Police Effort Stamps Out Robberies of Japanese Tourists

Police have cracked down on a string of costly robberies that plagued Japanese tourists in Little Tokyo from June to October.

An average of three losses per week--each approaching $5,000 in cash, jewelry and camera equipment--were stamped out by a community education program.

A monthlong police audit of the crimes after a community meeting in October showed dramatic results: Not a single robbery involving Japanese was reported.

“We decided that we had to educate [the tourists] that they’re not in Disneyland,” said Senior Lead Officer Calvin Hill.

The robberies took place in an area of Little Tokyo that borders skid row.

Tourists who were dropped off from tour buses at the Duty Free Shoppers Collections at 3rd and San Pedro streets--a scant two blocks from skid row--often had to find their own way back to Little Tokyo because buses had no place to park nearby.

Those who made the mistake of walking south instead of north became targets for robbers.

Tourists usually reported the crimes--sometimes involving more than one robber--to business owners in the area, who then reported them to the police.

Last month, police met with representatives from the New Otani Hotel and more than 25 tour companies to discuss crime prevention and trends, and to distribute pamphlets detailing safety tips. The hotel and tour companies promised to inform guests about safe routes.

Since then, Hill has negotiated with the city Department of Transportation to allow tour buses to double-park while waiting for shoppers. He’s also working to post Japanese signs, instructing tourists how to return to locations in Little Tokyo.

Nancy West, manager of the duty-free store, believes that an increase in foot and bicycle officers since the robberies has been particularly effective.