Community Concerns: Residential Burglary

The following is a firsthand account from Katy Kinsella, a resident of Sherman Oaks. 

We moved to Sherman Oaks to a quiet little street between Moorpark and Camarillo. It was and still is the perfect location: close to the Sherman Oaks Galleria, walking distance to Ventura and all of the restaurants and conveniences there, convenient to the 405 freeway and 101 freeway, and really friendly, nice neighbors. 

What more could I ask for? 

As it turns out, this perfect neighborhood is also the perfect place for theft. Since I have lived in my house, I have had my car or my husband's car broken into four times in five years.

It was mostly just breaking a window and stealing sunglasses. About a year ago, they took my medical bag (I am an emergency physician) with my prescriptions in it among other things. Needless to say, I learned very quickly to lock things in my glove compartment or remove them from my car to prevent this type of break in.

This past Friday, my husband went out to his car, a new Prius, which was parked across the street from our house, and found the car to be completely stripped. No more headlights, side mirrors, navigation system, or air bags. The entire center console was gone. They had taken the most valuable parts out of the car. It was clearly a professional job with the way the wires were left perfectly hanging out of every orifice. 

Given our location, we are the perfect targets for theft. 

We live in a nice neighborhood with easy access to the freeway, there are no street lights (and apparently, my neighbors have been trying for 25 years to get street lights), and we are not on a through street, leaving us with little cross traffic. I have never seen a police car patrol our street other than parking police, giving out tickets.  

I feel violated and frustrated.

We want to hear from other Sherman Oaks residents.

Have you had problems with car or home burglary in your neighborhood?

What improvements would you like to see police make to protect your neighborhood?

Tell us in comments.