LAPD Head Tells Tourists Not To Come To Los Angeles, Cops Can't Guarantee Their Safety, It's Like The Purge Movie

HOLLYWOOD (CBSLA) – With many people feeling Southern California is experiencing a violent crime wave, even prompting the head of the Los Angeles Police Department’s union to warn tourists away, LAPD Chief Michel Moore tried to assure people that crime is not out of control in the city.

“My message to anyone thinking about coming to Los Angeles, especially during the holiday season, is don’t,” Jamie McBride, the head of the LA Police Protective League, the union representing LAPD officers, said in a television interview.

The message from McBride comes as what many residents and business owners view as a wave of crime slamming the city and surrounding areas.

“We can’t guarantee your safety. It is really, really out of control. I said it to people before, it’s like that movie ‘Purge,’ you know, instead of 24 hours to commit your crime, these people have 365 days days to commit whatever they want,” McBride said.

His warning seems to resonate with some residents.

“It’s pretty scary walking at night,” said Sarah Veenstra, who moved to LA from Wisconsin about six months ago. She said she didn’t realize crime and safety would be such an issue.

“I genuinely thought it would be a safe area. It turned out not be as safe as I thought. I’m definitely, like, carrying something on me every time I leave the house when it’s dark out,” she said.