The equestrian officers will provide a high-visibility police patrol around the Griffith Observatory and will interact with visitors. (photo by Edwin Folven)

The Los Angeles Police Department will deploy its Mounted Unit to the Griffith Observatory as part of an increased police presence at the popular destination. Officers on horseback are expected to provide a highly visible police presence on Friday, April 14, and will be deployed at the observatory throughout the coming weeks.

The deployment is part of a crime suppression effort around the observatory, where auto burglaries and thefts commonly increase during the busy spring and summer tourist seasons. The LAPD’s Northeast Division is also increasing patrols in Griffith Park to augment the officers from the Mounted Unit, who will be interacting with visitors while providing high visibility patrols.

Motorists are warned to not leave any valuables in sight inside parked vehicles and to always close car windows and lock doors. People are urged to report crimes in progress by calling 911, and to report suspicious activity by calling the LAPD’s Northeast Division at (323)561-3211 and (877)ASKLAPD. ­