A surge of burglaries across the San Fernando Valley since April 10 has prompted LAPD to deploy mobile license plate readers, mounted police, and air support. Mayor Karen Bass announced increased patrols along Ventura Boulevard as officials work to catch organized burglary crews.
# A Wave of Burglaries Hits San Fernando Valley Homes
Since April 10, at least 13 burglaries have been reported across the San Fernando Valley, from Sherman Oaks and Valley Glen to Woodland Hills and Porter Ranch. The break-ins occurred in homes over a 10-day period, with some reported just minutes apart.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass announced increased police patrols and mobile license plate readers in high-risk areas to combat the surge. Bass also directed the LAPD to deploy mounted police units and air support.
We all have zero, zero tolerance for what is happening and what has been happening in the Valley. Today, we are once again surging resources and acting strategically to stop these latest burglaries and apprehend the perpetrators.
— Mayor Karen Bass
LAPD sources describe the burglaries as being carried out by organized crews that appear connected to similar crimes from San Diego to the Bay Area. The crews use highly planned methods to identify targets.
According to LAPD sources, the crews look for homes with delivery packages left outside the front door. They watch how long packages remain there and observe security camera placement and lighting. Officers noted the crews also try to determine when residents will be away from home.
The burglars have been seen wearing all-black clothing in some incidents and gray hoodies in others. In one incident, a resident was attacked when he confronted burglars inside his home at the 7100 block of Macapa Drive in the Hollywood Hills.
These are sophisticated, organized crews, some of which are international. Cases like these require patience, time and, frequently, extensive follow-up.
— Police Chief Jim McDonnell
The LAPD has deployed mobile license plate readers around high-risk areas. Chief McDonnell confirmed the department will use helicopters and air support during investigations. The LAPD also plans to hold weekly burglary meetings with detectives to share information.
LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell said the department has encountered gang crews from South Los Angeles and crews of South American nationals conducting similar burglaries. The crews have used tactics such as placing video cameras in front of homes to determine when residents are away.
Some crews have used jammers to disrupt Wi-based security systems and cameras. The burglars have also used ladders to gain entry through second-floor rooms.
Despite budget constraints and resource challenges, we are actively combating, tracking and arresting these burglary crews with all of our energy and resources.
— Chief Jim McDonnell
Police statistics show burglaries in the Valley Bureau are down 48% for the year when compared with last year. LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell confirmed that nearly 43% fewer burglaries and break-ins have been reported to the LAPD Valley Bureau compared to the same time period last year.
However, the recent uptick in break-ins has sparked concern among city officials and residents. The pattern of burglaries occurring in close proximity and over short time spans has raised questions about organized criminal activity.
Mayor Karen Bass directed police to increase patrols along Ventura Boulevard after the announcement. She also released a $14.9-billion budget proposal for 2026-27 that calls for hiring 510 police officers to maintain current staffing levels.
We need enough officers to act swiftly and strategically when crime patterns are revealed.
— Mayor Karen Bass
The LAPD has issued safety measures for homeowners in areas affected by the burglaries. Residents are advised to install locks on gates and fences, lock doors and windows, and have cameras on their houses.
The department recommends bolting safes to the floor rather than the wall, as crews are using crowbars to pry safes from walls. Residents are also advised to have packages delivered when they are home or arrange for a neighbor or friend to collect them.
LAPD officials suggest residents lock valuables and avoid leaving jewelry lying around. If someone sees something suspicious in their neighborhood, they are urged to call the police without confronting the criminals.
If you see something, say something. Be a good visible witness without confronting the criminals.
— LAPD
The first known incident occurred April 10 in the 13000 block of Davana Terrace in Sherman Oaks, where burglars wore all-black clothing. The following day, officers responded to a burglary in the 11700 block of Hesby Street in Valley Village, and less than an hour later, called to another in the 12700 block of Hatteras Street, about a mile and a half away.
Burglars wearing gray hoodies were also involved in an incident at the 6800 block of Vanscoy Avenue in Valley Glen. That same day, officers responded to the 12600 block of Herron Street in Sylmar, where burglars smashed a back door to get inside.
On Thursday, three men wearing black clothing and masks broke into a home in the 11900 block of Wood Ranch Road. In Toluca Lake on Saturday night, burglars pried open a window on the second floor of a home in the 4900 block of Strohm Avenue. Hours later at 3:30 a.m., officers were called to the 3100 block of Lake Hollywood Drive for another burglary.
No links have been determined among the burglaries, but their proximity and the short time span between incidents have sparked concern among city officials and residents alike.
This article was generated with AI assistance.