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A series of vehicle break-ins occurred in downtown Palo Alto last week, just before the Memorial Day holiday weekend.
The parking garage located at 445 Bryant St. saw at least 10 break-ins between 6 and 10 p.m. Thursday night, according to police reports. In five of those cases, no items were taken.
The Palo Alto Police Department could not confirm if the burglaries at this location were perpetrated by the same person or group or whether the spike is the result of an ongoing trend. However, there were additional break-ins that night in other parts of downtown within the same time frame, including one at the parking structure located at 528 High St. and another in the 600 block of High Street near Nobu Hotel.
There were also two reported break-ins outside of So Gong Dong Tofu House located at 4127 El Camino Real.
In all of the reported thefts and attempted thefts Thursday night, the person or persons gained entry into the vehicles by smashing a window.
The uptick in car break-ins began even before last week’s spree. From May 15-21, there were a total of 20 reported vehicle break-ins throughout the city.
While police couldn’t verify whether certain areas throughout Palo Alto are being targeted more than others, the department advises motorists to avoid leaving valuables in their cars such as cellphones, charging cords, purses, briefcases and laptops as well as documents with personal information printed on them and credit cards.
The department’s vehicle safety guide warns drivers to secure vehicle doors, windows, the hood and trunk, and to park in visible areas, even during daylight hours. Drivers should also avoid leaving their cars unattended in public lots for an extensive period of time. “A car is five times more likely to be stolen from an unattended lot than from the street or an attended lot,” the guide reads.
More information on vehicle security can be found at cityofpaloalto.org.
Are there security cameras at that garage? Or are revenue generating red light cams a higher priority??
The PAPD should set up a ‘bait’ car with an Apple iPhone or a laptop lying on the front/rear seat. In other words, a stake-out.
After a several arrests are reported, word on the street will be to avoid PA due to this perceived ‘threat’ of arrest.
^ What threat? Word on the street is anybody caught will be quickly released.
Their name won’t be released of course.
Before you post to complain about police tactics, ask yourself “how did I vote on Prop. 47?” If you voted yes, this is the result of your vote. Turns out, property crimes ARE a lower priority for Santa Clara county, thanks to your vote. Good job. If you voted no — I’m sorry. Talk to your neighbors and convince them to vote differently next time. But seeing as how Prop. 47 saw overwhelming support in this county, you probably voted yes.
The passage of Prop 47 by referendum back in 2014 has led to a spike in property crime, since most property crime now qualifies as a misdemeanor: https://www.sfchronicle.com/crime/article/Prop-47-is-linked-to-increase-in-auto-thefts-12989137.php
> …at least 10 break-ins between 6 and 10 p.m. Thursday night,
The victims of the break-ins were probably dining out around that timeframe.
> In five of those cases, no items were taken.
Why would someone break into a car with nothing in it or any visible/noteworthy theft items? What’s the point as one always runs the risk of setting off a car alarm?