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Crime & Safety

Police: Wave of Smash-and-Grab Auto Burglaries

Thursday was a miserable day for many people as they returned to their cars to find vehicle windows smashed, and their possessions stolen.


Palo Alto Police took reports from seven people Thursday about vehicle break-ins. In each case the windows of the vehicles were smashed and all but one had items stolen. No arrests have been made.

In this common crime, the thieves break out a window and steal items from the passenger compartment, or they pull the trunk release lever, then steal items stored securely out-of-sight in trunks.

In addition to laptops and other electronics that are always a target of thieves, newly purchased Christmas gifts are a tempting lure.

Find out what's happening in Palo Altowith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Earlier this year, after a similar rash of auto burglaries, Agent Marianna Villaescusa said in a prepared statement,  “We encourage people to call 9-1-1 to report suspicious behavior, and allow the police to investigate if that behavior is innocent or criminal. It is always better to call and let the police do their job, rather than rationalize suspicious behavior and not call. For example, people loitering in parking lots and peering into cars or trying door handles is absolutely suspicious behavior, and merits a 9-1-1 call right away.”

Here's an important tip--if you plan to hide something in your trunk, put it in there before you reach your destination. That way, if thieves are watching as you park your car, they won't see you put your possessions in your trunk.

Find out what's happening in Palo Altowith free, real-time updates from Patch.

If you have information about these auto burglaries call the 24-hour dispatch center at 650-329-2413. Anonymous tips can be e-mailed to paloalto@tipnow.org or sent via text message or voice mail to 650-383-8984.

 

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