More patrols coming to The Trails area

Acorn Staff Writer


An increase in burglaries over the last three months in The Trails neighborhood in the city of Westlake Village has stimulated a response from both law enforcement and home-owners.


One incident three weeks ago involved a nanny leaving a house in The Trails area.


She was departing work at 11p.m. and was on her way home. As she was getting into her car, two men requested some directions. Once they got the information they needed, the men departed and the nanny went on her way.


But down the street, the suspects blocked the roadway with their vehicle, one of them displayed a handgun and they robbed the woman of her earning––in cash–– for that week.


The employers of the nanny have wondered if the robbers knew more about the nanny than she thought. The suspects, after all, approached the victim on a night that she carried a fairly large sum of cash (more than $650, according to the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department incident report).


Nevertheless, and without any witness to the crime, the employers of the nanny called a meeting with The Trails homeowners’ association.


At that meeting, the neighborhood’s security was discussed.


Curiosity among residents grew more intense and more crime related incidents cam to light.


Last week on Monday, the Westlake Village City Council hosted a public safety committee meeting which included a review and discussion regarding law enforcement statistics in The Trails.


Capt. John O’Brien, commander of Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station was present. City Councilwoman Betty De Santis praised O’Brien as a "cop’s cop."


"He knows the area real well and he had some good suggestions," said De Santis.


The Trails can expect more frequent patrols by squad cars and a neighborhood watch is forming.


"People are really scared," said De Santis.


But city officials hope that an increased law enforcement presence, combined with community involvement, will alleviate residents’ worries.





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