High-end homes in the Valley targeted by thieves

A growing wave of home burglaries in Los Angeles County is worrying residents and leading to an increase in police resources as city leaders promise a crackdown.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass announced that she has directed the LAPD to strategically deploy additional patrols along Ventura Boulevard after a series of break-ins in neighborhoods including Sherman Oaks, Encino and North Hollywood.

“The safety of every Angeleno is my number one priority. The city has zero tolerance for these recent burglaries,” Bass said. “Residents deserve to feel safe in their communities, especially in their homes, and we will continue to deploy the necessary resources to keep people safe.”

The latest incident occurred early Tuesday, when the suspects attempted to break into a home on Noble Street in Sherman Oaks around 1:30 a.m., according to police. Investigators told FOX 11 Los Angeles that the robbers smashed the back window but fled after realizing residents were inside.

Authorities say the attempted break-in is part of a broader spike in crimes that began around April 10, mirroring similar burglary patterns seen in the San Fernando Valley in recent years. It is still unclear whether the incidents are related to or the work of an organized crew targeting specific neighborhoods.

The renewed increase comes despite similar concerns raised by residents in 2025, when the Los Angeles Police Department announced an intensified crime suppression strategy in Encino after a series of violent incidents and home burglaries.

At the time, officials stressed that although overall crime statistics showed a decline, the impact of targeted crimes such as break-ins continued to stoke fear in affected communities.

“Our hearts go out to the families grieving this senseless loss of life,” Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell said in 2025. “We recognize that while crime may be statistically low, the fear and pain it causes is very personal — and very real.”

The department rolled out what it described as an “all-hands-on-deck” approach, increasing patrol visibility during nighttime hours, deploying air support and license plate reader technology, and working with regional task forces to target organized burglary crews. Community outreach and neighborhood engagement efforts have also been expanded in an effort to reassure residents.

Now, many of these same tactics are being deployed again.

In response to the recent spike, the LAPD’s Valley Operations Bureau has beefed up law enforcement, increased patrols and placed a visible police presence in areas hardest hit by crime, Fox 11 reported. Officers are using mobile license plate readers in high-risk locations, deploying air support, and coordinating across specialized departments to track down and arrest suspects believed to be involved in high-value burglaries.

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City leaders stressed a zero-tolerance approach as pressure mounted to stop what some residents described as crimes that occur “night after night.”

“There is zero tolerance for what is happening in the valley,” officials told FOX 11, adding that resources are being increased to catch those responsible.

Despite the increased police presence, many residents say robberies have continued, raising concern and prompting some communities to organize their own response.

In North Hollywood, neighbors banded together after a series of home burglaries throughout the area and surrounding neighborhoods including Sylmar, Valley Village, Glen Valley and Toluca Lake. In one recent case, thieves entered a house through a balcony on the second floor and stole money and valuables, according to police.

“It’s so nice to have a community. We take care of each other. It’s so important right now,” Los Angeles resident Karen Gault told CBS Los Angeles.

For some, routine activities have taken on a new purpose, as neighbors turn nighttime dog walks into informal neighborhood watch patrols.

“It’s really annoying, because there were so many,” Gault said.

Others say residents may need to take extra precautions beyond relying solely on law enforcement.

“It’s great for the community to do things, or for our tax dollars to do things, for sure,” Dustin Hindle said. “But in the end, I think you have to do what you have to do to protect yourself.”

Police are also urging residents to take basic security measures as crimes continue. The LAPD’s North Hollywood Division says home burglaries have increased in the area and reminds homeowners to make sure security cameras are working, keep windows and doors closed, and notify a neighbor or security company if they plan to stay away for long periods.

LAPD says it will maintain an increased presence in the San Fernando Valley as investigators work to identify suspects and determine whether the crimes are linked.

Meanwhile, authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity, with concerns growing over whether repeated increases in law enforcement will be enough to deter what appears to be a constant cycle of robberies in Los Angeles neighborhoods.

Fox News Digital has reached out to the LAPD and Bass’ office for comment.