A Roundup of Aug. 31 Encino Community Neighborhood Watch Meeting

Officer Robert Trulik, the Senior Lead Officer (SLO) of the West Valley Police Department, hosts monthly neighborhood watch meetings at the Encino Community Center. Trulik runs through the recent crimes in the area and teaches residents how to protect their property and be proactive. The following is a roundup of last month's Neighborhood Watch Meeting.

CRIME: What is it?

Crime is opportunity (what you give them) and motive (money).  "Our community is one of the safest in L.A.," he said, before describing the neighborhood crimes for two hours. "Our officers more proactive, have better technology and don't deter our residents from reporting crime."

BREAK-INS: Homes and apartments at risk

On average, two to three homes are broken into south of Ventura Boulevard. Most home burglaries are committed by amateurs who find an open or unlocked door or window, or drug abusers who take advantage of a home's week defenses. Trulik warned residents not to hide their jewelry in their master bedroom or underwear drawer—those are the first places a criminal will look. "They get 10 years sentence if you're home," he said. "But if you're not there, it's just probation."

PORN: Window of opportunity

Though it hasn't happened in 6 to 8 months, but there's been one recent incident in the hills. A child living next door looked out his window and saw the taping going on outside in his neighbor's backyard. His parents were outraged that their child was exposed to the scene. "The law states that you can film porn in your home," Trulik said. "Again, it's a First Amendment issue; we can't discriminate against adult film production as long as they abide by the conditions of their permit."

CAR THEFT: During your workout

Twice a week, a car is getting broken into at gyms and health clubs in Encino and it's been going on for about two months. You can't bring a gym bag to Bally's, Trulik said. So you must use lockers or your car for storage. The problem is that criminals are watching you throw your briefcase, purse, laptop, wallet and jewelry into the car before your workout. As soon as you enter the gym, they know they have about an hour to steal al of your belongings. "Don't have a $5 lock protecting $7,000 in jewelry either," Trulik said. "There's no need for you to be wearing high end jewelry to the gym." It took about five months to identify suspects. And the only reason why, Trulik said, is because they started using victim's credit cards.

REMODELS: Open houses invite thiefs

Job site theft is a problem in Encino that is costing residents and construction companies thousands of dollars. "There were four incidents in July and about three in August," Trulik said. Everything from tools and appliances to air conditioners and pallets of cultured stone are being taken. The problem isn't limited to new houses under construction—a home remodeling job is just as vulnerable. Like most burglaries, job site theft typically is a crime of opportunity. Secure your tools and materials and schedule your deliveries appropriately.

FORECLOSURES: Only if it's an eyesore

As foreclosures sweep the nation, crime, vandalism, and decay threaten the suburbs. If you see foreclosed homes in Encino with problems like overgrown lawns, unsafe properties and pools and broken windows, contact your SLO.  "By law, you can't walk away from your home," Trulik said. "If you know of a foreclosed home and it's an eyesore, and only if it's an eyesore, there are some things LAPD can do to be proactive."

SCAMS: "Bobby's been arrested in Mexico!"

There is a new scam making the rounds in the Encino community. The scammers target our elderly neighbors and have information on grandchildren and/or children. They call the victims and tell them that a child or grandchild as been arrested in Canada or Mexico and they must send bail to get the family members out of jail. Several members of our community have been targeted by this scam. Victims of this scam have lost anywhere from $2,500 to $4,000 per person. If you get a phone call about a family member arrested outside the United States, confirm with family members and call your SLO. "Because once you send your money overseas, it's gone and there's nothing the police can do about it," Trulik said.

YARD SALES: Got Change For a $50 or $100?
There's counterfeit money changing hands all the time, don't get scammed. Get one of those counterfeit detector pens and learn how to use it.  Trulik showed residents how to hold their five-dollar bills up the light and find the authentic ribbons that say USA FIVE USA FIVE. (Try it: the ribbon runs vertically and is intersects the Federal Reserve seal on the left hand side).

THEFT: A thorny issue

Trulik informed residents that he's seeing several reports of stolen cacti. Apparently, they are stealing the cactus to use for cooking.

RECYCLING: It's costing the city

As Encino residents dutifully put out their garbage and recycling on the curb for pickup, small trucks idle in front of home while strangers dig through the bins stealing trash they aim to turn into treasure. "Our economy is down $12 million because people are stealing city revenue," Trulik said.

IDENTITY: How to hang onto it

With vehicle thefts on the rise, don't leave your mail (bills, credit card statements, etc.) in your car. Because strangers are sifting through recyclables and trash, make sure you shred important documents. Consider buying a locking mailbox. Only shop online through secured sites.

PARKING IRRITATIONS: Unhitched advertising trailers and RVs

Residents voiced their concern over the unhitched advertising trailers in our community. "The city tried to ban them, but it's a first amendment issue," Trulik said.

SIGNS: Discourage the bad guys

Are you interested in having neighborhood watch signs on your street?  Visit the National Neighborhood Watch Institute Web site. Signs and other crime prevention materials are bought by the public for the public.