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The Atherton Police Department hosted a community meeting on March 28 to present residents with a deeper look into the department’s work in the recent string of burglaries reported in the beginning of the year. Police also announced that officers found traces of blood after a burglar cut themselves while ripping down shelves during a break-in in town, which led to several arrests.
“We have one of the lowest crime rates in the state of California and probably across the state,” said Atherton Police Chief Steve McCulley.
This year, the town has reported a total of 12 burglaries since Jan. 1. McCulley explained that burglaries are one of the most common property crimes and are a “very frustrating crime to investigate.”
The meeting overviewed the department’s new Burglary Prevention Bait House Program, tactics on catching burglars, a resident volunteer program, burglary prevention, automatic license plate readers and its drone program.
Bait house program gains attention
According to McCulley, the bait house program was inspired by a similar tactic used in Texas. As of March 28, 50 residents have expressed interest in getting involved. Residents that volunteer in the program will have decoy devices installed in their homes, which can include GPS trackers placed in luxury purses or other valuable items.
When one of these homes is burglarized, officers will be immediately alerted to check the home and will be able to track the burglars after they’ve left the scene. Police have asked media to publicize the program in hopes that burglars will steer clear of Atherton knowing that they could be caught through a decoy device.
“When the burglars come, they’re not going to know that this GPS tracker is there and once they take that property, we will be notified of it and be able to track that property’s whereabouts,” explained Cmdr. Dan Larsen.
Burglars identified in break-in
During the meeting, Detective Sgt. Jeff Taylor said police found traces of blood after a burglar cut themselves while ripping down shelves during a break-in. The blood sample was used to successfully identify the suspects who are in custody in San Diego County.
“The suspects were charged for numerous burglaries down there (San Diego), our burglary up here (Atherton) and a few other crimes against persons,” Taylor said.
He clarified that although it was a great win for them, cases where DNA and blood are found in a burglary are extremely rare.
The department is also utilizing their ALPR cameras and drones to identify and track suspects.
With ALPR cameras being used by many law enforcement agencies in the county, McCulley says that they have been helpful in tracking suspect vehicles as they travel through different cities.
If a crime is reported in South San Francisco, cameras can follow the suspect as they get closer to Atherton and officers are alerted on their whereabouts and are ready to apprehend them.
MO’s and burglary prevention tactics
Atherton police report that burglars aim to break into houses by smashing first floor and second floor balcony windows and doors. They look for households with minimal exterior or interior lighting and houses without activated alarms. Burglars target safes, jewelry, purses, wallets and cash.
McCulley adds that burglars are coming into town in cars that fit into the neighborhood.
Atherton police are offering a service called Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design for residents to get an evaluation of their home and how they can improve their security.
Sgt. Taylor encouraged residents to add outdoor motion sensor lights, surveillance cameras and window security film to reinforce glass. He also states that burglars are aware that safes are typically located in master bedrooms and recommends that they be kept in other places where there’s a camera or motion sensor and be built into something solid.
The Atherton police suggest residents undertake these security measures to ensure their home will be safe from a break-in:
- Lock all doors and windows
- Use the alarm system and understand how they work
- Install a camera system
- Notify the police department when you leave for vacation and officers can do regular check
- Keep exterior and interior lights during hours of darkness to make it look like someone is home
- Build camaraderie with neighbors and look out for each other’s homes
During the meeting, residents asked about using self-defense tools like pepper spray, which Larsen affirmed could be used within homes. He stated that when it comes to tools like baseball bats and firearms, individuals should reflect on whether they are proficient enough to use them.
“Research has shown that more often than not, especially with a firearm, it’s going to be taken from you and used against you,” said McCulley.
In most cases, burglars are not looking for confrontation and when they discover that residents are home they will flee the property, Larsen said.
Community policing
The police department promoted their existing Resident Volunteer Program to Atherton residents during the meeting. Anyone in the community can volunteer and the police department will provide each participant with comprehensive training, support, and resources.
Larsen describes the volunteers as “an extra set of eyes and ears for us.”
While wearing a high visibility vest, volunteers get involved with conducting neighborhood patrols to deter crime and ensure public safety. They work closely with Atherton police to report suspicious activities, hazards and other concerns.
An April 4 news bulletin stated that there are currently 41 members. In the last year “they conducted 1,606 walking patrols with 2,588 hours of walking patrol time,” according to police.
Contact Sergeant John Fong at 650-688-6500 or at JFong@ci.atherton.ca.us to volunteer.
