Smash-N-Grab Spree: Several Cars Hit Last Week

Numerous vehicular burglaries -- particularly on El Camino Real -- were reported last week to the Palo Alto Police Department. 

In most cases, car windows were smashed to gain entry, according to police.  

Last week's reported incidents included: 

Monday, Nov. 4 

• On 3900 block of Duncan Place. Window smashed; items taken. Reported 9 a.m.

• On the 4100 block of El Camino Real. Window smashed; items taken. Reported 8:31 a.m.
• High Street at Hamilton Avenue. Theft of items from unlocked vehicle. Reported 2:15 p.m.

• On the 3100 block of El Camino Real. Window smashed; items taken. Reported 9:18 p.m.
• On the 3100 block of El Camino Real. Window smashed; items taken. Reported 9:19 p.m.
• On the 4100 block of El Camino Real. Window smashed; items taken. Reported 10:23 p.m.
• On the 3100 block of El Camino Real. Window smashed; items taken. Reported 10:35 p.m.

• On 2100 block of Webster Street. Window smashed; items taken. Reported 6:48 p.m.
• On 1800 block of Hamilton Avenue. Items taken from unlocked vehicle. Reported 8 a.m.

• On 2200 block of Webster Street. Window smashed; items possibly missing. Reported 8:30 a.m.
• On 3100 block of El Camino Real. Window smashed; items taken. Reported 10:20 p.m.

• On 500 block of High Street. Window smashed; items stolen. Reported 8:20 p.m.
• On 400 block of Sherman Avenue. Entry made into vehicle; items taken. Reported 3:01 p.m. 

• On 800 block of Forest Avenue. Window smashed; items taken. Reported 6:44 p.m.
• On 1800 block of Embarcadero Road. Window smashed; items taken. Reported 3:30 p.m.
• On 400 block of Bryant Street. Window smashed; items taken. Reported 8:30 a.m.
• On 4100 block of El Camino Real. Window smashed; items taken, Reported 10:46 p.m.
• On 100 block of El Camino Real. Window smashed; items taken, Reported 10:30 p.m.

• Always secure your vehicle doors, windows, hood and trunk. An unlocked car is an open invitation to a car thief. Lock up whenever you leave your car, and take the keys with you. 

• Never attach a tag with your name and address to a key ring. If the keys are lost or stolen, the tag will lead the thief directly to your car...and your home. When using valet parking, only leave the ignition key with a parking attendant.

• Do not leave valuables inside your vehicle, even if your car is locked. Take them with you or keep them in the locked trunk (e.g. cellular phone and the cord, CD's, radio, tape or CD players, purses, briefcases, laptops, and other valuable possessions), out of sight, out of mind.

• Close all windows. Professional thieves have tools that help unlock cars through a minimum of open space.