A midday burglary in Studio City turned violent Friday when a neighbor who rushed over after seeing intruders on a home’s surveillance cameras says he was blasted with an irritant and attacked as the suspects took off.
Neighbor Steve Calabro says the homeowners texted him after their cameras picked up the break-in. He went to check on the house and says he snapped photos of three suspects as they left. According to Calabro, one of them turned back and used a large canister to spray him before all three jumped into a waiting white car and sped away. Homeowners later shared surveillance images that show two people moving through the first floor of the house and taking items.
According to NBC Los Angeles, the break-in happened around noon while the family was out. The station reports the homeowners saw the crime unfolding on their cameras and messaged Calabro, who lives nearby. Video frames published by the station show one suspect picking up a shoe on the first floor before both suspects head upstairs, then exit through an adjacent vacant property and get into a white car. NBC Los Angeles also counted more than 30 break-ins across the San Fernando Valley since last month and reported that the LAPD said no arrests have been made.
Burglary spike prompts stepped-up patrols
City leaders have moved to beef up patrols after a recent rash of break-ins in the Valley. In a city press release, Mayor Karen Bass directed the LAPD to deploy extra patrols, mobile license-plate readers and air support along Ventura Boulevard. The Los Angeles Times reported that officials said nine homes were targeted during a recent surge. The added visibility is intended to help detectives connect cases and arrest burglary crews.
“This is the fourth time in this neighborhood,” Calabro said in an interview with NBC Los Angeles. He said neighbors were angry rather than frightened and that residents reported jewelry stolen from the home, a reaction that underscores growing frustration as detectives sort through a wave of Valley burglaries.
How neighbors can help
Police are asking anyone with door-cam or security footage from recent incidents to preserve it and share it with investigators. The LAPD’s newsroom lists phone numbers for detectives along with an online tip form. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous can contact the L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers tip line, the department notes.
Neighborhood pages and local outlets have been tracking related incidents across the Valley, including a recent Porter Ranch case centered on a barking dog that foiled a break-in.
Neighbors say the latest Studio City episode has only deepened anxiety in the area, where residents report repeated thefts have left them wary. Police continue to investigate, and anyone with information or footage is asked to contact their local LAPD division or the L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers tip line.
