Surge of Burglaries Impacts West Los Angeles, Pacific Palisades

By LILY TINOCO | Assistant Editor

The West Los Angeles area has seen an uptick in burglaries in the last several months, according to an alert issued on September 26 by the West Los Angeles Area Crime & Community Intelligence Center.

The wave of burglaries has been targeting residential single-family homes specifically on the Westside, including Pacific Palisades, Brentwood, Bel Air, Holmby Hills and Cheviot Hills.

Los Angeles Police Department Senior Lead Officer Brian Espin said the Palisades in particular has seen an 8% increase in burglaries compared to last year, with 54 this year—to date—and 50 at the time in 2022.

According to LAPD, two to four unknown males are part of an “organized burglary crew” impacting the Westside.

“Suspects related to this crew are known to target large homes that appear to be unoccupied at the time of the break-in,” according to LAPD. “On several occasions suspects have been depicted using a ladder, step stool, outdoor furniture or exterior drain pipes attached to the rear of the residence to get up to the [primary bedroom’s] second story balcony.”

The suspects then enter and remove property. LAPD said these suspects typically seek jewelry, watches, luxury handbags, safes and more.

Oftentimes, suspects have a getaway vehicle ready out front, in case law enforcement responds. Suspects are also known to carry short-range radios and a “wifi jammer” that works to disrupt the wifi signal of residential security systems, like Ring or Google Nest.

LAPD and Espin offered a number of prevention tips and recommendations to community members.

Espin asked that Palisadians continue to secure and lock their homes and vehicles, and to not leave valuables in the open.

“Let’s make it harder for these criminals to get our stuff,” he said.

Side gates should be locked to make it difficult for an intruder to gain access to the backyard, because most homes are entered from the rear, Espin explained. And trash or recycling bins should be kept away from fences or gates. These bins are often used as a stepping stool to jump over a fence or gate.

Bushes and trees in front of the home should be trimmed because overgrown foliage can help provide a hiding spot for a burglar. Security cameras are helpful in deterring intruders.

“Please make them visible,” Espin said. “A security sign in your front yard is also a plus.”

Lastly, Espin suggested becoming familiar with neighbors and encouraging the neighborhood to be alert to suspicious activity.

“Be neighborly. Please help each other out and look out for your neighbors,” Espin concluded. “Most crimes can be deterred by being aware of your surroundings and letting your neighbors know what is going on and to be on the lookout.

“When people are out and about with eyes on the street, most criminals take notice and will move on to another area where they will not be noticed or stand out.”