A homeowner in Pasadena, California, successfully deterred a group of four masked individuals who attempted to break into his residence late Friday night. The incident, captured on surveillance video, shows the would-be burglars approaching the home around 11:15 p.m. before being scared off by the resident.
The homeowner, who requested anonymity, told ABC affiliate KABC that he believes his home was targeted because it is located in the Upper Hastings Ranch neighborhood, where several other houses are vacant and undergoing repairs or rebuilding following the Eaton Fire.
Video footage shows the four individuals, their faces covered and wearing gloves, entering the backyard of the property. The home's motion-activated lights and security system, which warned them they were being recorded, did not initially deter them. The homeowner and his wife were inside watching television when they heard the side gate slam shut.
Upon checking his camera feeds and seeing the intruders, the homeowner decided to confront them by yelling and turning on additional lights, while an internal alarm was also triggered. The presence of the homeowner and the activated alarm caused the group to flee the property and run to a waiting car.
Pasadena police responded quickly to the report of trespassing and attempted burglary, but the suspects had already left the scene by the time officers arrived. No arrests have been made, and no suspect descriptions are currently available, according to the police.
The homeowner expressed his distress over the incident, stating that while the burglars obtained nothing tangible, they "stole my peace of mind." He noted that the neighborhood's increased vacancy due to fire damage has made properties more vulnerable.
He also mentioned that a similar incident occurred about six weeks prior, where another home in the neighborhood undergoing smoke damage repairs was burglarized, with jewelry and other items stolen. Police have been asked if these two incidents are related. The homeowner and his neighbors plan to increase vigilance to deter future occurrences.