A group of residents is forming a neighborhood watch group after LAPD reported at least six home burglaries over a three-week period this summer in the Leimert Park and Angeles Mesa neighborhoods of South LA.
LAPD said this represents a sharp rise in home burglaries for areas that are usually quiet.
The burglary-related incidents were reported between Aug. 16 and Sept. 10, and stretched from 46th Street to 52nd Street between 6th and 11th Avenues, according to LAPD’s crime data. The data included incidents involving individuals most likely climbing through open windows or an unlocked side door.
Concern for safety and frustration came to a head at a Sept. 14 meeting, where locals gathered at Galilee Baptist Church for the group’s second monthly meeting. The nearly two-hour gathering gave neighbors an opportunity to share experiences, compare surveillance footage and discuss ways to protect the community.
Jeffrey, who lives on 6th Avenue and did not provide his last name for privacy and safety reasons, said most incidents occurred during daylight hours, when residents may have been at work or picking up children.
“I’ve lived here over 10 years, and this is the first time that I’ve felt like a big ramp-up of this happening,” said Jeffrey, whose home was burglarized last month. “We’ve personally contacted our representatives, trying to get them and I’ve filed burglary reports with the local police department. I’ve gotten zero response.”
During the meeting, some residents said surveillance footage appeared to show the same group of individuals targeting homes in the neighborhood. LAPD is aware of the individuals suspected of these crimes, according to Paul Evleth, a senior lead officer with LAPD’s Southwest Division.
In one Sept. 7 incident, a suspect reportedly left after realizing someone was home. On Sept. 10, officers stated that one suspect was known to LAPD from an earlier burglary arrest.
The most recent break-in took place Sept. 17 in the 4700 block of Van Ness Avenue, according to Evleth. The resident found shattered glass, indicating the windows and doors were locked, Evleth said.
Jackie, who also did not provide her last name for privacy and safety reasons, told The LA Local her home was burglarized earlier this month. She wants a City Council representative to visit the neighborhood and hear directly from residents.
The areas affected by these burglaries are in LA City Council District 8, represented by Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson.
Cerrina Tayag-Rivera, a spokesperson for Harris-Dawson, responded via email to residents’ concerns.
“No one should feel unsafe in their homes, and our office is working with law enforcement to ask for increased patrols and ensure all investigations are pursued,” Tayag-Rivera wrote, adding that residents can reach out to their district office at (213) 485-7616 with questions or concerns.
“We want to serve as a resource for our residents, connecting them with everything they need to feel safe,” she wrote.
However, Jackie, one of the residents who attended the meeting, said “it would serve him (Harris-Dawson) to have one of his staff come into our neighborhood to hear about the frequency of this happening and for them to also invest in community safety.”
Liz Norris, one of the organizers of the neighborhood watch group, said they’re “just asking for help” in making their community safe where people can walk freely with their dogs and families.
Evleth recommended that residents have surveillance cameras installed inside and outside of their homes, in addition to a professionally installed security system. If an alarm company contacts the resident, having interior cameras allows them to see inside the home remotely and if someone may still be inside.
If you see someone who appears to be watching your or a neighbor’s home, alert neighbors, call 911 or (877) 275-5273.
