Residents Frightened and Angry as Group of Suspects Continues Ransacking San Fernando Valley Homes
Burglaries Wreak Havoc in Valley Village Neighborhood
A resident of Valley Village, who wishes to remain anonymous, shared a harrowing experience with KTLA after thieves targeted her home on December 17, 2024.
Home Surveillance Captures Break-In
The break-in was captured on home surveillance cameras, showing a male suspect approaching the house and appearing to be disguised as a delivery man. The suspect knocked on the front door, and within a minute, another individual shattered the glass door and entered the home, locking the resident’s dog in a room and ransacking the house.
Aftermath of the Break-In
Photos of the aftermath showed that drawers in every room were removed and emptied, and all of the resident’s belongings were thrown across the floor in heaping piles. The resident described the scene as "very frightening and very scary."
Similar Incidents Reported by Neighbors
The resident shared her experience on the NextDoor app, and to her surprise, many other nearby residents came forward with similar burglary stories. "I didn’t know this was going on until I let our neighbors know, and then you start finding out that it’s happening all the time," another neighbor shared.
Thieves’ M.O.
Victims reported a common modus operandi: a fake delivery man knocks on the front door to check if anyone’s home, while several accomplices enter the house by shattering a back door or window. At times, when the suspects spot a security camera, they would quickly run over and knock it to the ground.
Community Frustrated and Demands Action from Law Enforcement
The Valley Village resident expressed her anger over the constant break-ins her community is forced to endure. The worst part, she said, was that she had no idea it was taking place. She believes local law enforcement needs to prioritize alerting citizens of burglary threats. "I’m very frustrated because I feel like if people had let us know, maybe we could’ve taken more precautions," she said.
Investigation Ongoing, No Suspects Arrested
The burglaries remain under investigation, and no suspects have been arrested. Anyone with information can call the Los Angeles Police Department at 818-374-9500.
FAQs
Q: What is the modus operandi of the burglars?
A: The suspects knock on the front door to check if anyone’s home, while several accomplices enter the house by shattering a back door or window.
Q: How many residents have reported similar incidents?
A: Many residents in the Valley Village neighborhood have come forward with similar burglary stories, with one resident describing it as "happening all the time."
Q: Has anyone been arrested in connection with the burglaries?
A: No, no suspects have been arrested. The investigation is ongoing.
