On July 18th, over two dozen Rollingwood residents attended a presentation by Los Angeles County Deputy Sheriff Derek Clotworthy (Community Relations Deputy for the Lomita Sheriff’s Station) and Jessica Slawson (Assistant to the City Manager of the City of Rolling Hills Estates).
After an introduction by RHOA President Judy Bayer, Deputy Clotworthy reviewed crime trend statistics in Palos Verdes and discussed the department’s efforts to reduce property crimes. At current staffing levels, the Lomita station has response times below the L.A. County average (a good thing). Deputy Clotworthy also discussed types of property crimes and their perpetrators. Burglaries are committed by lone actors or by organized crime teams. Sometimes they use Wi/Fi jammers to defeat security video camera systems. They frequently target homes adjoining horse trails or similar paths of entry. After the burglary, an escape driver is frequently waiting in the street in front of the property to evacuate the crew.
To protect your home, “hard-wired” security camera systems were recommended over “Wi-fi” systems. Also, “motion-detector” lights and “smart house timers”, randomly turned on lights and TVs help to make the home look lived in. A resident dog is also another way to discourage burglars who are scouting target homes.
Deputy Clotworthy also discussed the recent problems with juveniles riding electric bicycles and electric motorcycles. New laws dealing with the subject are in development, and the Sheriff’s Department is making educational visits to schools to inform children about safe riding techniques and the dangers of riding the ebikes which must conform to the California DMV codes.
In response to a resident’s question, Deputy Clotworthy provided the Lomita Sheriff’s station business telephone number, (310) 539-1661, for non-emergency issues. For a crime being committed, or for an injury incident, the 911 number should be used. The standard rule, “If you see something, say something”, still applies. There are two deputies manning the 911 and (310) 539-1661 phone numbers at the Lomita station. Deputy Clotworthy asked for patience when making calls to the station as phone lines frequently are busy.
The Sheriff’s Department continues to provide a “vacation watch” service operated by volunteers who check on unoccupied homes. Pursuant to RHE City Code, home solicitation is illegal. To report a violation, you may contact The Sheriff’s Department or the City of RHE. Regarding stolen vehicles, the Lomita station has the best rating in LA county for recovery of stolen vehicles due to the automated camera systems mounted throughout Palos Verdes. The quick download of a stolen vehicle’s description and even a partial license plate number to all law enforcement patrol cars has been a significant benefit. The limited number of streets entering and leaving Palos Verdes also helps the deputies.
Jessica Slawson brought up another important Neighborhood Watch issue: detection of
wildfires. The City of Rolling Hills Estates has smoke detection devices in place throughout the City that are in constant contact with the L.A. County Fire Department. This system continues to work well in detecting fires (including residential fires) and extinguishing them.
Jessica also mentioned the semi-monthly Neighborhood Watch meetings sponsored by the City and encouraged Rollingwood residents to join NW and to attend the meetings when possible.
Please call President Judy Bayer (310) 375-0012 if you would like more information about the Neighborhood Watch program.