By Michael J. ARVIZU

Crime is down overall in the Sunland and Tujunga areas, according to the Los Angeles Police Dept.

The latest figures indicate that daily crime has decreased about 20%, said Officer Cesar Contreras, acting senior lead officer, whose territory ecompasses the communities of Sunland, Tujunga and Lake View Terrace.

Contreras reported his finding during the monthly meeting of the Sunland-Tujunga Neighborhood Council on June 11.

“Our only uptick in crime has been in personal theft,” Contreras said. “One of the most common things that we are experiencing right now has been theft of bicycles.”

Contreras said his Dept. is aware of “quality of life issues,” he said, affecting Sunland and Tujunga, most notably, the seemingly increasing transient population in Sunland Park.

As such, Contreras said, the LAPD, in conjunction with Los Angeles City Council District 7 — Sunland and Tujunga lie in District 7 — has chosen to hold a Community Concerns Town Meeting at 11:30 a.m. on June 21 to address these and other concerns in an open and public forum. The meeting will take place at North Valley City Hall, at 7747 Foothill Blvd. in Tujunga.

“We have been made aware of a lot of issues,” Contreras said. “We definitely do want to hear what you have to say; we want to address the issues, but we want the input from the community. I want to help you guys out, but I need the input from you and cooperation from the community.”

An increase in graffiti has also been reported on buildings in public and private property along Foothill Boulevard in the Sunland and Tujunga areas, said Wesly Hernandez, area director of the Sunland-Tujunga district office of Los Angeles City Councilman Felipe Fuentes.

The city, Hernandez said, has partnered with Sun Valley-based Graffiti Busters in an attempt to curb the problem on public property. Graffiti on private property, Hernandez said, will be removed with consent from the owner.

  Michael J ARVIZU