LAPD Investigates Burglary Spree in San Fernando Valley

Over 150 break-ins reported so far this year, down from 2025 but still concerning for residents

Apr. 17, 2026 at 1:55pm

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An extreme close-up of a shattered window lock mechanism, reflecting a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually illustrating the aftermath of a home burglary.A recent wave of targeted home break-ins in the San Fernando Valley has left residents on edge, despite an overall decline in local crime rates.Los Angeles Today

The Los Angeles Police Department is investigating a series of burglaries and break-ins that have occurred in homes across the San Fernando Valley since the start of 2026. While the number of incidents is down 45% compared to the same period last year, police have only made one arrest so far for trespassing, leaving many residents on edge.

Why it matters

Residential burglaries are a persistent problem in the San Fernando Valley, with the North Hollywood division seeing over 150 cases already in 2026. While the overall crime rate may be declining, the high number of break-ins continues to raise safety concerns for local homeowners and renters.

The details

The LAPD says the majority of the 156 burglaries investigated this year in the North Hollywood area have occurred overnight, with thieves often targeting homes when residents are away. In one incident, a homeowner in West Hollywood saw three people on their security cameras taking belongings from their home. In another case in Granada Hills, a resident spotted an armed burglar with a crowbar inside their residence.

  • Since the start of 2026 through April 11, the LAPD has investigated 156 burglaries in the North Hollywood Division.
  • This represents a 45% decrease from the same time period in 2025.

The players

LAPD

The Los Angeles Police Department, which is leading the investigation into the recent burglary spree in the San Fernando Valley.

North Hollywood Division

The LAPD division that has seen the majority of the 156 burglaries investigated so far in 2026.

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The takeaway

The ongoing burglary incidents in the San Fernando Valley, despite a decline in overall crime rates, highlight the need for continued vigilance and effective law enforcement strategies to address this persistent issue and alleviate safety concerns for local residents.