The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) is alerting residents of the western San Fernando Valley after a surge of organized burglaries in the area. Over the past week, officers have responded to 27 break-ins across neighborhoods including Canoga Park, West Hills, Chatsworth, Winnetka, and Woodland Hills—all within the department’s Topanga Division.
According to Lt. Doug Humphrey, the pattern of these crimes suggests a coordinated effort involving multiple suspects and vehicles.
“We believe that this is coordinated crews,” Humphrey said. “We base this on the time of day the break-ins occur, the method of operation, and the number of suspects involved.”
What’s Happening: A Rise in Organized Break-Ins
Investigators noticed a sharp increase in burglaries after a brief period of declining crime rates in the area. The suspects appear to be targeting high-value, small items such as:
- Designer handbags
- Cash
- Jewelry
- Personal identification (IDs)
The stolen goods are often sold on second-hand markets like Facebook Marketplace or other online resale platforms, making it harder for victims to recover their belongings.
Common Tactics Used by Burglars
Police believe that most of these break-ins share similar patterns:
- The thieves typically enter from the rear of the property, avoiding security cameras usually placed at the front.
- They operate during times when homeowners are likely to be away, such as vacations or evenings.
- Multiple suspects are involved, often arriving in several cars to cover more ground quickly.
A Canoga Park resident, who asked to remain anonymous after being targeted, described the scene at her ransacked home:
“They only took the designer bags and jewelry, but everything was turned upside down. Even my kids’ drawers were pulled out, and all our valuables were gone.”
How Residents Are Responding
With fear and frustration growing, many locals are banding together online, sharing updates and tips on platforms like the Facebook Crime Busters page. Neighbors are warning each other about similar break-ins happening just hours apart on the same streets.
One resident shared how the burglars took their identification documents while the family was away on a trip to Big Bear, highlighting the serious personal risks these crimes pose beyond stolen valuables.
LAPD’s Safety Recommendations
To help prevent future break-ins, Lt. Humphrey has shared some important home security tips:
- Install Bright Exterior Lighting – Well-lit homes deter criminals from approaching.
- Set Up Audible Alarms – Loud alarms can scare off intruders before they have time to steal.
- Install Security Cameras at the Rear – Most burglars enter from the back, so cameras should cover these vulnerable areas.
“Many homeowners have cameras out front, but not in the back where most of these break-ins are happening,” Humphrey noted.
What’s Next: Police Investigation Underway
The LAPD is actively investigating the burglaries and is working to identify the suspects behind the organized crime spree. In the meantime, they are urging residents to stay alert, report any suspicious activity, and share information with law enforcement when possible.
With communities banding together both online and offline, the hope is that increased vigilance and police action will put an end to the burglary wave across the western San Fernando Valley.
