Mar Vista Residents on Edge as 'Ninja-like' Burglars Strike Again

The usually tranquil Westside Village neighborhood of Mar Vista has been thrown into turmoil following a disturbing rise in “ninja-like” burglaries that have left residents shaken. The recent surge of break-ins has not only affected personal property but has also instilled a sense of fear and anxiety among homeowners who once felt safe in their homes. These burglars have a chilling modus operandi—highly calculated, elusive, and targeting homes with precision.

Local homeowner Bernard Hsu was among the many victims whose home was ransacked by these skilled thieves. "They were completely dressed in hoodies and masks, moving with a clear system in place," Hsu recalls. “They knew exactly what they were looking for—only jewelry and designer handbags. Electronics were left untouched, which tells me they weren’t just opportunists. They had a plan.”

This level of sophistication has become a calling card of the burglars, who seem to know when homes are empty and are capable of bypassing even the most robust security measures. In some cases, they have disabled WiFi, cut off electricity, and even sedated guard dogs, leaving families feeling utterly powerless.

For longtime resident Deb Longua, the emotional toll is almost unbearable. Her neighbor’s house has been targeted four times this year, even after every possible security upgrade was implemented. “High fences, better alarms, spikes on the gate, and two guard dogs—it still wasn’t enough,” Longua shared, echoing the frustration felt by many.

The boldness of these criminals is unsettling. They’ve managed to create an atmosphere of constant vigilance, forcing some residents to consider whether it’s worth staying in the area at all. Yet others, like Monica Richardson, refuse to back down. “They need to know we’re ready to defend our homes. I’m not going to be chased out,” she declared, illustrating the resolve of many in the community.

Despite increasing police patrols and a recent arrest linked to one of the burglaries, residents remain on high alert. They are calling for even stronger measures from law enforcement to put an end to these invasions that have upended their sense of security.

For now, Westside Village remains a neighborhood on edge—where safety once taken for granted has been replaced by constant unease. And as the community bands together, one thing is clear: they will continue fighting to reclaim the peace that was stolen from them.

Source: Fox LA