A growing wave of residential burglaries across Los Angeles County is raising alarm among residents and prompting a surge in police resources as city leaders promise a crackdown.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass announced she has directed the LAPD to strategically deploy additional patrols along Ventura Boulevard following a string of break-ins in neighborhoods including Sherman Oaks, Encino and North Hollywood.

“The safety of every Angeleno is my number one priority. The City has zero tolerance for these recent burglaries,” Bass said. “Residents deserve to feel safe in their communities, especially in their homes, and we will continue to deploy the resources necessary to keep people safe.”

The latest incident occurred early Tuesday, when suspects attempted to break into a home on Noble Avenue in Sherman Oaks around 1:30 a.m., according to police. Investigators told FOX 11 Los Angeles that the burglars shattered a rear window but fled after realizing the residents were inside.

CALIFORNIA LOOTERS NOW FACE ‘HARD-CHARGING’ CONSEQUENCES AFTER BLUE STATE ABANDONED SOFT-ON-CRIME APPROACH

Authorities say the attempted break-in is part of a broader spike in crimes that began around April 10, echoing similar burglary patterns seen in the San Fernando Valley in recent years. It remains unclear whether the incidents are connected or the work of an organized crew targeting specific neighborhoods.

The renewed surge comes despite similar concerns raised by residents in 2025, when the LAPD announced an intensified crime suppression strategy in Encino following a string of violent incidents and home burglaries. 

At the time, officials emphasized that even as overall crime statistics showed a decline, the impact of targeted crimes like break-ins continued to fuel fear in affected communities.

“Our hearts go out to the families grieving this senseless loss of life,” LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell said in 2025. “We understand that while crime may be statistically down, the fear and pain it causes is deeply personal—and very real.”

The department rolled out what it described as an “all-hands-on-deck” approach, increasing patrol visibility during overnight hours, deploying air support and license plate reader technology, and working with regional task forces to target organized burglary crews. Community outreach efforts and neighborhood engagement were also expanded in an effort to reassure residents.

Now, many of those same tactics are being deployed again.

CALIFORNIA OFFICIALS REOPEN CERTAIN PALISADES FIRE ZONES, COPS TO USE PLANES TO MONITOR LOOTING

In response to the latest spike, the LAPD’s Operations-Valley Bureau has ramped up enforcement, increasing patrols and placing a visible police presence in areas hit hardest by the crimes, FOX 11 reported. Officers are using mobile license plate readers in high-risk locations, deploying air support, and coordinating across specialized divisions to track and arrest suspects believed to be involved in high-value burglaries.

City leaders have underscored a zero-tolerance approach as pressure builds to stop what some residents describe as crimes happening “night after night.”

“There is zero tolerance for what has been happening in the Valley,” officials told FOX 11, adding that resources are being increased to apprehend those responsible.

Despite the increased police presence, many residents say the burglaries have continued, fueling concern and prompting some communities to organize their own response.

GOT A TIP?

In North Hollywood, neighbors have banded together after a series of break-ins hit homes across the area and surrounding neighborhoods including Sylmar, Valley Village, Valley Glen and Toluca Lake. In one recent case, burglars entered a home through a second-story balcony and stole cash and valuables, according to police.

“It’s very nice to have a community. We look out for each other. It’s very important right now,” resident Karin Gault told CBS Los Angeles.

FOLLOW US ON X

For some, routine activities have taken on a new purpose, with neighbors turning nightly dog walks into informal neighborhood watch patrols.

“It’s just really disturbing, because there’s been so many,” Gault said.

GET BREAKING NEWS BY EMAIL

Others say residents may need to take additional precautions beyond relying solely on law enforcement.

“It’s great if the community does stuff, or our tax dollars does stuff, for sure,” said Dustin Heindel. “But in the end, I think you should do what you need to do to protect yourself.”

CLICK HERE FOR MORE US NEWS

Police are also urging residents to take basic security measures as the crimes continue. The LAPD’s North Hollywood Division says residential burglaries have increased in the area and is reminding homeowners to ensure security cameras are working, keep windows and doors locked, and notify a neighbor or security company if they plan to be away for extended periods.

The LAPD says it will maintain an increased presence in the San Fernando Valley as investigators work to identify suspects and determine whether the crimes are linked.

In the meantime, authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity, as concerns grow over whether repeated surges in enforcement will be enough to deter what appears to be an ongoing cycle of burglaries in Los Angeles neighborhoods.

Fox News Digital reached out to the LAPD and Bass’ office for comment. 

The gunman who killed a Canadian tourist and wounded several other people at Mexico’s ancient pyramids on Monday reportedly bragged about sacrificing his victims, according to a video taken by one of his hostages. 

Julio César Jasso, 27, who was reportedly obsessed with Adolf Hitler, shouted as he pointed a gun at the terrified tourists atop the Pyramid of the Moon at Mexico’s Teotihuacan ruins, just outside Mexico City. 

“Don’t move, or I’ll sacrifice you,” he said, the New York Post reported. 

“This was built for sacrifices. Not for visiting and taking a f******, s***** photo,” he said in a video taken by a filmed by a tourist.

VIDEO ALLEGEDLY SHOWS MICHIGAN SYNAGOGUE ATTACKER BUYING $2K IN FIREWORKS DAYS BEFORE TRUCK RAMPAGE

Jasso purportedly timed the shooting to coincide with the 27th anniversary of the Columbine High School shooting in Colorado, as well as Adolf Hitler’s birthday. 

“See. I keep my word. Two f****** Koreans are dead there. I sacrificed them like dogs,” he said. 

“You all, s***, who’ve come from f****** Europe, you’re not going back,” he continued.

RISE IN ANTISEMITIC EXTREMISM FUELS WAVE OF TERROR PLOTS IN THE UNITED STATES SINCE 2020

Seven people were shot at the Teotihuacan complex, located just outside Mexico City. The ruins are one of Mexico’s most visited archaeological landmarks, drawing millions of international visitors each year to its towering pre-Hispanic structures.

In total, 13 people were injured. The nature of the other injures weren’t disclosed but some people fell when the shooting started, including some who were climbing on the pyramids.

Among those taken to a hospital were six people from the United States, three from Colombia, one from Russia, one from Brazil, one from the Netherlands and one from Canada, the local government said. The youngest person who was hurt was 6; the oldest was 61, Mexican authorities said.

Jasso, who acted alone, shot and killed himself. Authorities later found a gun, a knife and ammunition at the scene. 

What began as a typical prom in a town southwest of Oklahoma City became a surprise tribute when Principal Kirk Moore was crowned king weeks after heroically saving the lives of students by bravely tackling a suspected Columbine-inspired gunman. 

“It was definitely an amazing experience, and it just felt good to the soul knowing we were giving him the honor that he deserves,” said junior Rachel Hamilton.

Camera footage released April 7 from Pauls Valley High School shows Moore getting shot in the leg while tackling the alleged gunman, identified as 20-year-old former student Victor Lee Hawkins. 

PASTOR SOUNDS ALARM ON ‘GODLESS GENERATION’ AFTER FIGHTING BACK AGAINST TEEN CARJACKER

Authorities say that, in the Columbine-inspired attack, Hawkins entered the school lobby with two semiautomatic handguns, ordered people to the ground and attempted to shoot a student before his gun malfunctioned, and he was stopped by Moore.

“I think there were so many things that happened that weren’t just coincidences,” said Hamilton. “It was really God watching over us all.”

In her interview on America Reports Monday, she emphasized that divine intervention prevented more tragedies. 

Around 2:20 p.m., Hamilton was making her way through the courtyard, the approximate time Hawkins attempted to attack.

“I remember I was walking, and I heard this crash, and obviously you don’t think it’s a shooter,” she said.

She continued toward the tennis courts, like any normal day, before learning Moore had been shot.

“I was the only one outside in the courtyard,” she said. “He could’ve come in that way, and there were no adults around.”

OLD DOMINION UNIVERSITY ROTC CADETS DISARM ISIS SUPPORTER SHOUTING ‘ALLAHU AKBAR’ DURING SHOOTING: OFFICIALS

Junior Isaac Jacobson learned the severity of the situation as it unfolded off campus.

“If any circumstance went differently, people would’ve died,” Jacobson said. “If his gun didn’t misfire, or if Moore wasn’t there at that moment, things would’ve been different. Just the sheer amount of coincidences that happened surrounding that situation, I don’t see any other way other than God’s hand.”

As Jacobson approached his car, like any other end to a school day, he saw a horde of police officers springing into the building. The next hour was filled with anxiety.

Unable to reach his friends due to Oklahoma schools’ phone ban, which prohibits the use of cellphones from the first bell to dismissal, he feared the worst. 

“I’m only 17,” Jacobson said. “I’m not ready to lose my friends.”

He was later relieved to learn some of his friends narrowly avoided being in the office where the confrontation occurred after they “stopped to see a random teacher” instead.

The totality of all these circumstances, the gun misfiring, Moore’s exact positioning, Jacobson’s friends’ change of plans or where Hawkins chose to enter the school led Hamilton and Jacobson to believe it is direct evidence of the Lord’s hand at work.

A few weeks later, the two students said they felt the prom felt like a moment of relief and an opportunity to celebrate and come together after what they believed was both physical and spiritual protection.

“Everybody seemed – not like we were not over it, but celebrating how well it went,” said Jacobson. “I went up and shook his [Moore’s] hand and thanked him for everything because I hadn’t gotten to that point.”

The two then reflected on the aftermath of what they and their community had endured.

Even though she admits “it’s kind of cliché,” Hamilton says she feels you have to live your life to the fullest; tomorrow’s not guaranteed, especially from a religious stance.

“Ultimately, beyond the fear, it gives me hope knowing that there’s good people like Coach Moore and others,” said Jacobson. “It gives me hope we’re able to step in and that this bravery won’t just be thrown away.”

According to court records, Hawkins was charged with two counts of unlawful carry, two counts of pointing a gun and one count of shooting with intent to kill. He pleaded not guilty at his arraignment, and his bail was set at $1 million. 

His preliminary hearing is scheduled for May 8.