LAPD Boosts Patrols on Ventura Boulevard After Valley Burglary Spree

Mayor Karen Bass announced Friday that the Los Angeles Police Department will heighten patrols along Ventura Boulevard in the San Fernando Valley, targeting a string of at least seven home burglaries reported since last Friday within the LAPD's North Hollywood Division, which covers parts of the iconic corridor.[1] Officers will park vehicles in high-visibility spots, deploy license plate readers in high-risk zones, and have senior lead officers boost community engagement, Bass said.[1] "The safety of every Angeleno is my number one priority. The city has zero tolerance for these recent burglaries," Bass stated, emphasizing that residents deserve to feel secure in their homes.[1] The Metropolitan, Commercial Crimes and Robbery-Homicide divisions will team up with local detectives, holding weekly meetings to analyze trends and refine responses, according to the mayor.[1] So far in 2026 through April 11, the North Hollywood Division investigated 156 burglaries—a 45% decrease from the same period in 2025—indicating the surge is an anomaly amid broader declines.[1][4] One incident involved a burglar armed with a crowbar, heightening concerns in the area known for its mix of shops, homes and traffic-heavy stretches from Studio City to Van Nuys.[4] This follows similar LAPD actions in nearby Encino, where patrols increased after 14 break-ins, signaling a pattern of targeted responses to Valley crime spikes.[3] Community police stations like Van Nuys, serving Ventura Business District and surrounding neighborhoods including Sherman Oaks and Sepulveda, provide key contacts such as the non-emergency line at 877-ASK-LAPD for reports.[5] Bass' move underscores ongoing efforts to protect San Fernando Valley families amid Los Angeles' push to curb property crimes.