Home burglaries in Los Angeles, particularly in Koreatown and surrounding neighborhoods, have surged, with residents reporting a wave of break-ins during daytime hours. According to the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), between April 6 and May 3, there were 819 home burglary cases citywide, averaging 30 incidents daily.
Criminals Target Empty Homes in Broad Daylight
The LAPD reports that burglars are exploiting daytime hours when homeowners are typically away, stealing valuables while intentionally avoiding traceable electronics like iPads and MacBooks.
One such incident occurred near 4th Street and Berendo Street in Koreatown, where Ms. Kang and her husband left their apartment between noon and 3 p.m. on May 5, only to return and find their home ransacked.
“Our front door was damaged, likely forced open with a crowbar,” said Kang, who suspects their home was specifically targeted. She reported losses of more than $70,000, including jewelry, cash, watches, and gaming consoles, while devices with location tracking remained untouched.
Kang said officers from the LAPD Olympic Station responded to her report, noting similar burglaries have been occurring frequently in Koreatown-area apartments, believed to be the work of professional theft rings. While police collected fingerprints, Kang stated there have been no further updates.
Kang also discovered that the building’s security cameras, which were labeled as ‘Recording,’ were not functioning. “When I asked the manager for the footage, I found out none of the cameras were actually working,” she said. “It feels like they knew our daily routines and waited for us to leave.”
Hancock Park Residents on Edge After Bold Break-Ins
Residents in Hancock Park, adjacent to Koreatown, are facing a similar rise in daytime burglaries, with ABC7 News reporting 12 cases over the past two months, as of May 11.
In one incident, a resident described hearing noises inside their house and spotting a burglar climbing the stairs near their children’s bedroom. “I immediately called 911 and shouted that the police were coming, which finally made them flee,” the resident told ABC7 News.
Neighborhood Patrols and Security Upgrades Underway
Facing continued break-ins, residents have started moving valuables offsite and, in some cases, forming neighborhood patrols led by those with firearm licenses. “With no effective crime prevention measures from the police, neighbors are banding together,” said one local, adding that despite increased security cameras and other measures, the crime wave shows no sign of slowing.
According to the LAPD, Los Angeles recorded 7,653 property crimes, including burglaries and vehicle thefts, between April 6 and May 3, underscoring the broader challenge the city faces in combating property crime.
BY YEOL JANG [jang.yeol@koreadaily.com]
