29-04-2025
Wildfire struck neighborhoods affected by surge in burglaries
ALTADENA, Calif. (NewsNation) — As wildfire recovery efforts continue in Los Angeles, many homeowners are now facing another problem: A surge in burglaries.
In Altadena, streets are busy during the day with construction crews and growing signs of life returning to normal. But by night, the fire zone becomes a prime target for thieves.
For many residents, it's a devastating double blow; they're already dealing with the emotional and financial toll of the wildfires, paying both mortgages and temporary rent, while trying to replace everything they lost in January.
Retirement interrupted: Older Americans staying in the workforce
Since the Eaton Fire, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department reports 142 burglaries in that burn zone alone, an increase of 'several hundred percent' from last year.
Following both the Palisades and Eaton fires, looting and theft were rampant through the area, affecting homes that were still standing, as well as the charred remains of most others. Some properties have even been burglarized multiple times.
Nearly five months later, the National Guard remains stationed in the Pacific Palisades, but not in Altadena.
'Why is Altadena not being protected like other groups have been? At this moment, you can't even get into Palisades unless you're escorted in. Why is that not our community?' said NAACP Pasadena president Brandon Lamar.
'I feel violated. My personal information was stolen; they immediately started draining my account, and that's when I like lost it because that's all we have left,' said Natalie Lafourche, an Altadena resident.
Want a starter home? It'll cost at least $1M in 233 cities: Zillow
The National Guard remains in the Palisades, partly due to the instance of Mayor Karen Bass. Additionally, the area is bordered by the ocean, limiting access points and making it easier to secure.
In contrast, Altadena is a sprawling inland neighborhood with dozens of roads leading in and out. Guardsmen left the area at the end of January amid complaints from frustrated residents unable to access their property.
The LA County Sheriff's Department has increased patrols and does multiple undercover targeted operations weekly, which have led to dozens of arrests.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
