NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH NEWS

DEVONSHIRE Senior Lead Office (818) 363-1726

Dear neighborhood watch members,

This is a follow up email to the alert I sent out a few weeks ago regarding increased residential burglary activity in the Granada Hills and Porter Ranch, particularly affecting the areas North of Rinaldi Street.

The Burglaries are occurring during the daytime (generally between 9AM and 4PM ). The method of operation revolves around an initial door knock followed by a forced entry from a side or rear window/door. Property being taken is jewelry, money, firearms and at times electronics.

Based on some witness accounts there is not one particular suspect responsible for these crimes. Instead it appears there are several crews (generally made up of at least 2 or 3 individuals) carrying out the burglaries.

As a reminder, the best way to prevent these crimes is to always remain alert and vigilant with a genuine interest not only in protecting your property but your neighbors as well.

Look for vehicles and activity which is unusual for your neighborhood. Take the time as you go in/out of your home to scan the street; you are looking for something that looks out of place.

It could be a parked vehicle with people just sitting in it; it could be an unfamiliar vehicle in a neighbor's driveway; it could be a pedestrian going from door to door.

If you see this type of activity pay attention and evaluate the situation. The question is "what do you think is going on?" If you suspect criminal activity don't hesitate and phone the police right away.

Use 911 for all emergencies and crimes in progress. Use the direct dispatch line for all non-emergency calls by dialing 1-877-275-5273.

Everyone should have the direct dispatch number on their cell phones. Do not call Devonshire Desk or any other number to get police response. You should only be using 911 or direct dispatch, depending on the urgency of the situation.

Don't confront or expose yourself to danger. Don't leave your front door open or unlocked but do announce you are home if you get a knock on the door.

I'll be up in the Porter Ranch area this Saturday to do some community outreach. Rest assured the police department is using every possible available means to address this issue and apprehend the people responsible for these crimes.

I'm reviewing crime and patterns on a daily basis, doing follow ups on possible leads and deploying police resources for the areas affected.

You may see increased black and white presence or plain vehicle/undercover officers operations. I've also solicited air support patrols and as a result you may see the helicopters up more often.

As an tenured officer and for many years as a local resident of the area I can tell you that police presence makes a huge difference in crime affected areas.

Bad guys know where cops live and don't want to be where the police is present, plain and simple. It is not just a coincidence that when police activity decreases or officers move out of the area crime increases. And right now we are living through difficult economics times that impact crime in several different ways.

On the same token local residents play just as big of a part by being alert, being visible and reporting any suspicious activity to the police.

I'm out in the field in a marked police vehicle for most of my shift mainly during the weekdays patrolling the affected neighborhoods. Don't hesitate to waive or to approach me if you any questions or concerns.

My cell phone number is 818 634-0577.

Standing by my oath to always protect the righteous,

Best regards to you all . SLO Dario Del Core