LA Residents Fight Crime with Cameras and Signs, but City Cracks Down

Neighbors in Valley Glen installed security equipment to deter break-ins, but officials say the measures are illegal

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Residents in the Valley Glen neighborhood of Los Angeles have taken crime prevention into their own hands, installing security cameras, license plate readers, and warning signs to deter a wave of break-ins by South American gangs. The measures have been effective, with a dramatic drop in incidents. However, the city's Department of Transportation has told residents the signs installed on utility poles are illegal and must be taken down, despite the community's efforts to improve public safety.

Why it matters

This story highlights the growing tensions between residents seeking to protect their neighborhoods and local authorities enforcing strict regulations. It raises questions about the balance between individual rights, community-led crime prevention, and the role of government in ensuring public safety, especially in areas where residents feel law enforcement is inadequate.

The details

Neighbors in Valley Glen put up 22 signs, infrared license plate readers, and video recorders after a spate of break-ins by South American gangs. Debbie Stopeck, a 65-year-old retiree, says the measures have been highly effective, with crime dropping to zero in the area after the equipment was installed. However, the LA Department of Transportation has told residents the signs on city utility poles are illegal and must be removed, despite the community's efforts to improve public safety.

  • Between November 2024 and April 2025, there were 26 break-in incidents in the neighborhood.
  • After the security equipment was installed, the wave of break-ins suddenly stopped.

The players

Debbie Stopeck

A 65-year-old retiree and part of the group of Valley Glen residents who have taken crime prevention into their own hands.

Karen Bass

The mayor of Los Angeles, whom Stopeck hopes will provide exemptions for the neighborhood's security signs.

Gavin Newsom

The governor of California, whom Stopeck hopes will intervene to help the community's efforts.

Adrin Nazarian

The local city council member for the district, who visited Stopeck's home and said he would try to find a "workable solution" to the issue.

LA Department of Transportation

The city agency that has told residents the security signs installed on utility poles are illegal and must be removed.

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What they’re saying

“We are taking back the streets. We are taking back the power. Last year, my neighbor's teenage daughter was too scared to go to school because their home was broken into. Everything was stolen from them.”

— Debbie Stopeck, Resident (California Post)

“Now we have kids who are happy to be outside and play on the streets. We went from a high level of crime in 2025 to zero once we got these cameras and warning signs installed.”

— Debbie Stopeck, Resident (California Post)

“I love the proactive community engagement I'm seeing in neighborhoods like this, and I appreciate the initiative these neighbors have taken to protect their community. We'll be working with the Department of Transportation and community members to make sure that signage is displayed in the manner most appropriate to ensure public safety.”

— Adrin Nazarian, Local City Council Member (California Post)

What’s next

The local city council member, Adrin Nazarian, has said he will try to find a "workable solution" with the Department of Transportation and community members to address the issue of the security signs.

The takeaway

This story highlights the growing tensions between residents seeking to protect their neighborhoods and local authorities enforcing strict regulations. It raises questions about the balance between individual rights, community-led crime prevention, and the role of government in ensuring public safety, especially in areas where residents feel law enforcement is inadequate.