The BID area is experiencing an exponential rise in sidewalk drug activity. Compared to last quarter, our Safety Team responded to a 130% increase in calls for service involving narcotics use and issues exacerbated by persons under the influence. One statistic underscores the problem: our Clean Team recovered a 622% increase in needles from our streets and sidewalks compared to the same quarter last year.
The availability of narcotics in our area is drawing national attention, and we can all hope for improvement through both greater enforcement and expanded help for persons who want to seek help and treatment for their addiction.
We appreciate the efforts of both LAPD and Sanitation to keep us safe and address the public health dangers posed by this crisis on our doorsteps. If you or your employees encounter drug paraphernalia anywhere near your business, please call our team for safe disposal. Do NOT take this upon yourself. Call our Safety and Maintenance Dispatch at 213-228-8484, ext. 210.
