Captain Sean Malanowski Commanding Officer Los Angeles Police Department Foothill Division

Foothill Area’s residents as well as the Officers, who so proudly serve their communities, have reason to celebrate in 2014. Crime within our area decreased once again by 2.1%. This equates to about 80 less victims of crimes as compared to 2012. Violent and gang crimes continued to decrease also. Our goal for the year 2014 is another decrease of 3%. As far as the numbers go, this means that we must work to ensure that we have no more than 70 crimes per week in the Pacoima, Sun Valley, Shadow Hills, Lake View Terrace, Sunland-Tujunga areas. Together, we can make this happen. Neighborhood and business watch is the key. If you see something, say something. Contact the Foothill Senior Lead Office to become a member of Neighborhood Watch.

The fastest growing crimes in all of Los Angeles id Identity Theft. With people’s personal information being stolen by thieves and hackers, all of us are vulnerable.

Identity theft involves acquiring key pieces of someone’s identifying information. This information enables the iden- tity thief to commit numerous forms of fraud which include taking over the victim’s financial accounts, opening new bank accounts, purchasing automobiles applying for loans, credit cards, Social Security benefits, renting apartments and establishing services with utility/phone companies.

If you become a victim of identity theft:
• Contact all credit companies by phone and writing in order to inform them of the problem.
• Contact all creditors by phone and in writing. Equifax (800) 685-1111, Experian (888) 397- 3742, and Trans Union (800) 916-8800.
• Set up a folder to keep a detailed history of this crime. • Keep a log of all your contacts and make copies of all documents.
• Notify the Unites States Postal Inspector if your mail has been stolen or tampered with. (Postal Inspector 626-405-1200)
• Notify the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The FTC is the federal clearinghouse for identity theft complaints. (www.consumer.gov/idtheft)
• Lastly, help yourselves by: opting out of pre-approved credit lists (888) 567-8688;
• Remove your name from Direct Mail Lists www.the-dma.org; and Remove your name from telephone lists at www.the-dma.org.

Your community police station members wish you a happy and SAFE New Year!