city is safe,” said City of West Hollywood Mayor Sepi Shyne. “We are continuing to work proactively with our community safety partners. There are more Block by Block security ambassadors than ever before and our Sheriff’s community policing team is out during days and our entertainment policing team is out at night so that West Hollywood is a safe place to live, work, and visit around the clock.”

The Block by Block Security Ambassadors Hotline provides access to free, 24/7 support by phone at (833) WEHO-BBB / (833) 934-6222 or by phone and text message at (323) 821-8604. For additional information, visit www.weho.org/bbb.

West Hollywood contracts with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department for law enforcement and the Los Angeles County Fire Department for fire protection. For anyone with public safety concerns, contact the Sheriff’s Station 24/7 at (310) 855-8850. In an emergency, always call 911. For additional information about Community Safety programs in West Hollywood, visit www.weho.org/publicsafety.

For additional information about Neighborhood & Business Safety programs in West Hollywood, visit www.weho.org/code.

For more details contact West Hollywood Director of Community Safety Danny Rivas at (323) 848-6424 or drivas@weho.org. For people who are Deaf or hard of hearing call TTY (323) 848-6496.

Written By Rob Aungier and Casey Jacobs

BRENTWOOD— On Saturday, January 9, 2021, A 37-year-old Brentwood man died from multiple stab wounds at his home on Dainty Avenue. Brian A. Bickman died in his house at 800 block on Dainty Avenue shortly around 9:43 a.m.

His son, a minor, was the suspect of the crime. An altercation between the two ultimately resulted in the death of the father. The father was transported to a local hospital where he died from his injuries. The suspect fled the scene by foot, but was detained by police a short distance away. The suspect is in juvenile hall in Martinez and charged with murder. Because of his age, his name can not be released.

The Brentwood Police Department (BPD) released a statement saying, “The son was ultimately arrested and charged with murder. The weapon used during the incident was recovered.” According to Fire Marshal Steve Aubert, Bickman suffered multiple stab wounds to the torso, resulting in excessive blood loss. Bickman was sent to the emergency department at Sutter Delta Medical Center in Antioch.

The BPD also stated, “Our deepest condolences go out to the family and friends impacted by the victim’s untimely death.” Anyone with information regarding this ongoing investigation is asked to contact Detective Jordan Sares at 925-809-7733.

By janette Fu