Another Break-In Strikes Encino Just One Day After LAPD Announces Increased Enforcement

Encino residents were left shaken once again on Thursday afternoon after a bold daylight break-in rattled the quiet neighborhood—just one day after police announced a significant increase in patrols and enforcement following a string of violent home invasions.

The latest incident occurred around 12:55 p.m. on the 4300 block of Valley Meadow Road. According to reports, five to six masked individuals, believed to be men, arrived in a black Mercedes and broke into a home in the upscale area. The Los Angeles Police Department responded swiftly, with air support from a police helicopter, though further details about the burglary have not yet been released.

This marks the latest in a troubling pattern of home invasions targeting Encino in recent weeks. The surge in residential crime prompted the LAPD to launch what they called a “crime suppression strategy” on Wednesday, vowing an “all-hands-on-deck” approach. The plan includes increased patrols, aerial surveillance, mounted units, and greater community engagement.

Despite these efforts, the neighborhood remains on edge, especially in the wake of a horrific double-homicide earlier this month. On July 10, television executive Robin Kaye and her husband, musician Thomas DeLuca, were found dead in their $5 million fortified home. Authorities say the alleged suspect, Raymond Boodarian, entered the property by scaling a wall and slipping through an unlocked door. The couple was discovered four days later after concerned parties requested a welfare check—despite two earlier 911 calls.

Surveillance footage from recent days has captured multiple break-ins, including one involving a three-man crew targeting another property nearby. Among the victims in the recent crime wave are Edwin Arroyave and Teddi Mellencamp, known from reality television.

While LAPD officials maintain that overall crime in Encino is down year-over-year, many residents feel that statistics don't reflect the fear and trauma left behind by these increasingly bold and violent incidents. The investigation into the recent break-ins and the Kaye-DeLuca murders remains ongoing.

Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward. Tips can be submitted anonymously by calling 800-222-8477 or online through official LAPD channels.

As Encino continues to reel from these disturbing events, the community remains watchful—and deeply concerned about what may come next. Source: KTLA