Two Robberies In The Past Week May Be Connected

Two robberies of El Cerrito residents on city streets within the past week may have been done by the same two suspects.

El Cerrito Police Lt. Paul Keith said the suspects' descriptions and the way the crimes were committed are similar.

The first incident happened about 11 p.m. last Thursday, Aug. 29. Police say two suspects came up from behind a man walking down Richmond Street.

The two men demanded the victim hand over his backpack and other belongings. When the victim refused, one of the suspects simulated that he had a gun in his sweatshirt pocket.

The suspects took the man's backpack, keys and wallet and ran off.

The second incident happened at 2:40 p.m on Monday. Police say two suspects approached two victims while they were standing in front of their residence on Pomona Avenue.

One of the suspects pointed a handgun at the victims while the second acted as a lookout.

A wallet, watch and car keys were taken from the first victim. A cell phone and wallet were stolen from the second victim.

The suspects then ran off. They are described as African-American men in their 20s between 5-foot-8 and 5-foot-11. They were wearing black hooded sweatshirts and black pants.

The description is similar to the suspects' description in the robbery last week.

Lt. Keith said criminals sometimes target an area for a short period of time. They move on when they feel word has gotten out about their crimes.

The lieutenant advised El Cerrito citizens to be aware of their surroundings and to keep an eye on anyone who might be walking behind them.

He said if you see suspicious activity nearby, you shouldn't hesitate to call police.

"It's better to make the call than to just hope for the best," Keith said.

The lieutenant noted robberies and violent crime in El Cerrito are both down this year compared to last year. Property crimes, however, have increased.