LOS ANGELES, CA – Residential burglaries in the unincorporated community of Ladera Heights have more than doubled this summer compared with last year, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
The department said 13 residential burglaries were reported in Ladera Heights between June and September 2026, compared with six in the same period of 2025. The figures were part of a statement from the Sheriff’s Marina del Rey Station released Oct. 9.
One homeowner, Dr. Noelle Reid, said burglars broke into her home twice this year and that neighbors are seeing the same thing. She said the community feels neglected.
The Sheriff’s Department said it has stepped up patrols and is working with detectives and neighboring agencies. Supervisor Holly Mitchell, whose district includes Ladera Heights, said her office is working with residents and the department.
Homeowner describes two break-ins
Reid said a crew of burglars targeted her home twice this year. She said three men in dark clothing climbed over the side gate, and that even her barking dog did not scare them off.
According to Reid, the burglars were in and out within five to seven minutes. She said they took luxury handbags and jewelry, a loss she estimated at about $50,000.
Reid said she tries to focus on what was not taken. “Things were taken, and things can be replaced,” she said, adding that her life, her dog and her family were intact. She described the break-ins as a violation that left her feeling “almost imprisoned” in her home for fear of leaving it unprotected.
Sheriff’s Department reports 13 burglaries in four months
The Sheriff’s Department’s count covers residential burglaries reported in Ladera Heights from June through September 2026. The 13 reports compare with six reported over the same four months a year earlier.
Reid said break-ins in the neighborhood happen every other day and that no one is ever arrested. That is her description of what she and her neighbors have experienced, and it is separate from the department’s count of reported cases.
She said the problem has gone on for three or four years and has only escalated. “There’s been no change,” she said.
The department publishes Part I crime statistics for the areas it serves through its Crime Stats Dashboard, which carries 10 years of data plus the current year. The previous month’s figures are updated on the 23rd of each month.
Marina del Rey Station outlines its response
Ladera Heights is patrolled by the Marina del Rey Station, which also serves Marina del Rey, Santa Monica Bay, Windsor Hills and View Park. The station is at 13851 Fiji Way in Marina del Rey, according to the Los Angeles County services locator.
In its statement, the station said it recognizes the seriousness of the crimes and the frustration they have caused residents. “Even one residential burglary is one too many,” the station said.
The station said its response has included increased patrols and enhanced deputy visibility in affected areas. It has also issued community advisories and crime-prevention messages on social media.
The station said it has coordinated with specialized units and is working with its Detective Division to pursue leads and identify those responsible. It said it has stayed in contact with neighboring law enforcement agencies to identify patterns, share intelligence and support investigations.
Decoy patrol vehicles deployed
The Sheriff’s Department also said it is deploying decoy patrol vehicles in Ladera Heights. The department said the vehicles are meant to deter crime and to discourage anyone casing homes in the area.
The station said it will continue to focus on crime prevention, thorough investigations and victim support, along with a visible and responsive law enforcement presence in the community.
Supervisor Mitchell says her office is working with residents
Mitchell said in a statement that any break-in, even one, is too much and can be traumatizing for the household and the surrounding neighborhood. She said her office takes the issue seriously and is working with residents and the Sheriff’s Department.
Mitchell, who represents the county’s Second Supervisorial District, said the Sheriff’s Department has shared the steps it is taking. She listed more patrols and deputy visibility, community advisories, and coordination with specialized units and neighboring jurisdictions.
She said the Board of Supervisors has consistently supported more Sheriff’s Department academy classes and recruitment. Her office, she said, remains committed to an equitable distribution of resources for the most impacted communities.
Mitchell said any break-in is a serious violation of the law and that those involved will be held accountable.
Residents organize walking patrols
Reid said residents have started walking patrols and community watch groups. They are encouraging other neighborhoods to do the same.
“Community connection is key,” Reid said. She urged neighbors to talk to one another, be visible and spend time on their front lawns. “For Ladera, we are united, and we are going to take our community back,” she said.
Burglary prevention guidance
The Sheriff’s Department publishes a residential burglary prevention flyer. It advises installing deadbolt locks, using motion-activated lighting and trimming bushes near windows.
The flyer also recommends starting a Neighborhood Watch and asking law enforcement for patrol checks while residents are away.
Residents asked to share information
Mitchell asked residents to share vehicle descriptions or other relevant information that may support the investigations. She directed them to the Marina del Rey Station at 310-482-6000.
Anyone with information about the burglaries is asked to contact the station at that number. In an emergency, residents should call 911.
No arrests announced as of Oct. 9
The Sheriff’s Department had not announced an arrest or released suspect descriptions in connection with the Ladera Heights burglaries as of Oct. 9. Detectives continue to investigate, and the station said it will keep its patrols and community outreach in place.
