New Sherman Oaks Senior Lead Officer Offers Car Locks to Prevent Thefts

The new Los Angeles Police senior lead officer for Sherman Oaks, Trent Berry, offered some new advice to the Neighborhood Council about how to prevent auto thefts—and he offered a solution for $12.50.

“We have seen an increase in property crime in the area, particularly in auto thefts,” Berry told the Sherman Oaks Neighborhood Council.  “And to prevent car break-ins, it’s best not to keep purses, wallets and laptops in plain view. Suspects will break a car window and take it, day or night.”

He explained the LAPD’s “” program that encourages people to be aware of locking their cars and keeping their belongings by hiding it from view.

He also said that people could buy the car bars to prevent auto thefts by coming to the Van Nuys police division for $12.50 —exact change preferred. The station is at 6240 Sylmar Avenue in Van Nuys.

Berry is the second Senior Lead Officer for Sherman Oaks. He is replacing retired George Aguilar. Berry represents the area north of Ventura Boulevard, north to Magnolia and over to Van Nuys Boulevard.

SLO Ron Carter represents the southern area and hills of Sherman Oaks.

Neighborhood Council member Anthony St. John said he was concerned about the recent spike in crime, especially burglaries.

Berry told about a  recent incident where a woman and her grandchild didn’t answer a knock at the door at 8:30 in the morning, and they didn’t answer, so they kicked in the back door while she called 911.

“You don’t want them to come into the house, so it’s best to just say your there through a closed door and acknowledge them because they’ll go away,” Berry said.

Council vice president Jeff Ebenstein said he is concerned about homeless encampments at some of the abandoned shops along Ventura Boulevard.

“There are broken windows and graffiti,” Ebenstein pointed out. The officers said they are stepping up patrols in the area.

If you see some suspicious activity in the area, call: 877-ASK-LAPD, not 911. If you need to contact one of the officers, their information is below.

North Sherman Oaks Basic Car 9A63

Senior Lead Officer Trent Berry

Cellular (Field) Telephone 818-731-2563

E-mail address: 27270@lapd.lacity.org

South Sherman Oaks Basic Car 9A89

Senior Lead Officer Ron Carter

Cell Phone (818) 731-2565

E-mail: 23838@lapd.lacity.org

The Sherman Oaks Neighborhood Council meets on the second Monday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at the Sherman Oaks Elementary School Auditorium one block south of Ventura just east of Kester.