Mayor Orders Extra Patrols After Valley Burglary Spree

LAPD to boost visibility, use license plate readers and air support to address recent home break-ins

Apr. 19, 2026 at 3:34am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of a broken window lock, capturing the harsh texture and dramatic lighting to convey the gritty reality of a home burglary.A recent wave of targeted home burglaries in the San Fernando Valley has prompted the mayor to order a stepped-up police response.Los Angeles Today

After a string of six home burglaries over seven days in the San Fernando Valley, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has directed the LAPD to increase patrols along Ventura Boulevard and deploy additional resources to investigate the incidents, including using license plate readers, air support, and collaboration with specialized divisions.

Why it matters

Residential burglaries have shaken up San Fernando Valley residents over the past year, with high-profile incidents like the killings of an 'American Idol' music supervisor and her husband in their Encino home. The mayor's directive aims to address the recent uptick in break-ins and provide a heightened sense of safety for local communities.

The details

The burglaries occurred within a two-mile radius of Ventura Boulevard, with one incident about three and a half miles away and another about eight miles away. In one case, a Hollywood Hills resident was assaulted by burglars after they were discovered in the home. Police also responded to a call at the Hollywood Hills home of actor Dylan Sprouse and model Barbara Palvin, where Sprouse tackled an intruder on the property but the suspect did not make it inside the home.

  • The first of the six burglaries was reported on the evening of April 11 in Sherman Oaks.
  • The next day, police were called to a home in the Hollywood Hills.
  • On Tuesday, police responded to a home in Valley Village.
  • Less than an hour later, officers were called to a home in Valley Glen.
  • On Wednesday, police responded to another home in Valley Glen.

The players

Karen Bass

The mayor of Los Angeles who has directed the LAPD to increase patrols and deploy additional resources to address the recent burglary spree in the San Fernando Valley.

Dylan Sprouse

An actor best known for his role in the Disney Channel sitcom 'The Suite Life of Zack & Cody', who tackled an intruder on the property of his Hollywood Hills home.

Barbara Palvin

A Victoria's Secret model and the wife of Dylan Sprouse, who spotted the intruder on their property.

Raymond Boodarian

A 23-year-old man charged with murder and burglary for the killings of 'American Idol' music supervisor Robin Kaye and her rock musician husband Tom DeLuca in their Encino home last year.

Jim McDonnell

The LAPD Chief who last year announced the arrest of several alleged South L.A. gang members accused of burglarizing nearly 100 homes and businesses, largely on the city's Westside.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“'I've directed the LAPD to strategically deploy resources along Ventura Boulevard and to continue making this area a priority by holding these criminals accountable. Residents deserve to feel safe in their communities, especially in their homes, and we will continue to deploy the resources necessary to keep people safe.'”

— Karen Bass, Mayor of Los Angeles

“'You're showing off Rolexes, fancy bags, fancy cars, this kind of stuff. You make yourself a target.'”

— Jim McDonnell, LAPD Chief

What’s next

The LAPD will continue to investigate the recent burglaries, collaborate with specialized divisions, and monitor the situation along Ventura Boulevard. Mayor Bass has vowed to hold the criminals accountable and deploy the necessary resources to keep residents safe in their homes.

The takeaway

The burglary spree in the San Fernando Valley highlights the ongoing challenge of property crime in Los Angeles, with residents feeling increasingly unsafe in their own neighborhoods. The mayor's directive to boost police presence and investigative efforts aims to provide a heightened sense of security, though broader solutions around home security, social services, and criminal justice reform may be needed to address the root causes of such incidents.