The LAPD’s Wilshire Division command staff and detectives met with approximately 35 community members on June 22 in the Melrose District during “LAPD On Your Corner.”

Wilshire Division Capt. Rolando Solano discussed crime concerns in the Melrose District with residents at “LAPD On Your Corner,” an event organized by the Melrose Action Neighborhood Watch. Also pictured is Det. Joe Alves, head of the Wilshire Division’s Burglary Unit. (photo by Edwin Folven)

The meeting was organized by the Melrose Action Neighborhood Watch and included presentations by Wilshire Division Capt. Rolando Solano, Det. Joe Alves, senior lead officer Inga Wecker and others. Neighborhood prosecutor Mehrnoosh “Nooshi” Zahiri, from the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office, and John Darnell, a field deputy for Councilman Paul Koretz, 5th District, also discussed their roles in assisting the community.

Officers spoke about recent crimes in the Melrose and Fairfax Districts, primarily residential burglaries and auto break-ins. Alves, who heads the division’s burglary unit, said residential neighborhoods generally experience an increase in break-ins at the beginning of summer because people leave windows open. He suggested residents take precautions such as keeping windows and doors locked, and installing cameras and security devices to make homes and apartment less likely to become targets.

Wecker, Zahiri and Darnell discussed recent issues involving large crowds of people standing in line on Fairfax Avenue for product releases at shoe stores catering to young people. Wecker said the LAPD has received complaints about public urination, trash and people blocking sidewalks, and police are assigning extra personnel for crowd control. Zahiri said she is working with the owners of the shoe stores to make sure authorities are notified before the product release events are held, and so that the owners are taking steps to make sure the large crowds obey the laws. Solano said the LAPD will continue to increase the police presence in the Fairfax District to address the problems.

Other topics of discussion included the role of the Wilshire Division’s narcotics and gang unit, homelessness and crime prevention. Authorities encouraged residents to call 911 if they witness a crime in progress, and always to report crimes to the Wilshire Division at (213)473-0476.

Peter Nichols, co-founder of the Melrose Avenue Neighborhood Watch, said he hopes to make “LAPD On Your Corner” a regular event. For information

on future events, visit www.melroseaction.com.is a misdemeanor.