Burglaries Are on the Rise in Some Areas

As the temperatures rise, there is a tendency for many homeowners to leave their windows open and not secure their doors. However, police warn no matter how hot it gets, it is best to exercise caution.

Burglaries have been on the rise of late in Echo Park, according to Los Angeles Police Department Detective Mario Mota of the Rampart Division.

He said many of the suspects have been taking advantage of open windows and unlocked doors to steal from area residents. It is never a good idea to leave your home vulnerable, according to Mota.

“If you’re going to leave your residence, please lock and secure your window,” Mota said. “Take the extra measure of locking your windows, and make sure they are locked securely.”

He also warns that residents should remove valuables, including cell phones, from their window sills as burglars have been known to steal them from there as well. Many of the burglaries have occurred in recent weeks south of Temple Avenue around Douglas Street and on Park Avenue, according to Mota.

“It’s not going away,” Mota said. “It just seems to be taking place more steadily now.”

Sergeant David Legaspi of the LAPD Hollywood Division agreed that residents leaving windows open can be problematic and make them targets for burglars.

However, in Hollywood, residential burglaries have not been on the increase as much as car break-ins have, according to Legaspi.

He said this is especially true because of the significant homeless population in Hollywood.

No matter where you live, police say safety should always be the top priority.

“Keep windows and doors secure, and report suspicious activity,” Mota said. “Keep an eye on your neighbor’s property.”

To report a crime in your neighborhood, call Crimestoppers at (800)222-TIPS, or (800)222-8477.

For crimes specific to Echo Park, call Detective Mario Mota at (213) 484-3034 or 213 484-3490.