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LAPD investigating string of burglaries in Valley Glene
A string of burglaries targeting multi-million dollar homes across the San Fernando Valley, some just 15 minutes apart, is under investigation as police look into a series of break-ins involving forced entry and suspects fleeing before officers arrive.
LOS ANGELES - A string of professional burglaries targeting high-value residences across the San Fernando Valley has put the Los Angeles Police Department on high alert.
The investigation follows a series of rapid-fire break-ins where suspects utilized forced entry to steal thousands in valuables before fleeing the scene.
What we know:
Los Angeles police are currently investigating the latest incident, a home burglary that occurred late Wednesday night in the 6800 block of Vanscoy Avenue in Valley Glen.
Officers arrived around 9:30 p.m. to find the suspects had already fled after shattering a rear glass door to gain access.
This follows a violent encounter on April 11 in the Hollywood Hills, where homeowners on Macapa Drive returned to find suspects inside.
A physical altercation ensued, and the suspects escaped with approximately $88,000 worth of watches and cash.
In a separate instance in Sherman Oaks, a home on Davana Terrace was targeted twice on back-to-back nights.
What we don't know:
Authorities have not yet released detailed suspect descriptions for the majority of the break-ins, including the most recent hit in Valley Glen.
Investigators have not officially confirmed whether these burglaries are the work of a single organized ring or separate opportunistic groups.
It is also unclear exactly what was taken from the Vanscoy Avenue property.
Timeline:
April 11, 9:30 p.m.: Burglary and physical altercation on Macapa Drive, Hollywood Hills.
April 11 & 12: Back-to-back burglaries at a residence on Davana Terrace, Sherman Oaks.
April 14, 9:00 p.m.: Break-in on Hesby Street in Valley Village involving up to three suspects.
April 14, 9:15 p.m.: High-value property hit on Hatteras Street in Valley Glen.
April 15, 9:30 p.m.: Forced entry reported at a home on Vanscoy Avenue in Valley Glen.
What you can do:
While the investigation continues, residents in high-value areas are encouraged to secure all entry points.
In several of these cases, suspects forced entry by "smashing a rear glass door or window."
Standard security measures like reinforced glass or motion-activated lighting in rear yards may serve as a deterrent.
The Source: This report is based on information from the Los Angeles Police Department.