Neighbors Take Action: How a Small Community Thwarted Crime with Signs and Cameras

Valley Glen, a quiet part of the San Fernando Valley, has seen its residents step up to keep their streets safe. Facing a surge of break‑ins linked to gangs from South America, homeowners installed 22 warning signs and set up infrared license‑plate readers plus video cameras. The initiative reportedly stopped the wave of thefts that had plagued the area from November 2024 to April 2025. The community’s effort has been praised by a local retiree who claims that after the cameras and signs appeared, crime dropped to zero. She says children are now able to play outside again, a relief after an incident where a teenager was frightened to attend school because her home had been robbed. The signs clearly state that cameras are in operation, making potential offenders think twice before acting. City officials, however, have argued that mounting signs on public utility poles violates local codes and are therefore illegal. The homeowner has called for state leaders to step in, hoping that the mayor or governor might grant an exemption. A city council member met with her at home and promised to work with transportation authorities to find a suitable solution that balances safety and regulation.The local police department attributes the earlier break‑ins to Colombian and Chilean gangs, noting that the community’s vigilance has helped reduce vehicle thefts and license‑plate snatching. Residents pay a modest fee each year—about $220 per household—for the system, which shares data on suspicious vehicles with law enforcement. Critics argue that the city’s own police resources are stretched thin, citing unanswered emails and delayed responses to recent robberies. The homeowner’s frustration highlights a broader debate about public safety funding, especially in light of recent movements that have led to police budget cuts across the valley. Despite the controversy, many residents feel empowered by their collective action. They view the cameras and signs as an investment in a safer neighborhood, one that allows families to feel secure without relying solely on municipal protection.