Foiled Break-In Caught on Camera at Pasadena Home as Would-Be Burglars Flee

A frightening attempted break-in at a Pasadena home was captured on surveillance video Friday night, highlighting the unsettling reality homeowners can face when a group of intruders approaches a residence after dark.

The incident occurred in the Upper Hastings Ranch neighborhood, where four masked men were seen entering the backyard of a home around 11:15 p.m. on Friday, according to Pasadena police and a report from ABC7 Los Angeles.

The homeowner, who asked to remain anonymous, said he and his wife were inside watching television when they heard their side gate slam shut. He checked the home's security cameras and discovered several masked individuals moving through the property.

Surveillance footage shows the men wearing masks and gloves as they made their way toward the house. Motion-activated lights came on, followed by an audible security warning informing the men that they were being recorded and telling them to leave.

Despite the warnings, the group continued into the backyard.

The homeowner then confronted the men from inside the house, yelling to make it clear that someone was home. Additional lights were turned on and an alarm sounded inside the residence.

That was enough to send the intruders running.

Video captured the group fleeing the backyard and returning to a vehicle that appeared to be waiting nearby. The homeowner's wife called police, but although officers arrived within minutes, the suspects had already left the area. No arrests had been made at the time of the ABC7 report, and police did not have suspect descriptions available.

For the homeowner, the incident was particularly disturbing because the neighborhood had historically been a quiet place to live. He said he has lived in Pasadena for 27 years and had never experienced anything like this before.

The area has also been affected by the Eaton Fire, with several neighboring properties still vacant while undergoing repairs or reconstruction. The homeowner believes the reduced occupancy and visibility may have made the neighborhood more attractive to potential burglars.

He also said another nearby home was burglarized approximately six weeks earlier while undergoing smoke-related repairs. Jewelry and other items were reportedly taken from that property. Pasadena police were asked whether the incidents could be connected, but no connection had been confirmed.

While the attempted break-in ultimately ended without anyone being injured or anything being stolen, the homeowner described the lasting impact differently. The experience left him and his wife concerned about whether something similar could happen again.

The incident serves as another reminder that a home can appear occupied, secured and protected while still becoming a target. In this case, the combination of surveillance cameras, lighting, audible warnings, an alarm and the homeowner's decision to make his presence known ultimately caused the intruders to retreat.

For a family that had spent decades feeling safe in its neighborhood, the experience was a sobering reminder that security concerns can change quickly—particularly in communities where vacant or partially reconstructed homes have reduced the normal presence of neighbors.

Source: ABC7