Residents were warned Tuesday to be on alert as police have recorded a spike in the last month in burglaries in Silver Lake, Los Feliz and Echo Park.
Some 60 residential and 10 commercial buildings have been burglarized in the area and thieves are targeting electronics and jewelry from homes, authorities said.
"People are locking and closing their doors and coming home and noticing windows and doors open and property ransacked inside," said LAPD Detective Mike Bland.
Neighbors are also reporting car break-ins. Police are urging everyone to keep valuables out of sight, lock their home and car doors and secure all windows.
Many of the burglaries are taking place during work hours, when many residents are not home, investigators said.
Those who live in the neighborhoods say they feel as if the burglars have the upper hand.
"They already know the area, so they know it’s dark at night," said Silver Lake resident Norma Fuentes. "They know there are not a lot of policemen and I think that’s what they take advantage of."
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The rise in crime is not enough for some residents, like Bess Fanning, to make the move.
"I guess there is really not that much we can do about it," Fanning said. "We are not prepared to move because of news like this, but I’ll keep my eyes open."
Police said you can avoid becoming a victim by installing a security system, holding neighborhood meetings, watching for people who may be watching you outside your home, and keeping track of any serial numbers on your property so it’s easier to recover if stolen.
