In recent times, Chinatown in Los Angeles has been plagued by motorcycle crime syndicates, threatening the safety of residents and businesses while causing damage to this historic cultural community. To safeguard the historical landmarks and community order of Chinatown, multiple local organizations along with the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) convened an emergency community meeting on October 15th at the Chinatown Service Center (CSC) to discuss concrete measures to combat crime and maintain public safety.
CSC President Peter Ng emphasized that every street and building in Chinatown carries the history of immigrant struggles. “We must not only protect the safety of residents but also uphold the dignity of this historical land,” he stated. Ng expressed gratitude for the collaboration between the police department and the community, pledging that CSC will continue to advocate for public safety and historical preservation efforts.
The meeting, jointly organized by CSC, Chinatown BID, Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association of Los Angeles, The Los Angeles Chinatown Corporation, and the Chinese American Museum, brought participants together to underline that maintaining Chinatown’s safety is not just a security issue but a crucial responsibility in safeguarding historical and cultural assets.
Over the past few months, teenage groups riding small motorcycles have repeatedly invaded Chinatown streets, engaging in reckless driving, creating noise, damaging public property, and even robbing businesses. Earlier this month, a historical building’s exterior wall at Central Plaza in Chinatown was vandalized, with a business owner suffering severe injuries in a violent attack. These incidents have raised concerns among residents that the traditional charm and cultural landmarks of Chinatown are at risk of erosion without intervention.
Daisy Ma, CSC’s Government and Community Relations Officer, highlighted that Chinatown is one of the earliest Chinese settlements in Los Angeles, preserving precious architecture and historical memories. “Allowing criminals to continue rampant activities is not just a security crisis but a loss of cultural assets,” she warned. Ma called for community unity to collectively protect this historical neighborhood.
Representatives from LAPD present at the meeting included Captain Kelly Muniz, Sergeant Gordon Helper, Senior Officers Edward Kellogg and Mario Botello, along with Street Racing Task Force Captain Arnold Castellanos and Lieutenant Joseph Broussard. The police department stated plans to intensify patrols, gather evidence, and enhance inter-agency cooperation while utilizing social media leads to track down suspects.
Captain Muniz emphasized that police-community collaboration is essential in maintaining security. “This is not a problem that the police can solve alone; we need the community’s participation and trust,” she stressed. Muniz encouraged individuals to film safely and assist in collecting evidence if possible, while urging prompt reporting of incidents.
Supplementing this, Sergeant Castellanos noted that the police are targeting the masterminds behind the criminal groups and will escalate law enforcement efforts. He highlighted that these behaviors are no longer just traffic violations but severe public safety threats and acts of cultural destruction.
The public is reminded to immediately dial 911 if suspicious activities are observed, using keywords like “Takeover Robbery” to aid in a swift police response. Additionally, increased police patrols will be implemented during weekends and high-risk periods, with considerations to install surveillance systems in monument areas to ensure the longevity of Chinatown’s cultural and life safety.
Chinatown in Los Angeles is not only a tourist destination but a symbol of history and culture. Various sectors hope to revive the former glory of this century-old street through police-community cooperation and community awareness, making it a cultural landmark that seamlessly integrates tradition and modernity.