"We're Tired of Feeling Unsafe": Boyle Heights Residents Demand Action on Rising Street Crime

For Maria González, a longtime resident of Boyle Heights, the decision to move her small grocery business from Whittier Boulevard came down to simple economics—and fear. After her store was robbed twice in four months, she relocated to Montebello, joining a growing exodus of local business owners seeking safer ground.

"The police can't be everywhere," González said in recent interviews with community leaders. "We understand that. But when you're a small business owner working 12-hour days, you need to know your family and your livelihood are protected."

Her experience reflects a broader crisis in one of LA's most historically vibrant neighborhoods. According to LAPD data released in June, property crimes in the Boyle Heights division have climbed 34% since mid-2025, with carjackings nearly doubling. Between January and May 2026 alone, the area recorded 127 robbery incidents—a 41% increase compared to the same period last year.

At a community meeting held at Evergreen High School on East Olympic Boulevard earlier this month, residents voiced frustration not just with crime rates, but with what they perceive as inconsistent police response times. Several attendees reported waiting 45 minutes or longer for officers to arrive at non-emergency incidents.

"My daughter won't take the bus home from school anymore," said one parent who asked to remain anonymous. "She takes Uber. Do you know what that costs? It adds up. And it shouldn't be necessary in our own neighborhood."

The sentiment extends to local business corridors. Along First Street and Cesar Chavez Avenue—arterial commercial zones that anchor the neighborhood's economy—shop owners have implemented additional security measures. Some have installed panic buttons; others have hired private security guards at costs ranging from $18 to $25 per hour.

Community organizations including Boyle Heights Arts Conservancy and local neighborhood councils have begun coordinating with LAPD's Northeast Division to address the crisis. Proposed solutions include increased foot patrols, better street lighting, and community policing initiatives.

"People here have deep roots," said one long-term resident and community advocate. "They're not looking to abandon Boyle Heights. But they're asking: why should we stay if the city isn't holding up its end of the bargain? Safety is the foundation everything else is built on."

LAPD officials have pledged additional resources to the Northeast Division and announced a summer crime prevention initiative targeting high-incident corridors. Whether those measures will restore residents' confidence remains an open question.

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