Los Angeles Neighborhood Theft Prevention and Response

Auto thefts in Los Angeles have soared to record highs in 2022. The city is on pace for the highest annual auto thefts since at least 2010. In 2022 auto thefts are on pace to exceed 30,000, eclipsing the ten-year annual average of less than 20,000 vehicles stolen. While there are many factors driving the increase in crime, theft prevention is increasingly the burden of vehicle owners. Law enforcement is more and more under-staffed and under-resourced, and that trend does not appear to be changing any time soon, at least in Los Angeles. As of August 2022, officials assert the LAPD is understaffed by 176 officers. Based on deteriorating service levels and accelerated retirements, the real figures are likely much worse.

With decreased personnel and resources, how can local law enforcement respond to or even deter vehicle theft? The LAPD provides auto owners with several tips to reduce the chances of auto theft; however, this does little to deter criminals. The other reality is if you are a victim of auto theft, over 10% of vehicles are never recovered and 50% of those that are – are damaged or stripped of parts. The good news is that there is an additional option for owners who wish to safeguard their automobiles and other property.

SSA Security Group is one of the leading neighborhood theft prevention and response resources in Los Angeles. SSA is well known for its security and protection services in the Los Angeles Area and specializes in neighborhood vehicle patrols with armed security personnel Not as widely known is SSA’s ability to deter and respond to auto theft. Firstly, SSA’s 24/7/365 presence in the neighborhoods it serves is greater than what public law enforcement can provide, and therefore acts as a more constant deterrent to auto theft and other crimes. Secondly, and even more impressively, SSA can respond the thefts of clients’ vehicles.

On October 18, 2022, SSA’s Brentwood Area patrol officer received a call from a client on Bundy Drive, who said their vehicle was stolen from the residence’s driveway. SSA immediately alerted its privately paid staff of off-duty law enforcement and military veterans to the make, model, and license plat of the stolen vehicle. While on patrol in the vicinity of Oceano Drive, an SSA patrol officer located the stolen vehicle, personally called SSA’s vehicle owner client, and liaised with the LAPD to officially recover the vehicle.

SSA provides a private cadre of officers and patrol vehicles on a subscription basis to clients that require on-demand security and protection, including auto theft prevention. Officers are armed, have arrest powers under California law of private persons arrest provisions, and liaise with local law enforcement. SSA’s core service includes officer response times of less than five minutes, a constant visible security deterrent, exclusive use of law enforcement and qualified military veterans, and 24/7/365 active operations. SSA provides its qualified military veteran employees academy training and certification by law enforcement trainers. In addition to its core services, the company offers executive protection, special events, and regular post orders.