By Joan Garvin
Auto burglary has replaced identity theft as the No. 1 problem in Los Altos, Community Service Officer Rodney T. Sayre of the Los Altos Police Department told residents last week during a crime prevention meeting in the Los Altos Youth Center.
A recent rash of thefts from automobiles has raised the level of awareness for that crime. Egan Intermediate, Santa Rita Elementary, St. Simon’s and Pinewood schools and United Methodist Church are among those reporting burglaries. The day of the discussion alone, there were three reported break-ins.
“Burglary is a crime of opportunity,” Sayre said, pointing out that the areas hit all have large parking lots.
Far from dropping a grocery list of local problems and moving on, Sayre provided specific tips to reduce the opportunities for criminals.
Do not leave anything in view in the car even during a quick drop-off. A side or rear window can be broken with something as handy as a pen in seconds, with very little noise, and anything loose can be grabbed quickly. Take everything with you or keep it out of sight - in the trunk. This is especially important during the holiday season. The schools and churches in the area have been alerted about the activity.
Los Altos ranks highest in Santa Clara County for financial crimes against the elderly, according to the crime statistics just released for last year, said Police Chief Don Johnson. However, it has significantly fewer violent crimes and assaults than adjacent communities.
Sayre listed programs offered by the police department to combat crime. The Safety Awareness Program combines the Neighborhood Watch and Disaster Preparedness programs. Security inspections are offered to Los Altos homeowners. Brochures on emergency preparedness, children’s holiday safety, holiday shopping tips, etc., are available.
The police department plans a series of informational meetings on different areas of concern for residents. The next, scheduled for early next year, will be on code enforcement.
Radio 530 AM, a local station, broadcasts information on travel conditions, crime prevention, disaster preparedness tips and meeting schedules.
For information or to sign up for the Neighborhood Safety Awareness Program in your neighborhood, call Officer Rod Sayre, 947-2776.
