Vehicle burglaries are on the rise in Atherton. People looking to quickly profit are looking in vehicles for items to steal. If the vehicle is unlocked, they may simply open the door and take what they want. However, if the vehicle is locked, they may break one of more windows to take the items they want. This causes a mess to the vehicle and results in expensive and time-consuming repairs.
Please follow these steps to help prevent yourself from being victimized, and your vehicle from being damaged:
1) Leave no valuable items in the passenger compartment of your vehicle. The only thing people should see when they look in your vehicle is four seats and four floor mats. Purses, wallets, backpacks, cell phones, electronic devices, garage door openers, and money should not be left unattended in your vehicle.
2) Keep your vehicle locked and secured, even while the vehicle is parked on your property, especially at night.
3) Do not leave your car keys, house keys, or garage / gate openers inside of your vehicle. Take them with you to help prevent a burglary from occurring at your home and/or your vehicle from becoming stolen.
4) Keep exterior lights on at night, especially if your vehicle is in the driveway. Burglars do not want to be seen. Exterior lighting may help drive them away.
Many recent burglaries have been committed by people working in groups, often driving newer model vehicles which have paper license plates or are rented from rental car agencies. Items taken have included purses, wallets, electronics, and sporting goods. Many times the burglars will proceed directly to a store and start purchasing thousands of dollars worth of merchandise on the credit cards they find.
As always, keep an eye on your neighborhood. If you see anything suspicious, please contact the Atherton Police Department at 650-688-6500, or dial 9-1-1 if it is an emergency.