Northridge West Neighborhood Council, NWNC Northridge West Neighborhood Council, Unity in Our Community, NWNC
In response to a series of home burglaries in a very small area of Porter Ranch starting the first week of January, Capt. Kris Pitcher, Commanding Officer of LAPD Devonshire Division offers these crime prevention tips.
The burglaries have been occurring on weekdays, between 7:00 am and 4:00 pm. The suspects are driving around residential neighborhoods, knocking on doors and burglarizing house when it appears that no one is home. They are entering through unlocked doors, windows and garage doors. The suspects appear to be after expensive jewelry and other valuables. The LAPD’s concern is that a resident will surprise a burglar in the act.
Lock all doors and windows, including back doors and garage doors when leaving the home.
Make sure sliding glass doors have strong working locks or an extra bar or locking pin.
Record the serial numbers of electronics and computer equipment, and keep in a secure location. This can help police in their investigations.
Secure jewelry and other highly valuable items in a safe, locked box or other secure place.
If you are home alone and do not wish to answer the door when someone knocks, acknowledge verbally that someone is at home.
Do not confront suspicious individuals.
If you observe suspicious activity in your neighborhood: Call 911 (emergency only) or (877) 275-5273 and continue to monitor the activity from a safe distance if possible. Try to obtain a physical description of the person and vehicle, including license plate.
If you have additional questions or can provide any information about these crimes: Please call Devonshire Division Burglary Detectives at (818) 832-1194, weekdays between 6:00 am and 4:00 pm. Evenings and weekends, call the Devonshire Division Watch Commander at (818) 832-0633.
