Capt. Rothaus Addresses Residential Burglaries in San Carlos

Capt. Greg Rothaus of the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office San Carlos Police Bureau answers some frequently asked questions related to the recent residential burglaries in San Carlos. 

1. What's the latest on the residential burglary situation in San Carlos?

Well, here's the good news:  During the first 3.5 months of the year, San Carlos experienced 26 residential burglaries.  During the following 3.5 month period (ending July 2013), San Carlos experienced only 12.  This is a 54% reduction in what we saw early in the year.

2. That IS good news!  What do you attribute that to?

It's sometimes hard to pinpoint exactly why burglary rates rise and fall.  But, we know that our City came together in big way when we felt the sting from the higher burglary rates.  Calls to police for suspicious persons and/or vehicles more than doubled, 4-5 new neighborhood watch groups formed, Police/Community meetings were well attended...all of these made us a much more vigilant city and it could be the bad guys felt that.

3. Ok, what's the bad news?
Although our residential burglary rates have returned to at or below normal, other neighboring communities are still experiencing a significant number of these crimes.  And, although San Carlos has had a major reduction in residential burglary, we had one as recently as yesterday in the 900 block of Sunset.  So, it's critical we not get complacent in our homes or as a community.

4. What can we do to reduce our chances of being burglary victims?
You can do quite a bit actually!

• Report any and all suspicious activity to the Police right away.  Don't explain it away yourself; let us determine if the person is up to no good.

• Know your neighbors and watch out for each other.  Burglars know that watchful citizens are their worst enemy.  Keep an eye out for yourself and others and call the Police if you think something is not right.

• Consider getting an alarm.  But, if you do that, get a good one.  If it doesn't work like it is supposed to, it is a waste of money.

• Consider getting a dog.  Studies show burglars will often stir clear of houses with a dog.

• Tell your friends and neighbors to sign up for SMC Alert.  (You obviously are or you wouldn't be getting this).  Have them go to www.smcalert.info and follow the process.  It's so easy that even an adult can do it!

• Lock your house...please!  You'd be suprised to know how many people don't and then really wish they did.

• Make sure your locks, doors, and windows are hard to defeat.  Having quality locks is important because low quality gear is often very easy to defeat.

• After you've taken reasonable measures to protect yourself, remember this:  While no community can reasonably expect to remain free from crime, San Carlos enjoys a reputation of being one of the safest communities in the region, if not, the State.  Many cities would give just about anything to have a crime rate that was even close to ours!

Thanks for taking the time!

For more information on the SMC Sheriff's Office, San Carlos Police Bureau, or to contact Capt. Rothaus, click here.