L.A. police address burglary spikes during virtual meeting

Los Angeles officials and police held a virtual meeting Thursday night for residents in the San Fernando Valley who are concerned about the spike in home burglaries.

It comes a couple of weeks after the Los Angeles Police Department revealed in a meeting with the Board of Police Commissioners that a neighborhood in Encino saw a 40% increase in burglaries.

Police said during Thursday night’s meeting they have made a couple of arrests, but added that several burglary crews are working in the Encino area. They added that they have extra patrols out, helicopters, and undercover officers.

“We also have directed our officers to very specific missions in Encino,” Deputy Chief Ruby Flores said

Deputy Chief Emada Tingirides said during the meeting that identifying the suspects has been difficult.

“Three suspects wearing dark clothing, some gloves, masks which makes it difficult for us to lift prints," she said.

She added that residents should install lighting all around their homes, as well as cameras.

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“And at that, you have cameras, not just at your front door, but on the sides of your house and behind your house and that you're communicating with your neighbors about ensuring that you have more camera presence on your street,” she said.

Police also suggested families come up with a plan in the event someone breaks in, including what they’re going to do, where to hide, and who will call 911.

One resident told KNX News’ Jon Baird she’s had enough and that not only was her home burglarized, but her parents’ home was too.

“They were laying in bed at 11 o'clock at night and this big crowbar went through their side window and they started screaming to please, please please leave, leave them alone and the guys took off and there was nothing they can do,” she said.

She added she was moving out of state due to the ongoing crime.

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