Introduction to the Problem
A rash of recent burglaries in Encino in July, including a home invasion that ended in a double homicide, a burglary at a former “Real Housewives” cast member’s home and a daytime robbery, have some residents unnerved in the Los Angeles suburb.
Recent Incidents
On July 14, the bodies of “American Idol” music supervisor Robin Kaye and her husband Thomas Deluca were found during a welfare check at their Encino home at the 4700 block of White Oak Avenue. The couple, both 70, were killed during a home invasion on July 10, with their own gun. On July 21, ex-”Real Housewife” Teddi Mellencamp’s Encino home was targeted in an attempted burglary just after 10 p.m. On security footage shared by Mellencamp’s husband on Instagram, masked men can be seen hopping over two fences to gain access to the home, which they attempted to burglarize. Another burglary had been reported in Encino ten minutes before law enforcement responded to Mellencamp’s residence. On July 24, a burglary was reported just before 1 p.m. In the middle of the day, masked men burglarized a home on Woodvale Avenue before fleeing with boxes in a black Mercedes.
Community Reaction
“A lot of people are feeling targeted in Encino and in fact, it’s probably because we are being targeted. And so we are demanding from the city to get more resources deployed and have more LAPD protection in Encino,” said Roy Nwaisser, public safety chair of the Encino Neighborhood Council. Kaye had become known to the Encino Neighborhood Council, a group focused on community issues and connection, when she had reached out a few months before her death to see if the group could assist her with issues she was having with a “party house” next door. The president of the council, Josh Sautter, says each member of the council had gotten to know the “charming” and “easy to connect with” Kaye, who had expressed her gratitude to the council for helping her with the noise and nuisance of the house next door.
Public Safety Meeting
The council’s recent connection to Kaye was part of the motivation to hold a public safety meeting on July 21, which was attended by law enforcement and Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman. “It doesn’t seem like it’s connected at all, but the reason we decided to do this town hall was because we really felt connected with her,” Sautter said. At the meeting, attended by around 400 residents, many of whom could be seen taking notes as Hochman and police leadership spoke, updates about the investigation were given, crime prevention efforts were discussed and neighbors spoke with one another and law enforcement about the worries brought on by the killings and burglaries.
Police Response
In response to the burglaries and killing of Kaye and Deluca, the Los Angeles Police Department is enhancing “crime suppression strategies in Encino,” increasing the visibility of patrols in the area, engaging with the community by having officers conduct foot beats, flying helicopters over the area and using license plate recognition tools. The LAPD’s West Valley Division detectives are investigating organized burglary crews in the area, along with the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department’s Burglary/Robbery Taskforce and the LAPD’s Metropolitan and Commercial Crimes Divisions. “We are listening to the community, acting on every lead, and using every tool available to ensure Encino remains a safe place to live, work, and raise a family,” LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell said in a statement.
Statistics and Community Concerns
Residential burglary was, on average, down 19% in 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, according to a study across the nation by the Council on Criminal Justice. While statistics show that crimes, including burglaries, are down, that does not do much to assuage the fears of Encino residents when they are constantly seeing home invasions reported close to their homes so frequently. “These statistics, it’s nice to know that there were fewer burglaries at this time this year than there were at this time last year, but it really does not mean anything to the people who are being burglarized, whose homes are being broken into. These statistics do not capture the fear and the concern,” Nwaisser said.
Neighborhood Watch and Prevention
The neighborhood council is encouraging residents to get to know their neighbors, as they can do what a security camera cannot– advocate for one another, call police and intervene in real time. There is no better deterrent than a “nosy neighbor,” Sautter, the neighborhood council president, said. He and the council are encouraging neighbors to truly get to know one another and develop a sense of responsibility towards each other, so that in the face of a break-in, neighbors will feel compelled to check on each other or make reports to police and follow through with law enforcement responses.
Conclusion
The recent string of burglaries and the tragic double homicide in Encino have left residents on edge and demanding more protection from the city. While statistics may show a decline in crime, the constant reports of home invasions and burglaries have created a sense of fear and concern among residents. The Los Angeles Police Department has responded by enhancing crime suppression strategies and increasing patrols in the area. However, residents are also taking matters into their own hands by banding together and encouraging neighborhood watch programs. By working together, residents and law enforcement can help make Encino a safer place to live.
FAQs
Q: What is happening in Encino?
A: There has been a rash of recent burglaries in Encino, including a home invasion that ended in a double homicide.
Q: What is the police response to the burglaries?
A: The Los Angeles Police Department is enhancing crime suppression strategies, increasing patrols, and engaging with the community to prevent further burglaries.
Q: Are crime statistics showing a decline in burglaries?
A: Yes, residential burglary was down 19% in 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, but this does not alleviate the concerns of Encino residents.
Q: What can residents do to help prevent burglaries?
A: Residents can get to know their neighbors, develop a sense of responsibility towards each other, and participate in neighborhood watch programs to help prevent burglaries.
Q: Are there any related articles to this topic?
A: Yes, there are several related articles, including "Authorities search Tujunga home allegedly tied to ‘TikTok cult’ featured in Netflix documentary", "Chuck E. Cheese employee arrested in iconic mouse mask for using stolen credit card, police say", "FACT FOCUS: Trump claims cashless bail increases crime, but data is inconclusive", "Landscaper, 21, shot and killed in San Pedro; suspect charged", and "Epstein ex-girlfriend Ghislaine Maxwell finishes interviews with Justice Department officials".
