Four masked men were caught on security cameras allegedly trying to break into a home in Pasadena’s Hastings Ranch neighborhood late Friday night, according to the homeowner and police.
The suspects reportedly entered the property through a side gate around 11:15 p.m. on August 14. The homeowner, who asked not to be identified because of concerns about retaliation, said an alert from his security system warned him that people were in his backyard.
The incident comes as some residents remain concerned about property crime in neighborhoods where homes have been left vacant following the 2025 Eaton Fire.
WHAT HAPPENED
According to the homeowner, four men arrived at the Pasadena property around 11:15 p.m. Friday and entered the backyard through a side gate.
Security camera footage reportedly captured the group getting out of a vehicle before making their way onto the property.
The homeowner said the men were wearing masks and gloves, raising concerns that they may have been attempting to conceal their identities.
“They had masks on and gloves,” the homeowner said. “They came for business.”
The resident had previously installed security cameras, exterior lighting and alarms around the property because of concerns about potential burglaries.
That security system alerted him when the suspects entered the backyard.
“The sophistication of the security systems we have now actually identify a coyote or they identify a bear,” the homeowner told KTLA. “This one said: ‘Your gate has been opened, there are people in your backyard.’”
After receiving the alert, the homeowner got out of bed and went downstairs.
His wife called 911 while he attempted to scare the suspects away.
The homeowner said his voice, combined with the property's alarms, caused the men to flee before they could successfully enter the residence.
WHAT THE EVIDENCE SHOWS
Security footage reportedly shows the suspects arriving at the home and entering through a side gate.
The footage also appears to capture the men wearing face coverings as they moved around the property.
The homeowner's account indicates that the suspects did not make it inside the residence.
Their attempt was interrupted after the resident became aware of their presence and responded while his wife contacted police.
The Pasadena Police Department is investigating the incident. As of Sunday night, authorities had not announced any arrests.
Police have not publicly identified the suspects or disclosed whether investigators have determined if they are connected to other burglaries in the area.
WHY IT MATTERS
The incident is particularly concerning for residents because the neighborhood continues to deal with the aftermath of the 2025 Eaton Fire.
The homeowner said numerous properties in the surrounding area remain vacant, potentially creating opportunities for criminals to target homes that appear unoccupied.
“This is the second time on this street,” he said. “They’re coming back … A lot of vacant houses. It’s easy prey.”
Vacant homes can create additional security challenges because burglars may be less likely to encounter residents, neighbors or other witnesses.
The homeowner's experience also highlights the growing role of residential security technology. Cameras, motion sensors, alarms and smartphone notifications can provide homeowners with immediate warnings when unexpected activity occurs.
In this case, the homeowner said the alert gave him enough time to respond before the suspects could enter the house.
WHAT THE RESIDENT IS SAYING
The homeowner said the men appeared organized and prepared when they arrived.
Their masks and gloves made him concerned that the group was intentionally attempting to avoid identification.
He also believes the incident may not be isolated.
“This is the second time on this street,” the resident said, describing his concern that criminals could return to the area.
The homeowner's comments reflect broader fears among residents whose properties may be vulnerable because neighboring homes remain vacant.
He said he has taken additional precautions to protect his own home, including maintaining security cameras, lighting and alarms.
The homeowner also credited the system's notification feature with helping him realize that something was wrong before the suspects could gain entry.
A SKEPTICAL VIEW
Although the security footage reportedly shows four masked individuals entering the backyard, the available information does not establish what the suspects intended to do beyond their apparent attempt to access the property. No one has been arrested, and police have not publicly confirmed that the group is connected to other burglaries in Pasadena. The homeowner's concern about vacant homes and repeat activity is understandable, but investigators will need to establish whether this incident is part of a larger pattern rather than assuming the suspects are responsible for other crimes.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
The Pasadena Police Department is continuing its investigation into the attempted burglary.
Detectives are expected to review the available security footage and other evidence in an effort to identify the four suspects.
Investigators could also examine whether the suspects' vehicle or descriptions match information from other reported burglaries in the area.
As of Sunday evening, no arrests had been announced.
The homeowner has also indicated that he intends to continue using security equipment to monitor his property.
Residents in the area may remain particularly alert because of the number of vacant properties left in the wake of the Eaton Fire.
WHAT WE STILL DON'T KNOW
- Who are the four masked suspects?
- What vehicle did they use?
- Did the suspects target this particular home?
- Were they connected to other burglaries in Pasadena?
- Did they take anything from the property?
- How did the suspects learn that the home might be vulnerable?
- Will investigators release additional surveillance images?
- Will police make any arrests?
- Are other homes in Hastings Ranch being targeted by the same group?
The Pasadena Police Department's investigation remains ongoing.