Homeowners in leafy enclaves hit by burglars zeroing in on high-end homes for smash-and-grab scores

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.

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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.

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

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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.

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"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.
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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.

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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."
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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.