10-Minute Window: Ladera Heights Burglars Exploit Slow Sheriff Response Times

Residents of Ladera Heights, a 7,000-household community between Culver City and Inglewood, are demanding faster police response times after a surge in home break-ins. NBC4 Investigates data shows 14 burglaries occurred in the unincorporated area during September alone. The spike has left neighbors angry that deputies often arrive after the criminals have already fled.

The frustration builds on a pattern that began in December. One homeowner, who declined to be named because suspects remain at large, was burglarized for the first time that month. Although some suspects were arrested, they were released because they were minors. The man reported that thieves took all his jewelry, watches, glasses, and his wife's bags. He noted that the same suspect hit four to six buildings away shortly after. His home was targeted again in September.

"(Burglars) didn't care because they knew they had about maybe 10 minutes to do whatever they have to do and to be gone," the victim said. He suggested that current response times are too slow to stop the ransacking. Another neighbor told NBCLA that certain sections of the community face break-ins several times a week.

Summer Parr, a local resident, said the neighborhood is on edge. "It's just been breaking like week after week," she said. Joshua Kissi, whose home is surrounded by victims, saw suspected burglars fleeing a neighbor's house two weeks ago. He described them as young adults, aged 18 or 19, who carried themselves like kids. Kissi has been rallying neighbors to stay vigilant.

The anger culminated last week at a community meeting attended by LA County Supervisor Holly Mitchell and Sheriff Robert Luna. Residents packed the room to voice their concerns. The community already funds private patrols, but neighbors complained that deputies from the nearby substation take too long to reach scenes.

Mitchell stated that law enforcement will bring more focus to the area while residents harden their communities. She said, "I think what's most helpful is (Luna) heard loud and clear from the residents. They're concerned about response time, so response time is something that (Luna) is going to pay close attention to."

The meeting concluded with the Sheriff’s Department providing residents with information on how to make their homes less susceptible to break-ins.