SHERMAN OAKS, CA – A troubling trend has emerged in Sherman Oaks, where a series of burglaries have plagued the neighborhood over the past three weeks. Homeowners have become increasingly vigilant, utilizing security systems, cameras, and social media to gather clues that may assist police in identifying and apprehending the suspects.
Residents have taken to social media to share their experiences, noting striking similarities in the incidents. Many believe the same group of young men is responsible for the break-ins. Surveillance footage from both Sherman Oaks and the Westside of Los Angeles shows masked individuals attempting to enter high-end homes. In one instance, six masked men armed with tools were scared off by police before they could break into a mansion in Bel Air.
The frequency of these burglaries has alarmed residents. In one case, a homeowner’s security camera captured two masked men running down her driveway. They were on the property for less than two minutes before fleeing. “I saw one guy running into my backyard, and my heart dropped,” she said. Her Ring camera alerted her immediately, but it took police 19 minutes to arrive.
The incidents have been occurring with alarming regularity. A burglary took place on August 8, followed by another on August 15, and a third on August 19. The suspects often gain entry through sliding doors, sometimes breaking the glass. Witnesses have reported seeing a dark Camry at the scene of these crimes.
Sophia, a resident who experienced a near break-in, believes she saw the same Camry speeding off after the attempted burglary. “It’s not uncommon for thieves to return,” she noted. In Pacific Palisades, one home experienced two break-ins overnight, highlighting the persistent threat.
Since the pandemic began, burglaries have been on the rise. In 2023 alone, nearly 1,000 burglaries were reported in the Los Angeles area, according to data from Crosstown LA. Homeowners like Sophia urge others to install alarm systems and cameras and to leave lights on when not at home to create the illusion of occupancy.
As the community grapples with this surge in crime, residents are calling for increased vigilance and better preventive measures. “Something needs to be done,” Sophia emphasized. “My heart goes out to people who have to go through this. It’s getting out of hand, and we need to do better.”