North Hollywood Neighbors Unite Amid San Fernando Valley Crime Wave

Residents band together to protect their community as burglaries and break-ins surge across the region.

Apr. 20, 2026 at 6:03am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A group of North Hollywood neighbors has banded together to try to keep their neighborhood safe in the face of a crime wave plaguing the San Fernando Valley. After nearly two weeks of burglaries and break-ins targeting homes in several neighborhoods, local authorities have stepped up patrols, but two more incidents were reported over the weekend. Residents are taking matters into their own hands, forming neighborhood watch groups and doing what they can to protect themselves.

Why it matters

The San Fernando Valley has seen a concerning spike in property crimes, with burglaries and break-ins impacting multiple neighborhoods. This has led to a heightened sense of insecurity among residents, prompting them to organize community-based solutions to supplement the efforts of local law enforcement.

The details

In the past two weeks, homes in North Hollywood, Sherman Oaks, Sylmar, Valley Village, Valley Glen, and Toluca Lake have been targeted by burglars. Late Saturday night, one of the homes that resident Karin Gault usually walks her dog past was hit, with the intruders entering through a second-story balcony and stealing cash and valuables. This incident prompted Gault and her neighbors to turn their usual nightly dog-walking group into a neighborhood watch party.

  • Over the past two weeks, a series of burglaries and break-ins have occurred across the San Fernando Valley.
  • On Saturday night, a home in North Hollywood was targeted by burglars who entered through a second-story balcony.

The players

Karin Gault

A North Hollywood resident who regularly walks her dog in the neighborhood and has witnessed the impact of the recent crime wave.

Dustin Heindel

A North Hollywood resident who believes the community needs to take matters into its own hands to protect itself.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It's very nice to have a community. We look out for each other. It's very important right now.”

— Karin Gault

“It's great if the community does stuff, or our tax dollars does stuff, for sure, and that should be expected. But in the end, I think you should do what you need to do to protect yourself.”

— Dustin Heindel

What’s next

Local authorities have pledged to increase patrols in the affected neighborhoods, but residents are also taking matters into their own hands by forming neighborhood watch groups to enhance community safety.

The takeaway

The surge in property crimes across the San Fernando Valley has led to a heightened sense of insecurity among residents, prompting them to organize community-based solutions to supplement the efforts of law enforcement. This highlights the importance of fostering strong neighborhood connections and a shared commitment to public safety.