The San Mateo Police Department has made a number of arrests recently involving vehicle and residential burglaries, thanks largely due to members of the public who report suspicious activity.
Property crimes are continuing to plague San Mateo County, however, and police are continuing to urge residents to call in anything that appears suspicious.
Recently, a residential burglary in the Baywood area may have involved a green Toyota Camry-type vehicle that appeared suspicious and was seen in the area around the time of the burglary, according to police.
At least five reports in the last month describe side window or screen removal as attempts to access buildings and residences.
Several reports reviewed in the past month described teen-aged and young adult males (descriptions vary) either acting suspiciously or soliciting suspiciously.
Multiple suspicious activity reports and residential burglaries have also been reported in the Parkside and Hillsdale-Beresford Neighborhoods, but activity continues to occur Peninsula-Wide. Times for these incidents also varies from mid-morning to evening hours.
Vehicles also continue to be targeted – thieves take advantage of unlocked vehicles and valuables left in plain sight.
The police urge residents to continue to report ALL suspicious people and vehicles to SMPD Dispatch right away via 911, and program the city's SMPD Dispatch number into your mobile phone – 650-522-7700.
SAFETY TIPS FROM SAN MATEO POLICE:
- Please remember that suspects who are casing neighborhoods are looking for unoccupied homes – Let them know you are home by answering verbally through the door. If you ask them to leave and they don’t, call SMPD!
- These bandits are opportunists – eliminate opportunity for them by LOCKING all doors and windows before you leave – even if it is only for a few minutes.
- Secure your vehicles also – Thieves take the opportunity provided by ANY unlocked door or window. Don’t be an “easy victim” to crime!
For additional safety tips and additional information, view SMPD’s safety information page: http://sanmateopd.wordpress.com/2012/11/19/safety-tips-door-knock-burglaries/
CONTACT SMPD:
Please call SMPD if you see a crime or suspicious activity via 911 or our non-emergency line 650-522-7700. Have information on current investigations or ongoing crime trends?
- SMPD Investigations Bureau: 522-7650
- SMPD Secret Witness hotline: 522-7676
- Anonymous Text to SMPD: 262-3473
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