Town Council chair Gino Sund sent this letter out to the newsgroups, and we think it's worth sharing:

I do know that a swath of Altadena from the top of Lake to the Southeast border of Altadena seems to be targeted by a home burglary crew.  It is believed to be a street gang from Pasadena. 

They are operating in daylight hours and using the knock on the front door technique to determine if anyone is home.  If no one answers,  it is around the back to gain entry, if some one answers it is " my car needs water, does Bill live here, etc".    Usually they are on foot with a car or truck parked a block away, but some have been on bikes. 

If anyone has ANY suspicion about someone coming to your door call the Sheriff's station IMMEDIATELY.  Also,  if you do not want to answer the door, let the person calling know someone is in the house.  Otherwise they may come to the back and try to gain entry with you in the house.