Los Angeles city officials say that they're cutting down on burglaries despite multiple reported break-ins in the San Fernando Valley and other areas.
On Tuesday, officials with the Los Angeles Police Department revealed in a news conference that there was a 30% drop in burglaries in the past year with more than 100 people arrested, including members of burglary crews from South America.
LAPD Deputy Chief Gerald Woodyard told reporters it’s an ongoing challenge to find and arrest suspects.
“We are aware that the burglary crews are highly organized and sophisticated, and we are constantly adjusting our strategies to counteract their tactics,” he said.
Mayor Karen Bass, who is running for re-election , said it takes more than just police on the streets to make people feel safe.
“Preventing crime from happening in the first place is why I started an office of community safety so that we could work in communities and in neighborhoods that are at risk and we can be very aggressive in our efforts to prevent crime,” she said.
Chief Woodyard also urged residents to take extra steps when it comes to preventing burglaries.
“Get to know your neighbors. You know your community better than us, and if it does not work, if it doesn't look right, say something,” he said. “Lock doors and windows. Yes, even the small bathroom window. Trim your trees and bushes in front of your house. Put away tools that can be used to gain access to your home, such as a ladder. Join a neighborhood watch. Be the eyes and ears of your community.”
Police are also stressing that people avoid posting to social media photos showing they are on vacation and consider upgrading alarm systems.
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