Burglars Steal $200K in Items from Toluca Lake Home

Police say two suspects broke in through a window and ransacked the residence.

Apr. 20, 2026 at 12:56am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a broken window lock, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conveying a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic about a recent spate of home burglaries in the San Fernando Valley.A recent wave of targeted home burglaries has left residents of the San Fernando Valley on edge, despite an overall decline in break-ins across the city.Los Angeles Today

Two men stole an estimated $200,000 worth of items from a home in Toluca Lake, Los Angeles on Saturday night, according to the police. The burglary happened around 9:45 p.m. on Strohm Avenue near Toluca Lake Elementary, with the suspects using a ladder to enter through an upstairs window and then fleeing the scene.

Why it matters

This incident is the latest in a string of residential break-ins impacting the San Fernando Valley in recent weeks, raising concerns among local residents about the safety of their neighborhoods. While overall break-ins are down compared to last year, the brazen nature of these crimes has left many feeling vulnerable.

The details

Police say the two suspects were wearing all dark clothing, masks and gloves. The residents were not home at the time of the burglary. Authorities are investigating whether this incident is connected to other recent break-ins in Valley neighborhoods like Sherman Oaks, Valley Glen, Valley Village, Granada Hills, Porter Ranch, Studio City and Woodland Hills.

  • The burglary happened around 9:45 p.m. on Saturday, April 20, 2026.
  • Since April 10, there have been at least 10 reported burglaries in various San Fernando Valley neighborhoods.

The players

Los Angeles Police Department

The local law enforcement agency investigating the burglary and a series of recent break-ins in the San Fernando Valley.

Michael Perez

A San Fernando Valley resident who expressed concerns about the brazen nature of the break-ins happening across the area.

Mayor Karen Bass

The mayor of Los Angeles who announced she would direct police to increase patrols in high-risk areas in response to the burglaries.

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What they’re saying

“It just seems like it's happening all over the place. It feels like there's no neighborhoods that are safe. It's like the break-ins are just brazen. They'll go wherever they want.”

— Michael Perez, San Fernando Valley resident

What’s next

Police are continuing to investigate whether the recent burglaries in the San Fernando Valley are connected, and Mayor Karen Bass has directed the LAPD to increase patrols in high-risk areas.

The takeaway

The string of brazen residential burglaries in the San Fernando Valley has left many residents feeling unsafe in their own neighborhoods, despite an overall decline in break-ins compared to last year. This case highlights the need for enhanced security measures and community-based solutions to address the persistent problem of property crime.