Crime

Crime Update: Vehicle Burglary Reported in Canyon

There have been numerous thefts of tools from white work vans over the past year throughout Glendale.  We had never had one in Glenoaks Canyon, until November 25.  Sometime overnight, while parked on the street, a white Chevy Express van was entered and tools were stolen in the 2200 Block of East Glenoaks.  The owner said he was certain the van was locked, but no signs of force was located.

If you or someone you know owns a similar vehicle, let them know that they are being targeted. If they are looking at vans in the canyon, assume they are looking for other victims!  LOCK YOUR CAR and REMOVE ALL PROPERTY FROM SIGHT!  If they see something that looks like it may have value, they will shatter the window and take it (empty gym bags, computer cases, GPS cords, change in the console, sunglasses are just some of the items we have had stolen from cars in driveways and on the street in Glendale).

During the holidays, remove all packages from the car and have neighbors fetch your package deliveries whenever possible.  Don't put letters in the mailbox at home to go out and retrieve your mail promptly.  We are seeing a huge increase in MAILBOX THEFT.  If thieves take something with your information on it, they will steal your identity or wash and cash your checks. Report suspicious activity to : 818-548-4841

A Message Regarding Recent Mail Theft in Chevy Chase Canyon

From Officer Sue Shine of the Glendale Police Dept.:

 

Neighbors,

I have been receiving multiple reports of thefts from mailboxes and we have had some arrests where mail was recovered in possession of the suspects.  Right now, they are occurring up in the Chevy Chase Canyon area and seem to be targeting street mounted boxes in the overnight hours.  Locking boxes are being pried and some mail has been found discarded in cul-de-sacs.  Some people are reporting fraud attempts on their accounts.  As the holidays approach and more felons are released from custody due to the Early Release Program, package deliveries and postal boxes are tempting targets.  Below is the message I sent to the folks being hit by these thieves to provide guidance.  At this time NO THEFTS HAVE BEEN REPORTED IN  GLENOAKS CANYON.  This is a preventative message because it is likely that, unless they are caught, the thieves will move on soon.

What can you do?

  • Check your box or, if you are not at home all day, ask a neighbor to pick it up for you.
  • Never put mail to go out in your box (take it to the post office)
  • If you are home during the day, open the blinds and curtains and look outside to see if anyone walks by.  Call if you see anything unusual!  Not only will this discourage mail theft, but burglars will think twice too.
  • CHECK YOUR STATEMENTS ONLINE IMMEDIATELY.  Make sure no one has gained access to any accounts

Mail theft is a tricky crime to prosecute.  If you know you are a victim, you may report it directly to the Postal Service as theft from the mailbox is a federal crime.  The two ways to do this are to call: 877-876-2455 (select option #5) or online at: U.S. Postal Inspector.

If you are a victim of identity theft, bring whatever documents confirm this to the station or call to have an officer respond to your home (818-548-4841)

Officer Sue Shine 
East Command, Lead Officer 
Glendale Police Department 131 North Isabel Street 
Glendale, CA 91206 Office: (818) 937-8769 | Cell: (818) 402-4523 
Fax: (818) 409-7013 | E-mail: sshine@ci.glendale.ca.us

Mail Theft Reported in Chevy Chase Canyon

The Chevy Chase Estates Association website is alerting residents about reports of mail being taken from mailboxes on Buckingham. Head on over to their website to read a statement by Officer Sue Shine about the incidents and some tips to help this from happening to you. [link]

Please note that no incidents of this kind have been reported in Glenoaks Canyon.

Crime Alert

Yesterday afternoon, a Glendale resident reported a group of people assertively walking onto their property, making inquiries about rentals and asking to look in back yards.  The incident occurred near Verdugo Woodlands School.  Last month, a male claimed to be from the "Water Company" near Adventist Hospital and attempted to gain access to the home and yard of the resident.  Based upon the description of the individuals, the method they are using to gain access, and the out of state plate obtained yesterday (Ohio), it appears we are experiencing new gypsy scams.  Some of these scams will appear legitimate (door to door sales of fertilizer, driveway repair solicitors, "city" workers doing inspections), but all types are criminal. Many use multiple people, including children in an effort to confuse or distract the victim.  Other groups will use numbers and force their way into a home after their ruse has failed.  The goal is to relieve you of cash or property. What can you do?  If anyone comes to your yard or door soliciting ANYTHING, ask for their City of Glendale Permit.  Chances are, that will be enough for them to move on.  If you see them going door-to door and suspect criminal intent, see if there is an involved vehicle and write down the plate.  Then call (818) 548-4841 to report the details of the scam to dispatch.  Please be patient if it takes us awhile to respond.  We are responding to calls citywide and it may be some time before an officer can break to respond.  If you have the description and a license plate, your statement should be all they need.

If you would like more information on what our City Clerk does permit, or to verify one shown to you, their number is: 818-548-2090

Reminder: Neighborhood Watch Meeting Tonight

Come join Officer Sue Shine and your Glenoaks Canyon neighbors for a Neighborhood Watch training and burglary prevention meeting.

While the crime in our canyon is extremely low, the Glendale Police Department wants to help us institute a neighborhood watch program so we can keep our canyon safe for all of us.

The meeting will be held on June 29, 2011 at the Joe Bridges Clubhouse in Glenoaks Park.

Agenda:

5:30 - 6:00 Arrive early for introductions

6:00 - 7:00 Burglary prevention slideshow/Crime overview

7:00 - 7:30 What is Neighborhood Watch?

7:30 - 8:00 Meet neighbors and sign up

Click here to see the Flyer.

Neighborhood Watch Training and Information Meeting June 29th

Come join Officer Sue Shine and your Glenoaks Canyon neighbors for a Neighborhood Watch training and burglary prevention meeting.

While the crime in our canyon is extremely low, the Glendale Police Department wants to help us institute a neighborhood watch program so we can keep our canyon safe for all of us.

The meeting will be held on June 29, 2011 at the Joe Bridges Clubhouse in Glenoaks Park.

Agenda:

5:30 - 6:00  Arrive early for introductions

6:00 - 7:00  Burglary prevention slideshow/Crime overview

7:00 - 7:30  What is Neighborhood Watch?

7:30 - 8:00  Meet neighbors and sign up

Click here to see the Flyer.

[UPDATE] Neighborhood Watch Meeting Cancelled

Officer Sue Shine and GOCHA have decided to cancel Thursday evening's meeting due to the conflict with Glenoaks School's Open House.  It will be rescheduled and we will let you know the new date as soon as it has been arranged.  Sorry for the last minute notice but we want the kick off meeting to be as well attended as possible.  Thank you for your interest in this new program. We will see you soon.

Glenoaks Canyon Neighborhood Watch Program Being Initiated

Officer Sue Shine from the Glendale Police Department will be at Joe Bridges Clubhouse at Glenoaks Park this coming Thursday, May 26th from 6-8 PM to help us set up a Neighborhood Watch Program here in the canyon. Hope you can join us for this important meeting.

Glendale Police Warn of Callers Posing as GWP Reps

The Glendale PD has issued a bulletin to all Glendale Water & Power customers. It has been reported that GWP customers are receiving calls from 818-548-3301.  Callers are identifying themselves as the Glendale Community Hotline and asking customers to pay a balance they owe over the phone with a credit card to avoid service cancellation the same day.  So far, callers are stating their names are Linda James or Michelle Williams.  This is not standard GWP procedure.  Payments are not taken over the phone. If you receive a such a phone call, DO NOT give out credit card or other personal information.  Please write down any information the caller gives you, and then call GWP at (818) 548-3300.  Please share immediately with any GWP customers that you know.