Neighbors are on edge after a series of brazen, destructive burglaries continue targeting San Fernando Valley homes.
“Criminals are becoming more and more risk takers,” said Andres Godinez, a homeowner on Winnetka Avenue who was targeted by a group of thieves. His glass patio door was shattered as thieves made their way in.
“They broke into my home basically helped themselves to all my valuables,” he said. “They don’t care if it’s daytime or nighttime.”
On the same weekend, thieves also broke into a home belonging to rapper Bhad Bhabie, located less than a mile away. After ransacking the property, the thieves escaped with a collection of designer purses and expensive jewelry.
A neighbor who did not wish to be identified had lived in her Woodlands Hills community for 33 years and had never been concerned about burglaries until now.
“I’m terrified because, over the past two weeks, we’ve had random cars scoping the neighborhood,” she said. “I’m worried about my child. What if someone comes and tries to break into our home in the middle of the day when my son’s at home?”
Another home in Encino was burglarized twice in one week.
Many residents are blaming local lawmakers for the increase in crime, citing a lack of serious consequences.
“It’s not really the fault of the police officers,” Godinez said. “’It’s the fault of the politicians. They are to blame.”
“It’s because the wrong people are in control of making laws that allow these people to break into homes and not suffer consequences,” another neighbor said.
“I feel like it’s the wild west out here and there are no laws,” another resident said. “We are in contact with our local police department. We go to the neighborhood watch meetings and law enforcement is just as frustrated as we are.”
Many San Fernando Valley residents said they feel frustrated and are working with local officials to increase security and deter future burglars before the next encounter turns violent or even deadly.
“I pay my taxes,” Godinez said. “I do everything the right way and quite frankly, I don’t see an escape out of this. The only way to escape from this hell is to move to another state.”
Residents are calling on the mayor and the Los Angeles Police Department to divert additional resources to address the continuous crime.