Saugus: Zone 4 Update - Public Safety and Crime Prevention Information
Snapshot for the week of 04-23-12
Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station
Crime Prevention Unit
Hello, My Name is Deputy Mark Manskar. I am a member of Santa Clarita Sheriff’s Crime Prevention Team (CPT) assigned as the Saugus area zone leader. For the purposes of crime prevention, Santa Clarita has been broken down into 8 separate zones. Each zone leader is responsible for analyzing crime in their area on a daily basis and identifying trends. The zone leader then works with specialized units and patrol deputies to assist with putting an end to these identified trends.
As your zone leader, I will be working directly with these specialized units and patrol deputies to keep your community safe. I will also be keeping you updated with the current crime trends and related concerns in the Saugus area. I will also provide public safety information on how to lessen your chances on becoming a victim of crime.
I am currently monitoring activity in the area associated with a local gang and would appreciate any added information you may have. This particular gang, which I will not identify by name in order to avoid giving them any extra notoriety, commonly wears only black and red clothing. They are known to display a symbol of a clown with a hatchet as a representation of their gang. In 2011 the Federal Bureau of Investigations classified the members of this type of gang as a group of loosely hybrid organized members who are now engaged in criminal activity, drug sales, and violence. We have recent incidents of theft and assault committed by these gang members. They generally range in age from 15-30 and often dress in clothes representing the gang. I encourage those of you who see suspicious or illegal activity by suspected gang members to immediately call the station at (661) 255-1121, contact me, or submit an anonymous crime tip using any one of the crime tip protocols provided in this message.
I am also noticing that thefts from vehicles are on the rise. This is often a crime of opportunity. The suspects are going out at night, while you are sleeping, and walking up the streets checking the door handles on cars. Once they locate a vehicle that has been left open they are in, gathering any items of value such as I-PODS, cellphones, and laptop computers. A way to avoid becoming a victim is to always lock you vehicle. Please keep any items of value hidden or take them with you when you leave.
The majority of the thefts from vehicles have been taking place between Seco Canyon Road and David Way, north of Bouquet Canyon Road. The following are the current trends that I am seeing in this area:
1. Most of the thefts are occurring on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.
2. Most of the thefts are occurring between 10 pm – 6 am.
3. The items taken are mostly electronics and personal items.
4. Items are usually taken from unlocked vehicles; however, there have been numerous window smashes to gain entry.
-Please call the Sheriff’s station at 661-255-1121 if you see anyone casing the area or look as if they are involved in criminal activity. Please be as observant as possible by noting suspect descriptions, vehicle description, and license plate numbers if possible.
-Call 9-1-1 if you see a crime in progress or are in immediate danger.
-At no point should you take independent police action. Be a good witness.
To report crime tips anonymously, call “LA Crime Stoppers” by dialing 800-222-TIPS (8477), texting the letters TIPLA plus your tip to CRIMES (274637), or using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org.
A free TipSubmit mobile application is now available for the iPhone® and Android™. The new software tool is an anonymous and fully featured crime tipping mobile application that even allows you to submit images or video. More information at www.tipsoft.com.
To report graffiti in the city please call (661) 25-CLEAN (252-5326) or visiting www.santa-clarita.com
Zone Leader Deputy Mark Manskar
Crime Prevention Unit – Zone 4 Newhall
661-799- 5161
[email protected]
