Los Angeles Police responded early Wednesday morning to an attempted break-in at the Hollywood Hills home of Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto.
The incident occurred around 5 a.m. in the exclusive Bird Streets neighborhood, according to the LAPD. No one was home at the time. Private security personnel were already on-site when officers arrived, and a shattered glass door was discovered, likely the trigger for the rapid response.
Police say the suspects never made it inside the home and fled the scene before law enforcement arrived. No arrests have been made.
Yamamoto and the Dodgers are currently on the road, facing the Cincinnati Reds in the final game of a three-game series. A win would mark a sweep for Los Angeles.
The attempted burglary is the latest in a growing wave of break-ins targeting athletes and celebrities across the city. Security expert Joe Petrillo weighed in, advising residents to make their homes appear occupied. “Lights on, cars in the driveway, music playing, those are deterrents. Some burglars will just move on to the next house,” he said.
LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell confirmed an uptick in break-ins throughout Los Angeles, including Encino, often involving organized criminal crews. “The suspects are gaining access by climbing rooftops, entering through unlocked windows, or walking in through side doors,” he noted.
Authorities are also investigating the involvement of South American burglary crews known for using advanced tactics. “They use Wi-Fi jammers to disable wireless security systems, cut wires when necessary, and move quickly,” McDonnell added.
Petrillo noted that intrusions are becoming more brazen, even occurring while residents are home. “If confronted, don’t resist,” he advised. “Put your hands up, let them take what they want, and focus on getting them to leave without conflict.”
In response, LAPD has increased patrols in the area and is deploying undercover officers to track and deter potential suspects.