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A growing wave of residential burglaries across Los Angeles County is sparking anger among residents and an increase in police resources as city leaders vow to crack down.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass announced that she has ordered the LAPD to increase patrols on Ventura Boulevard following a spate of burglaries in areas including Sherman Oaks, Encino and North Hollywood.
“The safety of all Angelenos is my top priority. The city has zero tolerance for this latest burglary,” Bass said. “Citizens deserve to feel safe in their communities, especially in their own homes, and we will continue to provide the necessary resources to keep people safe.”
The latest incident happened early Tuesday morning, when the suspects attempted to break into a home on Noble Avenue in Sherman Oaks around 1:30 a.m., according to police. Investigators told FOX 11 Los Angeles that the burglars smashed a back window but fled after realizing residents were inside.
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A police car is parked outside a Los Angeles home after a reported burglary. (RMG NEWS)
Authorities say the attempted burglary is part of a crime spree that began around April 10, echoing similar burglaries seen in the San Fernando Valley in recent years. It is not clear whether the incidents are connected or the work of an organized group targeting specific areas.
The renewed crackdown comes despite similar concerns raised by residents in 2025, when the LAPD announced a tougher crime-fighting strategy in Encino following a series of violent incidents and home burglaries.
At the time, officials emphasized that even though crime statistics showed a decline, the impact of targeted crimes such as burglary continued to fuel fear in affected communities.
“Our hearts go out to the families grieving over this senseless loss of life,” LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell said in 2025. “We understand that while crime may be statistically low, the fear and pain it causes is very personal – and very real.”
A police cruiser is parked outside the Hollywood Hills home where the social media influencer was robbed on Nov. 24. 2022. (KTTV)
The department introduced what it described as “all hands on deck”, increasing nighttime surveillance visibility, deploying air support and license plate reading technology, and working with regional teams to target organized burglars. Community outreach and neighborhood engagement efforts were also expanded in an effort to reassure residents.
Now, many of those same tactics are being used again.
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LA Mayor Karen Bass said the city has “zero tolerance” for crime. (Irfan Khan/Los Angeles Times)
In response to the recent increase, the LAPD's Operations-Valley Bureau has tightened the law, increasing patrols and placing visible police in high-crime areas, reports FOX 11. Police are using cell phone number plates in high-risk areas, sending air support, and coordinating special units to track down and arrest suspects believed to be involved in high-profile burglaries.
City leaders have emphasized a zero-tolerance approach as pressure mounts to stop what some residents describe as crimes that happen “night after night.”
LAPD officers are investigating a burglary outside a Los Angeles home. (RMG NEWS)
“There is zero tolerance for everything that has been going on in the Valley,” officials told FOX 11, adding that resources are being increased to catch those involved.
Despite the increased police presence, many residents say that house burglaries continue, prompting some communities to prepare for a response.
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In North Hollywood, neighbors rallied after a series of burglaries in and around the area including Sylmar, Valley Village, Valley Glen and Toluca Lake. In a recent incident, thieves broke into a home from a second-floor balcony and stole money and valuables, according to police.
“It's great to have a community. We care about each other. It's so important right now,” resident Karin Gault told CBS Los Angeles.
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For others, routine tasks have taken on a new purpose, with neighbors turning dog walks at night into neighborhood watch patrols.
“It's really disturbing, because there are so many,” said Gault.
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Others say citizens may need to take extra precautions other than relying on law enforcement alone.
“It's good when the community does things, or our dollars do things, sure,” said Dustin Heindel. “But in the end, I think you have to do what you have to do to protect yourself.”
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Police responded to a home burglary in Los Angeles. (SkyFox)
Police are also urging citizens to take precautions as crime continues. The LAPD's North Hollywood Division says burglaries are on the rise in the area and reminds homeowners to make sure security cameras are working, keep windows and doors locked, and notify a neighbor or security company if they plan to be away for an extended period of time.
The LAPD says it will continue to have a presence in the San Fernando Valley as investigators work to identify suspects and determine if the crimes are connected.
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In the meantime, authorities are urging citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity, as concerns grow about whether enforcement enforcement will be enough to stop what appears to be an ongoing cycle of burglaries in Los Angeles neighborhoods.
Fox News Digital has reached out to the LAPD and Bass' office for comment.
