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LAPD Steps Up DTLA Beats, Justifies Jaywalking Tickets
Downtown's Jewelry District (Photo by Alberto Cueto via the LAist Featured Photos pool on Flickr)
Downtown's Jewelry District (Photo by Alberto Cueto via the LAist Featured Photos pool on Flickr)
For holiday shoppers searching for bargains and buys in Downtown Los Angeles, the LAPD wants you to know they've got your back. They've just announced stepped-up enforcement for the holiday shopping season, which means more cops on foot beats watching for thieves of all kinds.
The officers will be watching for the kinds of crimes that happen when a shopper isn't aware of their surroundings, like purse snatching and pickpocketing. Of course, if you're on the other side of the law, and have a mind to swipe some goods, well, the LAPD is watching for you, too! To combat the thefts, LAPD officers will be concentrating these enhanced walking beats in the Historic Core, Fashion District, and the Jewelry District.
The LAPD are also explaining why they are focusing on ticketing jaywalkers and people crossing against the DON'T WALK signs.
“Drivers and walkers who don’t follow the laws add to people’s frustration and compromise safety downtown when it gets crowded,” says Captain Todd Chamberlain, Commanding Officer, Central Community Police Station, citing three traffic accidents logged in DTLA last year during the holidays.
“This message is about education. We want to ensure everyone’s safety while visiting downtown,” Captain Chamberlain added. “We want to avert tragedies and enhance the shopping experience this season.”
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