"Westwood has become a beacon that attracts people who have nothing to do," said Sgt. John Bradbury of the West Los Angeles Police Department. "Minors cause problems with overcrowding, drinking, drugs and fighting."
Minors loitering in the village after 10 p.m. will be cited for violation of the curfew. Offenders are taken to the police station and usually released into their parents' custody, Bradbury said, adding that repeat offenders can be brought to juvenile court.
"This rarely happens," Bradbury said. "Usually once is enough."
"Hopefully with all this activity," Bradbury added, "we will make Westwood safer and more accessible to those people who have a purpose for being there."
As summer vacation approaches, the West Los Angeles Police Department will implement extra security measures to combat problems with overcrowding and loitering in Westwood.
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Beginning the first weekend in May, West LAPD will resume periodic curfew sweeps and mounted patrols, said Linda Arneal, coordinator of the Westwood Village Merchants Association.
Curfew sweeps will be periodic so that people will not know when they are coming, Arneal said.
Summer security measures are being implemented earlier this year as a precaution, Arneal said.
"The merchants are concerned with keeping the older crowds around because they're the ones that spend the money," Arneal said. "The police are aware of the problems in Westwood, and they are very helpful in cooperating with us."
Arneal added that officers on horseback are part of a special task force designed to increase security and ensure the safety of Westwood Village merchants and visitors.
"These policies were very successful last year," Arneal added. "As long as they continue to serve their purposes they will be maintained."
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Exercise 5.3
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2007 McGraw-Hill Higher Education