Latest news with #EthanMarquez
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Yahoo
Security cameras are coming to Altadena to combat surge in thefts. Some residents say it's not enough
New security cameras are arriving in Altadena as law enforcement attempts to stem skyrocketing rates of residential burglary in the fire-ravaged community, but some residents fear that won't be enough to keep thieves away. From Jan. 1 to April 15, the number of residential burglaries reported in the Altadena area was up about 450% compared with the same period in 2024, according to data from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. For months, thieves have preyed on vulnerable homes in the abandoned community — ripping up copper pipes, smashing windows and doors, and stealing appliances, jewelry, power tools, instruments and even an Emmy award. Read more: Soaring burglaries in post-fire Altadena rattle residents: 'Trauma on top of the trauma' The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department announced Wednesday that deputies have started deploying enhanced security camera systems in the Eaton fire area to suppress theft and deter criminal activity. "Security cameras are one of the most effective tools we have to reduce property crimes and support successful prosecutions," Ethan Marquez, acting captain of the Altadena Sheriff's Station, said in a statement. "Our goal is to protect the community, and these systems allow us to respond faster and with better information when crimes occur." The cameras will monitor high-traffic areas and provide video evidence that can be used to prosecute thieves, according to the Sheriff's Department. It is not clear how many cameras will be installed in the community. While some residents were excited by the prospect of more surveillance in their neighborhoods, others were less optimistic about how effective the cameras will be at reducing crime. Several voiced a desire for neighborhood checkpoints staffed by the National Guard, which are currently in place to protect Pacific Palisades. "Installing cameras to prevent crime in an area that's seen a spike in [burglaries] by 450% is like putting a Band-Aid over a blood-gushing gunshot wound," said resident Natalie LaFourche, whose home was broken into in early April. "The residents of Altadena want equity, not cameras. We want the same protections as the victims of the Palisades fire." In the Palisades, the National Guard continues to staff around half a dozen checkpoints that allow only residents and approved contractors to access the area. In Altadena, which is a denser urban area with many more entry and exit points, the National Guard stopped operating traffic checkpoints on Jan. 21, according to a statement from the Sheriff's Department. The National Guard was reassigned to key intersections to help deter crime, before concluding operations in Altadena last week "due to the absence of active traffic control needs," the department said. More than 140 residential burglaries were reported in the Altadena area from January through mid-April this year, according to Sheriff's Department data. Some homes have been hit multiple times. Pacific Palisades has not experienced a comparable rise in crime. Twenty-three burglaries were reported from January through March this year in the Palisades, compared to 20 burglaries during the same time period last year, according to data from the Los Angeles Police Department. "I guess it's harder to secure the neighborhood [of Altadena], but I wish they'd never let the National Guard go," said resident Jenna Morris, whose home has been burglarized three times. "That's what we need." On Thursday, the Sheriff's Department requested a redeployment of the National Guard in Altadena, but that request was denied by the California Office of Emergency Management, which instead offered the assistance of additional California Highway Patrol officers, according to the Sheriff's Department. The department noted that while the National Guard can help with traffic control and disaster response, they are not peace officers and therefore cannot perform policing duties. The department accepted the offer of more CHP officers and is working to determine what additional resources they can provide in Altadena, officials said. Morris and her husband, Howard, said the cameras were an encouraging step and one that might give them more peace of mind, but they also offer no guarantee of safety. Supervisor Kathryn Barger, who represents Altadena, said in a statement Wednesday that the security cameras will be a "critical tool to help law enforcement respond quickly and effectively to protect residents and their property." Madalyn Majors, one of the few Altadena residents who has moved back into the neighborhood, said she welcomes security cameras, but acknowledges that there will still be surveillance gaps in the community. "It gives me hope that [sheriff's officials] are at least monitoring the situation and are aware and can take more drastic measures in the future once they've seen what sort of effect security cameras have," she said. "The fear that someone is just going to come in and drive away into the night mysteriously is not quite so great anymore." While Majors is grateful to be able to live at home, she remains on edge after dark. She has already paid to install security cameras and Starlink satellite internet to protect her home since WiFi is still down in the area. Altadena resident Elena Amador-French, said many residents have already installed security cameras on their properties but that hasn't stopped criminals from pilfering items from homes. "It's so brazen. These people come in and they see the camera as they come right up to them, no masks, no cover. ... We see their license plates," she said. "I'm just like, wow, what do you think this is? It's a free-for-all." Sheriff's officials are asking residents and business owners who have video evidence of crimes recorded on their personal security cameras to contact the Altadena Sheriff's Station. Prior to launching the new security cameras, the Altadena Sheriff's Station already had several measures in place to try to combat the uptick in crime. They have been doubling and tripling the number of deputies on patrol, and running targeted operations with undercover deputies to catch thieves in action, officials said. They have also launched the Altadena Home Check Program to provide routine check-ins on empty properties. Deputies have provided more than 14,000 checks on about 600 properties that have opted into the program. Residents can sign up by emailing AltadenaHomeCheck@ and providing their name, address and cellphone number. Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Los Angeles Times
02-05-2025
- Los Angeles Times
Security cameras are coming to Altadena to combat surge in thefts. Some residents say it's not enough
New security cameras are arriving in Altadena as law enforcement attempts to stem skyrocketing rates of residential burglary in the fire-ravaged community, but some residents fear that won't be enough to keep thieves away. From Jan. 1 to April 15, the number of residential burglaries reported in the Altadena area was up about 450% compared with the same period in 2024, according to data from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. For months, thieves have preyed on vulnerable homes in the abandoned community — ripping up copper pipes, smashing windows and doors, and stealing appliances, jewelry, power tools, instruments and even an Emmy award. The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department announced Wednesday that deputies have started deploying enhanced security camera systems in the Eaton fire area to suppress theft and deter criminal activity. 'Security cameras are one of the most effective tools we have to reduce property crimes and support successful prosecutions,' Ethan Marquez, acting captain of the Altadena Sheriff's Station, said in a statement. 'Our goal is to protect the community, and these systems allow us to respond faster and with better information when crimes occur.' The cameras will monitor high-traffic areas and provide video evidence that can be used to prosecute thieves, according to the Sheriff's Department. It is not clear how many cameras will be installed in the community. While some residents were excited by the prospect of more surveillance in their neighborhoods, others were less optimistic about how effective the cameras will be at reducing crime. Several voiced a desire for neighborhood checkpoints staffed by the National Guard, which are currently in place to protect Pacific Palisades. 'Installing cameras to prevent crime in an area that's seen a spike in [burglaries] by 450% is like putting a Band-Aid over a blood-gushing gunshot wound,' said resident Natalie LaFourche, whose home was broken into in early April. 'The residents of Altadena want equity, not cameras. We want the same protections as the victims of the Palisades fire.' In the Palisades, the National Guard continues to staff around half a dozen checkpoints that allow only residents and approved contractors to access the area. In Altadena, which is a denser urban area with many more entry and exit points, the National Guard stopped operating traffic checkpoints on Jan. 21, according to a statement from the Sheriff's Department. The National Guard was reassigned to key intersections to help deter crime, before concluding operations in Altadena last week 'due to the absence of active traffic control needs,' the department said. More than 140 residential burglaries were reported in the Altadena area from January through mid-April this year, according to Sheriff's Department data. Some homes have been hit multiple times. Pacific Palisades has not experienced a comparable rise in crime. Twenty-three burglaries were reported from January through March this year in the Palisades, compared to 20 burglaries during the same time period last year, according to data from the Los Angeles Police Department. 'I guess it's harder to secure the neighborhood [of Altadena], but I wish they'd never let the National Guard go,' said resident Jenna Morris, whose home has been burglarized three times. 'That's what we need.' On Thursday, the Sheriff's Department requested a redeployment of the National Guard in Altadena, but that request was denied by the California Office of Emergency Management, which instead offered the assistance of additional California Highway Patrol officers, according to the Sheriff's Department. The department noted that while the National Guard can help with traffic control and disaster response, they are not peace officers and therefore cannot perform policing duties. The department accepted the offer of more CHP officers and is working to determine what additional resources they can provide in Altadena, officials said. Morris and her husband, Howard, said the cameras were an encouraging step and one that might give them more peace of mind, but they also offer no guarantee of safety. Supervisor Kathryn Barger, who represents Altadena, said in a statement Wednesday that the security cameras will be a 'critical tool to help law enforcement respond quickly and effectively to protect residents and their property.' Madalyn Majors, one of the few Altadena residents who has moved back into the neighborhood, said she welcomes security cameras, but acknowledges that there will still be surveillance gaps in the community. 'It gives me hope that [sheriff's officials] are at least monitoring the situation and are aware and can take more drastic measures in the future once they've seen what sort of effect security cameras have,' she said. 'The fear that someone is just going to come in and drive away into the night mysteriously is not quite so great anymore.' While Majors is grateful to be able to live at home, she remains on edge after dark. She has already paid to install security cameras and Starlink satellite internet to protect her home since WiFi is still down in the area. Altadena resident Elena Amador-French, said many residents have already installed security cameras on their properties but that hasn't stopped criminals from pilfering items from homes. 'It's so brazen. These people come in and they see the camera as they come right up to them, no masks, no cover. ... We see their license plates,' she said. 'I'm just like, wow, what do you think this is? It's a free-for-all.' Sheriff's officials are asking residents and business owners who have video evidence of crimes recorded on their personal security cameras to contact the Altadena Sheriff's Station. Prior to launching the new security cameras, the Altadena Sheriff's Station already had several measures in place to try to combat the uptick in crime. They have been doubling and tripling the number of deputies on patrol, and running targeted operations with undercover deputies to catch thieves in action, officials said. They have also launched the Altadena Home Check Program to provide routine check-ins on empty properties. Deputies have provided more than 14,000 checks on about 600 properties that have opted into the program. Residents can sign up by emailing AltadenaHomeCheck@ and providing their name, address and cellphone number.
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Yahoo
Security cameras installed across Altadena amid surge in residential burglaries
The Brief The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department is deploying advanced security camera systems in Altadena to deter thefts and burglaries. Lawmakers emphasized the cameras' role in reducing property crimes and aiding law enforcement, especially following the Eaton Fire. Residents are encouraged to share video evidence from personal cameras and participate in the Altadena Home Check Program. ALTADENA, Calif. - The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department has initiated the deployment of advanced security camera systems throughout Altadena to deter crimes and ensure public safety. What we know The cameras are positioned in high-traffic areas to prevent crime and assist in investigations. Acting Captain Ethan Marquez emphasized the effectiveness of security cameras in reducing property crimes and supporting prosecutions. SUGGESTED: Residential burglaries in Altadena burn area surging, authorities say The initiative is part of a broader effort to protect the community and respond swiftly to criminal activities, especially after the Eaton Fire. The initiative includes ongoing high-visibility patrols, crime suppression operations, and partnerships with local non-profit organizations to help secure residents' property. What they're saying Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger expressed support for the installation of FLOCK cameras, highlighting their role in enhancing public safety, especially after the Eaton Fire. SUGGESTED: 9 charged with looting in LA fires, 1 with arson, DA Hochman says She noted the cameras' importance in helping law enforcement respond quickly to protect residents and their property. What you can do Residents and business owners are encouraged to share video evidence from their personal security cameras with the Altadena Sheriff's Station. Additionally, community members can sign up for the Altadena Home Check Program, which offers post-fire home checks by deputy sheriffs. To participate, residents can email AltadenaHomeCheck@ with their name, address, and cell phone number. SUGGESTED: Tenants at Altadena apartment complex demand answers after Eaton Fire:' Protect our elders' Community members are urged to report suspicious activity or crimes to the Altadena Sheriff's Station. For anonymous tips, individuals can use "Crime Stoppers" by calling (800) 222-TIPS, downloading the "P3 Tips" mobile app, or visiting Working together, the community and law enforcement aim to keep Altadena safe. The Source Information for this story is from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, Altadena Sheriff's Station.
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Yahoo
Residential burglaries in Altadena burn area surging, authorities say
The Brief Burglars are targeting homes in the Altadena burn zone, including both undamaged and debris-filled properties. Residents are taking measures to deter theft, such as staying in RVs on destroyed properties. The Altadena Sheriff's substation is increasing patrols and has been arresting more suspects. ALTADENA, Calif. - Residential burglaries in the Altadena burn area have surged more than 400% compared to last year, according to the Altadena Sheriff's Department. Following the wildfires, authorities have increased patrols to combat the rise in looting, as residents and business owners face an alarming second wave of thefts. What we know The Altadena Sheriff's Department confirmed a significant increase in burglaries immediately after the fires, which initially decreased when streets were shut down. SUGGESTED: Run group organizes Ultra-Marathon Relay to raise money for wildfire victims However, as access has improved for recovery efforts, a second surge of looting has occurred, prompting extra patrols in the area. Some homes, like one off Athens, have been burglarized three times since the fires. Burglars are not only targeting undamaged homes, but also debris-filled properties, where burglars dressed with semi-official looking yellow vests, are looking for things like copper wire. One resident is living in an RV next to his burned-out property to protect what's left. SUGGESTED: Sen. Padilla visits Palisades Fire zone, pushes for wildfire prevention legislation What they're saying Lt. Ethan Marquez acknowledged the situation, stating, "Yes, there are people who are trying to take advantage of the situation." "It does seem to be going up again" he added. He said they are adding extra patrols and deputies have been arresting a lot more people. What you can do The Altadena Sheriff's Department encourages residents to request extra patrols at their homes by emailing them at altadenahomecheck@ to be added to a list for periodic checks. Please include your name, address, and home number deputies can call. SUGGESTED: 97-year-old woman loses home of 60 years in Palisades Fire What's next The community is questioning why entry restrictions similar to those in the Pacific Palisades have not been implemented to curb the thefts. The Sheriff's Department continues to monitor the situation and adjust patrols as needed. SUGGESTED: Palisades Fire victims hold first community event since deadly blaze The Source Information for this story is from the Altadena Sheriff's Department and interviews with homeowners on April 29, 2025.
Yahoo
28-04-2025
- Yahoo
More trauma for fire victims: Burglaries up ‘several hundred percent' in Eaton Fire area
Residents who have already suffered after losing their homes in the Eaton Fire are now having to worry about something else: burglaries. Lt. Ethan Marquez of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department's Altadena station confirmed to KTLA that there have been 142 burglaries reported in the Eaton Fire burn area since the start of the year. That marks an increase of 'several hundred percent,' he said. The increase in crime is causing great concern for area residents, who say that the community normally does not have many burglaries. Compounding the issue is the fact that over 1,600 homes were lost in the blaze, leaving 'not many eyes' to watch out for nefarious activity in the area. 'A majority of the population has not returned to the area, so there are not as many eyes per se,' Lt. Marquez said. 'That has led to the availability of opportunities to try and take advantage.' 'Emergency lights? Pull to the right': LASD advises public in new safe driving campaign KTLA 5's Kimberly Cheng spoke with one property owner in Altadena on Monday whose home is one of the few still standing, although most of his neighbors' homes are not. Declining to go on camera, he said that his home has been hit three times since the Eaton Fire broke out on Jan. 7. The first incident occurred the night the fire broke out after his family evacuated, he said. It was targeted two more times in the last three weeks; the burglars took tools and photography equipment from his garage. At least two other nearby residences on the same street were also hit, the man added. The anonymous resident told KTLA that he believes more patrols of the neighborhood would help, as would bringing the National Guard, who are already deployed in the Palisades Fire burn scar areas. Those patrols would mainly need to be conducted at night, as the area is generally busy with contractors and debris removal crews during the daytime, he noted. Here's how California's license plates will look different next year Speaking on the presence of law enforcement in the area, Fifth District Supervisor Kathryn Barger, whose district includes Altadena, said it is 'not [her] call' as to whether or not more officers can be deployed. 'What I've been told is that the National Guard is in this area, [but] it's really not my call,' she told KTLA on Monday. 'I've talked to the people that coordinate on this…it's not appropriate, and I think that there are those who would argue that after the National Guard [being deployed] was overkill.' 'At the end of the day, we have [the sheriff's department] up here, and I'd rather give additional resources to [them] to do more patrols,' Barger added. Affected residents can sign up for home check programs so that patrol units can check on their homes periodically. To do so, send an email to altadenahomecheck@ with your name, address, and a call back number. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
