Northridge Break-Ins Spur Warning to Lock Doors

A string of late-night burglaries in Northridge has prompted police to warn residents to lock their doors and windows before going to bed.

They hope that cooling temperatures may take care of the problem.

The Los Angeles Police Department does not believe the burglaries were committed by the same person, but robbery detectives said several similarities among the crimes led them to believe the break-ins may be connected.

“We were getting a trend in (burglars) going into residences through unlocked doors and windows, so we’re letting people know to secure their residences,” said Detective Russ Lyons.

Since August, Lyons said there have been 12 burglaries in the area bordered by Devonshire Street, Roscoe Boulevard, Tampa Avenue and Balboa Boulevard.

Most of the break-ins occurred at single-family homes between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. That is unusual, Lyons said, “because most residential burglaries occur during the day, when people are not at home.”

In each incident, a burglar entered through an open door or window and took “small items, such as purses, wallets and jewelry,” Lyons said.

No one has been injured during the robberies, and most of the victims were asleep when the break-ins occurred, he said.

Police said many residents have been leaving doors and windows open at night due to the hot weather. But as autumn approaches, Lyons said the situation might take care of itself.

“It’s been hot, but as the weather starts cooling off, maybe we’ll have less of a problem,” he said.