Neighborhood crime isn’t seen as a major problem, but incident serves as a reminder for precautions

Despite a recent break-in of a parent’s car on Muirfield Road, administrators and security officers said they believe that students are safe in the neighborhood but should take proper safety precautions.

The car of Dennis Dixon, father of Erica ’10, was broken into while he was attending a college night for juniors held at school in January.

“It wasn’t until I drove away that I noticed my window was open. My briefcase and laptop were stolen from the car,” Dixon said.

Dixon said he never suspected he would experience crime in such a safe neighborhood.

“It never crossed my mind, but the person who replaced my [window] glass on La Cienega said that [crime in] Hancock Park keeps him in business,” Dixon said.

Dixon said that he believes safety is less of an issue for students during the school day.

“I think it’s something to think about at night,” he said.

Ben Thompson, a board member of the Hancock Park Association, said that he agrees that Hancock Park is a generally safe community, but he advises students to take precaution no matter what.

“I’d advise Marlborough students to be aware of their surroundings while walking and to travel in groups,” Thompson said.

The school’s Post Commander of Security Yolanda Jones also agreed that crime in the Hancock Park area is very rare.

Director of Finance and Operations Nick Hernandez said,
“I’ve met with the Hancock Park Association and gone to community meetings. I think Hancock Park is safe, but the surrounding areas are an issue.”

Auxiliary Services Manager Clinton Oie said that he asks for participation from the students to help make safety a collaborative and proactive effort.

“This is why we ask girls not to park on Muirfield. It’s not just about construction – it’s for everyone’s safety,” said Oie, “The only thing we can really do is promote prevention.”

While incidents in the area raised concern, administration representatives are confident that with appropriate precautions, students can stay safe.

Nonetheless, Oie warns that the student population should remember that even the three block radius from school is not a safe haven from crime.

“No matter how safe an area is, you always need to take the same precautions,” said Oie.

Hancock Park Crime

During the spring term, several incidents have occurred within the roughly three-block radius of the school, according to LAPD data.

• VIOLENT ROBBERY- 500 block of S. Muirfield Rd.- March 26, 8:35 p.m.

• THEFT FROM VEHICLE – Muirfield and Rossmore Ave. – March 19, 6 p.m.

• THEFT FROM VEHICLE – 500 S. Rimpau Blvd. – Feb. 18, 9:45 p.m.

• BURGLARY – 200 block of  N .Arden Blvd. – Jan. 29, 10:30 a.m.

• BURGLARY – 200 N. Rossmore Ave. – Jan. 23, 8:30 a.m.