Neighbors in Ladera Heights, a small unincorporated community of about 7,000 households nestled between Culver City and Inglewood, are demanding a stronger response from law‑enforcement after a sharp rise in burglaries. NBC4 Investigates reported 14 home break‑ins in September alone, a noticeable increase that has left many families feeling unsafe.

Victims describe repeated losses

One resident, who asked to remain anonymous for safety reasons, recounted his first break‑in in December. “All my jewelry, my watches, my glasses, all my wife’s bags — they took everything. Everything. They just wiped us out completely,” he said. The same suspect allegedly struck another home just a few houses away.

The victim’s home was burglarized again in September. “(Burglars) didn’t care because they knew they had about maybe 10 minutes to do whatever they have to do and to be gone,” he added, suggesting that deputies often arrive after the criminals have fled.

Community alarm grows

Other residents confirm the pattern. “Everyone is on edge,” said Summer Parr, noting that some sections of Ladera Heights experience burglaries several times a week. “It’s just been breaking like week after week.” Joshua Kissi, whose home is surrounded by other affected houses, said he saw suspected burglars—young men he identified as 18 or 19 years old—flee a neighbor’s home with their arms full just two weeks ago.

Local officials respond

The frustration boiled over when residents packed a community meeting with LA County Supervisor Holly Mitchell and Sheriff Robert Luna. Mitchell emphasized that the number of burglaries can be reduced as law‑enforcement focuses its resources while neighbors step up “their game in terms of hardening their own communities.” She added that the community already pays for private patrols, but many feel the sheriff’s deputies take too long to respond.

“I think what’s most helpful is (Luna) heard loud and clear from the residents,” Mitchell said. “They’re concerned about response time, so response time is something that (Luna) is going to pay close attention to.” Sheriff Luna’s department provided information on how homeowners can make their properties less vulnerable, including reinforcing doors, installing motion‑sensor lighting, and using security cameras.

What residents can do now

In addition to awaiting a faster official response, neighbors are encouraged to take practical steps to protect their homes. The sheriff’s department recommends:

• Installing deadbolt locks on all exterior doors.
• Using security cameras or video doorbells.
• Keeping shrubbery trimmed to eliminate hiding spots.
• Joining or forming neighborhood watch groups to report suspicious activity promptly.
• Considering additional private patrol services if feasible.

Community leaders stress that a combined effort—prompt law‑enforcement response, vigilant neighbors, and stronger home security—offers the best chance to curb the recent surge in burglaries.

Looking ahead

Supervisor Mitchell and Sheriff Luna have pledged to monitor response times closely and to allocate additional resources as needed. Residents remain hopeful that these measures, coupled with their own vigilance, will restore safety to Ladera Heights.

Original reporting: NBC4 Los Angeles — read the source article.