California abatement laws generally state that property owners can experience fines, jail, and/or loss of real property if they cause, maintain, or permit a property to become a public nuisance. Thus, a landlord or property owner who fails to take reasonable steps to prevent a pattern of illegal drug or gang activity can face major penalties, including the seizure of the property. Some of the first building abatements in Los Angeles were instituted against owners of motels and hotels routinely used for prostitution. Since the initial effort, the Los Angeles City Attorney's Office and abatement officers from the Los Angeles Police Department have forced property owners to take specific remedial action that has been proven to be effective in reducing ongoing gang and drug activity. After identifying the specific nuisance, police and prosecutors meet with the property owner to make specific recommendations regarding lighting, security systems, repairs, graffiti removal, and trash cleanup. Property owners usually comply voluntarily with the recommended improvements. Prosecutors can use several sections of the code, depending on the type of nuisance activity. The abatement process is an easy, cost- effective, and powerful method of combating gang and drug activity. Figures and list of applicable sections of the Los Angeles code