Thefts See Major Drop in NoHo Arts District

The number of thefts in the NoHo Arts District has declined by 44 percent since a task force was deployed in the area last October, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

More street partrolling was put into effect in response to a 20 percent surge in 2011 of part one crimes, which encompasses vehicle burglaries, bike thefts and thefts from gym lockers, said Lt. Alan Hamilton of the North Hollywood Division.

Overall, with 158 reported incidents, part one crimes dropped by 28 percent between January and March 16 compared to a year ago, he said.

Hamilton added that the task force is still in effect and that the best prevention against burglaries is to avoid leaving belongings on car seats.

The LAPD has a "lock it, hide it, keep" it campaign that informs citizens how they can keep their belongings safe.