Crime Report

Report from the UCPD

UCLA police are seeking several suspects wanted for a recent rash of crimes, including an attempted kidnapping.

On Jan. 28, a female staff member was walking on Westwood Boulevard approaching Weyburn Avenue at around 7:35 a.m. when a Hispanic man, wearing a black ski mask and black clothing, grabbed her from behind. He attempted to pull her towards the opposite side of the street where a white van with tinted windows was parked.

Police reported that the victim punched the suspect in the face. The man then released her and ran to the waiting van. Two suspects are being sought in this case.

On the same day at around 10 p.m. a man walking on Landfair Avenue was stopped by a car, described as a blue Honda or Toyota sedan, that blocked his path. A suspect, wearing a dark, hooded sweatshirt and blue jeans, tried to wrest the victim’s cargo bag from him. Following a struggle, the suspect gave up his attempts to rob the man and got back into the car, where a second suspect waited.

Police are also alerting the public to eight burglaries or thefts from vehicles parked at the Keystone and Mentone Apartments. These incidents have occurred since Jan. 1. Among the items taken were GPS units and iPods.

See details and a description of the suspects.

Jan. 31 update:

Nancy Greenstein, UCPD spokesperson, noted: Recent local news stories on crime in the Westwood area are the result of routine crime bulletins posted by the UCPD. Additionally, the Daily Bruin and www.newsroom.ucla.edu provide information on our community. In the event of a serious safety risk, the University will use multiple methods to alert our campus community, including the new Bruin student alert system.

The UCPD encourages all members of the community you to be aware of actions that you can take to prevent crime and victimization and to report suspicious circumstances. Crime prevention tips are available on the UCPD website, and the crime prevention officer is available for consultation and presentations. Escort and evening van services are available by calling (310)794-9255.