Tonight I joined Councilmember Tom LaBonge and Captain Lance Smith of the LAPD's Northeast Division to give a community update on a recent string of robberies in the Silver Lake and Echo Park neighborhoods. In most cases these robberies included the brandishing of a weapon (primarily knives), and several victims were actually harmed in the robbery.
In Silver Lake, since January 29, there have been four incidents in the area around Hyperion and Rowena in the last week. The suspects are target single males.
In Echo Park, since December 30, there have been six incidents in the area around Sunset and Alvarado. These suspects also target single males.
These incidents are a reminder that even at a time when our city's crime rate is at a historic low, we still must be vigilant in our neighborhoods.
The Los Angeles Police Department is working to stop and prevent more of these crimes, and I want to thank them for their efforts. They have increased patrols in these areas. They also encourage people walking in these areas to walk with another person, particularly if it is dark, and to walk along well-lit paths.
The safety of our neighborhoods is my top priority. My office will continue to work with LAPD and Councilmember LaBonge to monitor the situation.
If you have any information about any of these incidents, please report them to LAPD Northeast Division so that we can bring the perpetrators to justice.