Encino on Edge: Residents Consider Buying Guns and Hiring Security Amid Surge in Burglaries

Encino, a usually serene and tightly-knit community in the San Fernando Valley, has recently found itself in the grips of anxiety and fear. The cause? A sudden and alarming increase in burglaries that has left residents on edge, with many questioning their safety and the measures they should take to protect their homes and families.

The latest in a string of break-ins occurred early Tuesday morning on Mooncrest Drive, adding to a growing list of burglaries that have plagued the neighborhood for the past month. With at least ten reported incidents—though some residents suspect the number is even higher—the sense of security that once defined this affluent area has been profoundly shaken.

For long-time Encino residents, the shift in the neighborhood's atmosphere is palpable. Conversations on morning dog walks, neighborhood text chains, and even casual exchanges at the local grocery store are dominated by talk of the recent break-ins. The situation has become so unsettling that some residents are now seriously considering measures they never would have dreamed of before—like purchasing firearms or hiring private security.

“In all my years working and living in Encino, I have never participated in conversations where people said, ‘Yeah, I’m going to go get a gun.’ But now they are,” said Robert Glushon, president of the Encino Property Owners Association. This stark change in attitude underscores just how deeply the recent crime wave has affected the community.

Statistics paint a troubling picture. While residential burglaries citywide in Los Angeles have risen by 4% compared to last year, Encino has experienced a staggering 40% increase in just one month. This surge, concentrated in a small area south of the 101 Freeway, has left many wondering if their home will be the next target.

In response, the LAPD has ramped up patrols in the area, with additional support from volunteer reserves and investigators. However, the fear and uncertainty remain. Some residents, like Stephanie Rosenthal, have taken matters into their own hands, documenting suspicious activity and confronting strangers on their streets. Others, like Sam Avishay, find themselves grappling with difficult decisions, such as whether to purchase a firearm for self-defense.

The situation has not gone unnoticed by local authorities. Los Angeles City Councilmember Nithya Raman expressed deep concern over the recent spike in break-ins, assuring residents that every effort is being made to restore safety to the neighborhood. Meanwhile, LAPD officials have urged the media to avoid sensationalizing the situation, emphasizing that while the recent crimes are serious, they are not indicative of a broader crime wave across the city.

Yet, for residents like Rob, who recently moved back in with his elderly mother to provide her with some sense of security, the reality is stark. “Everybody knows what’s happening, and you just walk around having your eyes peeled, looking, but not really even knowing what to look for,” he said. The uncertainty is unnerving, especially when it's unclear which house might be targeted next.

As Encino residents continue to grapple with these challenges, one thing is clear: the recent surge in burglaries has not just threatened their homes but also their peace of mind. In a community known for its tranquility, the current atmosphere of fear and vigilance is an unsettling change that residents hope will soon be a thing of the past.

Source: LA Times