Valley Glen residents fight crime with signs, Flock cameras — but city officials say its illegal

The residents of Valley Glen in the San Fernando Valley have taken matters into their own hands by installing private warning signs and security cameras to combat rampaging criminals in their neighborhood. In response to a spate of break-ins by South American gangs, the community erected 22 signs, infrared license plate readers, and video recorders to deter criminal activity.

Debbie Stopeck, a 65-year-old retiree and resident of Valley Glen, reported a significant drop in crime after the installation of the equipment. She mentioned that there were 26 incidents between November 2024 and April 2025, but the wave of crime suddenly stopped once the signs were put up. Stopeck emphasized the impact of the signs, stating that they send a clear message to criminals that they are under surveillance when entering the neighborhood.

Despite the positive impact on crime prevention, local officials from the LA Department of Transportation have deemed the signs installed on city utility poles to be illegal and in violation of city codes. Stopeck has called on LA Mayor Karen Bass and California Governor Gavin Newsom to intervene and provide exemptions for the signs.

Council member Adrin Nazarian visited Stopeck’s home and expressed appreciation for the community’s proactive approach to protecting their neighborhood. He pledged to work with the Department of Transportation and community members to find a solution that ensures public safety.

Residents in Valley Glen have been dealing with break-ins by gangs from Colombia and Chile, who have been stealing car license plates and breaking into vehicles. The installation of license plate readers and live-feed cameras, which residents collectively pay for, has been instrumental in providing valuable data to the LAPD for surveillance purposes.

Stopeck emphasized the importance of community safety and unity, highlighting the need for proactive measures in light of challenges such as police defunding and understaffing. Despite facing obstacles from city officials, the residents of Valley Glen remain committed to safeguarding their neighborhood.

The California Post reached out to the Los Angeles Department of Transportation for comment on the situation. The community’s efforts to protect their neighborhood serve as a testament to the power of collective action in combating crime and promoting safety in local communities.