Mayor Bass, LAPD address crime after double murder, break-ins in Encino
ENCINO, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Mayor Karen Bass joined the Los Angeles Police Department and Encino leaders at a virtual meeting Thursday evening to address recent residential break-ins across the community.
More than 700 people attended the meeting. Residents requested a police substation nearby but were told there's not enough staffing.
LAPD also reminded residents there's been a drop in burglaries from last year.
The meeting comes after the murders of an "American Idol" executive and her husband, as well as a slew of other home invasions and burglaries in the San Fernando Valley.
In one of those incidents, the Encino home of former "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" star Teddi Mellencamp was targeted by burglars in an attempted break-in earlier this month.
Ahead of the meeting, community leaders held a press conference outside Van Nuys City Hall to demand the city do more to keep residents safe.
Rob Glushon, the president of the Encino Property Association, said he'd like to see drones patrol neighborhoods. During the meeting, Bass made it clear that option isn't close to happening yet.
"I'm a little upset to hear about what's going on here," said resident Michael Kirsch. "I know there were a couple of deaths on White Oak not too long ago and some of the break-ins, and I think there's just not enough police presence in the area."
According to LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell, the department has increased patrols in the area.
"People will see additional resources out there; there's also a number of things being done that they won't see," he said during an interview with Eyewitness News. "Officers doing surveillance, a number of different things I won't go into at this moment. There's a mobile unit out there, air support, helicopters are out there with an increased level of visibility and patrol and community engagement is really the key."
During another meeting held in the wake of the shocking murders, more than 200 residents expressed their safety concerns to police and Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman.
Shortly after, the LAPD launched a major crackdown on crime in the area, boosting patrols on foot, by air and on horseback - especially at night.
Investigators from different departments are also joining the crime prevention efforts, which include license plate readers.
Another community meeting will be held on Sunday, August 3, and at least 100 people are expected to attend.
Eyewitness News was told members of LAPD and the CEO of ACS Home Security will be in attendance.
