North Hollywood : Neighborhood Watch Seeks Participants

For the residents of the Los Angeles Police Department’s reporting district 1503, it used to take a crime against one of their own to draw people to the occasional Neighborhood Watch meeting.

Not any more.

In an effort to boost attendance at the next meeting, scheduled for Wednesday night, organizers created 1,200 fliers that will be distributed throughout the North Hollywood neighborhood bordered by the Hollywood Freeway, Laurel Canyon Boulevard and Cantara and Saticoy streets.

“ALERT,” reads the announcement in bold, black letters. “DO YOU KNOW WHO YOUR NEIGHBORS ARE??”

According to Bob Brice, a block captain, the group is hoping the handbills will help organize residents before a crime occurs.

“Rather than have negative energy motivate people, we have positive energy to motivate people,” he said.

Wednesday’s event will feature an appearance by one of the LAPD’s K-9 Unit dogs and a presentation of crime prevention tips by Senior Lead Officer John Caprarelli. By including the police dog, Brice said the organizers want to send a message that the meetings are not just for adults.

“We figured we’ve got to find a way to make this interesting--even to kids,” he said.

Shelly Lieberman, the area’s liaison to the Police Department, said the group hopes to boost its number of block captains from around 15 to 50. And while they are hoping to increase attendance at the meetings in the short term, Lieberman said the ultimate goal is to inspire residents to work together to keep the neighborhood safe.

“We would like to increase the number of people that are active in the Neighborhood Watch program,” he said.

The hourlong meeting will begin at 7:30 p.m. at Strathern Street Elementary School, 7939 St. Clair Ave., North Hollywood.