San Fernando Valley residents have seen a sudden spike in home burglaries, with reports of at least six break-ins from Valley Village to Valley Glen to Sherman Oaks this week and local law enforcement sources tell KNX News a burglary tourism crew might be behind some, if not all of them.
The latest incident was reported Thursday night at a home on Wood Ranch Dr. Police say around 8:30 p.m., two to three armed men broke into a home while the homeowners were inside.
By the time officers arrived, the suspects were gone.
Carlos, a nearby resident, told KNX News’ Jon Baird that this isn’t the first time that home has been hit by burglars.
“I think this house [has been hit] like three times now in the last two years,” he said. “I think it's the 3rd time. I don't know what's going on, but hopefully they can take care of it. But overall, pretty safe neighborhood.”
Other neighbors, however, have told Baird they’re more worried because there have been several burglaries over the past year or so just in the area.
Sources tell KNX News that not only are they investigating possible burglary tourism, but that the group of thieves are flying into the US on a visa waiver to target specific neighborhoods to burglarize.
Mayor Karen Bass announced she's ordering the LAPD to deploy extra patrols in the valley and that there will be LAPD vehicles in high visibility locations and mobile license plate readers around high risk burglary areas.
KNX News 97.1 FM
