Today we met with the police detective who is in charge of our case.
Apparently there have been a number of residential burglaries in the area, with burglars mostly interested in jewelry. The burglars who got into our house took a small drawer from an antique mahogany dresser that contained some golden items (fortunately of not great value). They probably got rid of the drawer soon after leaving our house. A photo of an identical drawer is attached. If anyone on the list finds it, could they email you and you let us know?
You are welcome to circulate this email in its entirety (obviously keeping my name confidential, as you normally do).

OVERALL CRIME CONTINUES TO DECLINE IN COMMUNITIES POLICED BY THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT.

As of June 30, 2010, preliminary reported crime data shows that criminal homicides in Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) patrol areas have decreased by 17.14 percent, compared to the same year-to-date period last year (104 homicides last year compared to 85 this year). This follows a five-year continuous decrease, resulting in nearly half as many homicides as there were five years ago and the lowest homicide rate since 1975. Most notable were decreases in homicides in the Century Station area (which includes the city of Lynwood and nearby unincorporated areas) and Compton Station area (including the city of Compton and nearby unincorporated areas).  Compton Station homicides have reduced by 30.2 percent, with 23 homicides last year compared to 16 this year. Century Station had 19 homicides during the same period last year, as compared to 14 homicides this year, for a 26.9 percent decrease.

Reported incidents of violent crimes (Part I) in 2010 compared to 2009 have declined 3.81 percent, and serious property crimes (Part I) have declined by 4.73 percent in sheriff’s patrol areas countywide. These combine to show a 4.55 percent decrease in overall Part I crimes. Sheriff’s stations experiencing the most significant decreases in overall violent crimes (Part I) over last year included Walnut Station at 35.4 percent, Industry Station at 31.3 percent, Lakewood Station at 16.9 percent and Temple Station at 11.2 percent.

2009 to 2008 full year comparisons of violent crimes and serious property crimes (Part I) reported in LASD patrol areas showed a greater decrease in all major reported crime categories than the national average. Overall, LASD patrol area violent crime decreased 9.8 percent as compared to 5.5 percent nationally. Homicides fell by 12.3 percent, compared to 7.2 percent nationally. Aggravated Assaults decreased by 10.5 percent compared to 4.2 percent nationally. Overall property crimes in LASD patrol areas decreased by 10.1 percent as compared to 4.9 percent nationally. Burglaries dropped by 8.8 percent compared to 1.7 percent nationally, while Arson fell 14.4 percent compared to 10.4 percent nationally.

“The safety of the public is our greatest concern. We encourage the community to enjoy the summer weather, yet we remind everyone that personal safety begins with each individual. The warmer months often bring increased consumption of alcoholic beverages and aggressive behavior by some people. Always be aware of your surroundings and avoid contact with people or groups acting aggressively. If you choose to drink alcohol, please drink responsibly. And if you do drink, don’t drive,” said Sheriff Lee Baca.

PC 211 Robbery

Case # 10024156

SUSPECT:

M/H/17, 5’11”, thin build, short black hair, clean shaven, wearing a blue colored baseball cap with a red bill with a white “A” on the front, blue t-shirt, dark blue skinny jeans and brown, green and blue Addidas tennis shoes.

SUSPECTS SKATEBOARD:         Black skateboard with chipped and peeling black grip tape, bottom of the deck is green and the trucks are black and blue. The wheels are light green with World Industries written on them.

LOSS:         Metro PCS cellular phone, ZTE model, purple in color (nfd).

THIRTEEN THINGS YOUR BURGLAR WON'T TELL YOU:
               I am particularly interested in the part about the wasp spray...

       1. Of course I look familiar. I was here just last week cleaning
       your carpets, paint ing your shutters, or delivering your new
       refrigerator.
               2. Hey, thanks for letting me use the bathroom when I was
       working in your yard last week. While I was in there, I
       unlatched the back window to make my return a little easier.
               3. Love those flowers. That tells me you have taste... and taste
       means there are nice things inside. Those yard toys your kids
       leave out always make me wonder what type of gaming system they
       have.
               4. Yes, I really do look for newspapers piled up on the
       driveway. And I might leave a pizza flyer in your front door to
       see how long it takes you to remove it..
               5. If it snows while you're out of town, get a neighbor to
       create car and foot tracks into the house. Virgin drifts in the
       driveway are a dead giveaway.
               6. If decorative glass is part of your front entrance, don't let
       your alarm company install the control pad where I can see if
       it's set. That makes it too easy.
               7. A good security company alarms the window over the sink. And
       the windows on the second floor, which often access the master
       bedroom - and your jewelry. It's not a bad idea to put motion
       detectors up there too.
               8. It's raining, you're fumbling with your umbrella, and you
       forget to lock your door - understandable. But understand this:
       I don't take a day off because of bad weather.
               9. I always knock first. If you answer, I'll ask for directions
       somewhere or offer to clean your gutters. (Don't take me up on it.)
               10. Do you really think I won't look in your sock drawer? I
       always check dresser drawers, the bedside table, and the
       medicine cabinet.
               11. Here's a helpful hint: I almost never go into kids' rooms.
               12. You're right: I won't have enough time to break into that
       safe where you keep your valuables. But if it's not bolted down,
       I'll take it with me.
               13. A loud TV or radio can be a better deterrent than the best
       alarm system . If you're reluctant to leave your TV on while
       you're out of town, you can buy a $35 device that works on a
       timer and simulates the flickering glow of a real television.
       (Find it at http://www.faketv.com/)
                       8 MORE THINGS A BURGLAR WON'T TELL YOU:
               1. Sometimes, I carry a clipboard. Sometimes, I dress like a
       lawn guy and carry a rake. I do my best to never, ever look like
       a crook.
               2. The two things I hate most: loud dogs and nosy neighbors.
               3. I'll break a window to get in, even if it makes a little
       noise. If your neighbor hears one loud sound, he'll stop what
       he's doing and wait to hear it again.. If he doesn't hear it
       again, he'll just go back to what he was doing. It's human nature.
               4. I'm not complaining, but why would you pay all that money for
       a fancy alarm system and leave your house without setting it?
                5. I love looking in your windows. I'm looking for signs that
       you're home, and for flat screen TVs or gaming systems I'd like.
       I'll drive or walk through your neighborhood at night, before
       you close the blinds, just to pick my targets.
               6. Avoid announcing your vacation on your Facebook page. It's
       easier than you think to look up your address.
               7. To you, leaving that window open just a crack during the day
       is a way to let in a little fresh air. To me, it's an invitation.
               8. If you don't answer when I knock, I try the door.
       Occasionally, I hit the jackpot and walk right in.
                 Sources: Convicted burglars in North Carolina, Oregon,
       California, and Kentucky ; security consultant Chris McGoey, who
       runs http://www.crimedoctor.com// and Richard T. Wright, a
       criminology professor at the University of Missouri-St. Louis,
       who interviewed 105 burglars for his book Burglars on the Job
               Protection for you and your home:
        
       If you don't have a gun, here's a more humane way to wreck
       someone's evil plans for you.  (I guess I can get rid of the
       baseball bat.):
               WASP SPRAY                   A friend who is a receptionist in a church in a high risk area
       was concerned about someone coming into the office on Monday to
       rob them when they were counting the collection.               FROM ANOTHER SOURCE
               On the heels of a break in and beating that left an elderly
       woman in Toledo dead, self defense experts have a tip that could
       save your life.
               Val Glinka teaches self-defense to students at Sylvania
       Southview High School . For decades, he's suggested putting a
       can of wasp and hornet spray near your door or bed.
               Glinka says, "This is better than anything I can teach them."
               Glinka considers it inexpensive, easy to find, and more
       effective than mace or pepper spray. The cans typically shoot 20
       to 30 feet; so if someone tries to break into your home, Glinka
       says, "spray the culprit in the eyes". It's a tip he's given to
       students for decades. It's also one he wants everyone to hear.
       If you're looking for protection, Glinka says look to the spray.
               "That's going to give you a chance to call the police; maybe get
       out."
               Maybe even save a life.                  Put your car keys beside your  bed at night
                Tell your spouse, your children, your neighbors, your parents,
       your Dr's office, the check-out girl at the market, everyone you
       run across.  Put your car keys beside your bed at night.
                If you hear a noise outside your home or someone trying to get
       in your house, just press the panic button for your car.  The
       alarm will be set off, and the horn will continue to sound until
       either you turn it off or the car battery dies.  This tip came
       from a neighborhood watch coordinator. Next time you come home
       for the night and you start to put your keys away, think of
       this:  It's a security alarm system that you probably already
       have and requires no installation. Test it. It will go off from
       most everywhere inside your house and will keep honking until
       your battery runs down or until you reset it with the button on
       the key fob chain. It works if you park in your driveway or
       garage.  If your car alarm goes off when someone is trying to
       break into your house, odds are the burglar/rapist won't stick
       around.   After a few seconds all the neighbors will be looking
       out their windows to see who is out there and sure enough the
       criminal won't want
         that. And remember to carry your keys while walking to your
       car in a parking lot. The alarm can work the same way there.
       This is   something that should really be shared with everyone.
       Maybe it could save a life or a sexual abuse crime.                  P.S. I am sending this to everyone I know because I think it is
       fantastic. Would also be useful for any emergency, such as a
       heart attack, where you can't reach a phone. My Mom has
       suggested to my Dad that he carry his car keys with him in case
       he falls outside and she doesn't hear him.. He can activate the
       car alarm and then she'll know there's a problem. 

PC 211 Robbery

Case # 10024156

SUSPECT:

M/H/17, 5’11”, thin build, short black hair, clean shaven, wearing a blue colored baseball cap with a red bill with a white “A” on the front, blue t-shirt, dark blue skinny jeans and brown, green and blue Addidas tennis shoes.

SUSPECTS SKATEBOARD:         Black skateboard with chipped and peeling black grip tape, bottom of the deck is green and the trucks are black and blue. The wheels are light green with World Industries written on them.

LOSS:         Metro PCS cellular phone, ZTE model, purple in color (nfd).

Laura Morris  Pasadena Police

IN THE PAST TWO WEEKS PASADENA HAS EXPERIENCED THEFTS OF VINTAGE CAST BRONZE STREET LIGHT POLES.  THE THEFTS ARE OCCURRING IN THE SOUTHWEST PORTION OF PASADENA, PRIMARILY ON SOUTH ORANGE GROVE BOULEVARD.