Parked LAPD Cruisers

[Aldemar]

I've seen quite a few parked cruisers in and around businesses in the SFV lately. There has been one at Fry's in Woodland hills just about every Saturday or Sunday I've gone there and never a cop in sight. Also one in front of the Trader Joes in the same area.

I'm assuming that patrol partners are dropping off one at the start of their shift and picking it up afterwards. It would give the appearance of a cop in the store to deter potential thieves. Some of them have looked pretty beat up.

Am I right? This may have been going on for awhile but perhaps my brain just clicked on it.

[SoCalDep]

Probably taking a report or dealing with a shoplifter in custody. You don't see them because they are in a back office or loss prevention office.

[Samuelx]

Dunno about LAPD, but my patrol station handled a Fry's and we never parked a unit outside solely for appearances sake. That being said, I was/we were there quite frequently due to criminal activity and sometimes security.

[VictorFranko]

For years now the LASD parks older and out of service cruisers around my area, usually near banks, as a deterrent. Every few days they get moved into different parking spaces.

[Samuelx]

We're going to be going to cardboard cut outs soon - save some $$...

[Tacobandit]

It's called a decoy car it's to give the visual presence of PD in the area to try and deter crime. Usually placed in a high crime area or where they are having a rash of crimes