Approximately 35 community members joined officials from the Los Angeles Police Department’s Wilshire Division on Tuesday for a Safety Walk designed to address crime and quality of life issues in the Miracle Mile area.

Capt. Eric Davis, commanding officer for the LAPD’s Wilshire Division, discussed crime trends during the safety walk in the Miracle Mile area on Tuesday. (photo courtesy of Paul Lerner)

The event was organized by the Mid City West Community Council (MCWCC), and included participation by members of the Melrose Action Neighborhood Watch and other community groups. The walk began at the Marie Callenders restaurant on Wilshire Boulevard, and proceeded along a loop west on Wilshire, north to 6th Street, east to Burnside Avenue, and back to Wilshire. Capt. Eric Davis, the commanding officer of the LAPD’s Wilshire Division, led the walk and discussed some of the public safety concerns in the area.

Davis said the neighborhood has a very low crime rate, but one of the biggest concerns is auto thefts and burglaries. He said that while officers proactively search for suspects, they are difficult to catch in the act. Davis added that vehicle owners can prevent many of the burglaries by taking precautions.

“It comes down to the tried and true philosophy of prevention,” Davis said. “Don’t leave valuables in plain sight, lock the vehicle and be preventative. These guys (burglars) are on a time clock, and they may come to the area and pass by looking for things that are left out. If they pass by a row of cars and don’t see anything, they move on.”

Paul Lerner, co-chair of the MCWCC’s public safety committee, said the event was the third Safety Walk held since last spring, and added that each time, the council plans to focus on a different neighborhood. He said the turnout was good, and he hopes more people will participate in upcoming safety walks.

Lerner added that one of the issues of concern is transients living in the Miracle Mile area. The group passed a doorway on Ridgeley Drive where a transient was staying, which prompted questions about how the police address issues involving the homeless.

“A person living in a doorway is not an encampment, but it is something that is an issue for community members. There is no quick fix for the homeless problem, and while we recognize it is an issue, there is no one-size-fits-all solution,” Davis said. “Every situation is different, but we work with non-profit groups to try to find out what people need and how we can get them help. There are a small number of transients who are involved in crimes, and we definitely address those issues.”

Liz Sterbenz, a member of the MCWCC who lives on Genesee Avenue north of Beverly Boulevard, said another issue of concern was people parking long distances from their residences because of a lack of parking. She said sometimes crimes occur when people have to walk several blocks, especially late at night.

Davis said the best thing to do is to park in a well-lit area, and to walk in groups if possible. He said very few muggings occur in the Miracle Mile area, but  people should always be aware of their surroundings. Davis added that it is important for people to talk with their neighbors, and share information about crimes when they occur.

“When you do hear about a crime in that area, it should bother you, and that raises awareness,” Davis said. “The more people that are aware of their community and what’s going on, the more people can safeguard themselves. It’s a very good lesson, and remember, when you see something suspicious, call the police.”