Metro Officials Take Measures to Crack Down on Vendors and Loiterers at NoHo Station

Originally posted at 5:22 p.m. March 13, 2014. Edited to upload new photo.

Anti-loitering signs have gone up at the Metro Red Line's North Hollywood subway station, with permanent surveillance cameras expected to be installed soon as part of a stepped-up safety effort, Metro officials announced today.

As the dedicated security cameras are installed, five temporary cameras are already in place to monitor the station's ground plaza and parking lot, officials said.

The enhanced security measures were requested by Los Angeles City Councilman Paul Krekorian, whose district office received complaints of unauthorized vending and loitering at the station.

"The people of North Hollywood have a fantastic resource in the Metro Red Line subway and we want to make sure it remains safe and easy to use," Krekorian said.

Krekorian said the visible law enforcement presence helps to reduce criminal activity and make passengers feel safe.

"As a result, the problem was resolved essentially immediately," Krekorian said of the changes.

If the loitering is not dealt with, it could lead to litter, disruptive public behavior and crime, officials said.

Krekorian said he worked with Metro, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department and the Los Angeles Police Department to get the security cameras and signs installed.

--City News Service