Public Awareness Message: Street Robberies East Los Angeles and surrounding areas



During the past few months, there has been a notable increase in the amount of street robberies, where gold chains and jewelry have been stolen from victims. Suspects are targeting people who wear visible items of gold/jewelry. Unfortunately, most victims are completely unaware of the suspect until they are confronted. In many cases, the suspect approached the victim from behind and grabbed a gold necklace or chain worn by the victim. Sometimes, the suspect walked directly toward the victim and initiated a face-to-face confrontation.



The majority of victims being targeted are senior citizens and/or children who the suspects can easily overpower and intimidate. The Sheriff's Department is investigating these robberies. However, there are precautions people can take to reduce the chance of becoming a robbery victim.



1. The easiest and most important precaution a person can take is simply not to display any gold or jewelry while in public.

2. Be aware of your surroundings when you are conducting your daily activities, such as shopping, exercising, or simply going for a walk.

3. Stay in groups of two or more, whether you are walking on the street or shopping.



If you are a victim of a street robbery or observe suspicious activity in your neighborhood, call the East Los Angeles Sheriff's Station at 323-264-4151 or, in the case of an emergency, dial 911.



Wednesday July 27th, 2011 :: 04:29 p.m. PDT

http://nixle.com/alert/4714519/



Sergeant Miguel Mejia

East Los Angeles Sheriff's Station

Los Angeles County sheriff's Department

323-264-4151

http://www.lasd.org



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Partner to prevent or report crime by contacting your local Sheriff's station. Or if you wish to remain Anonymous, call "LA Crime Stoppers" by dialing 800-222-TIPS (8477), texting the letters TIPLA plus your tip to CRIMES (274637), or using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org



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