The Cupertino Courier

News

Burglaries hit homes where people are inside

By HUGH BIGGAR

Thieves in Cupertino are taking the next step, moving from breaking into empty houses to breaking into occupied homes.

Since September, the city has experienced several such break-ins.

"This is just speculation, but it's probably juveniles looking for cash," said Capt. Terry Calderone of the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office.

On the afternoon of Oct. 18, for instance, police apprehended two juveniles as well as an adult involved in an attempted burglary. The trio had knocked on a front door just after 2:30 p.m. and after no one answered, went to the back of the house in search of an open window. After encountering the homeowner, they fled and were later caught by police.

In another later incident on the evening of Oct. 22, thieves entered a home on Yorkshire Drive through an unlocked door in the garage. While the residents were upstairs, the burglars grabbed a purse containing a wedding ring, a jade ring, credit cards and cash. They are still at large.

"I feel so invaded," said Helen Owen, a 35-year Cupertino resident and owner of the purse.

Owen said the rings were in the purse because she and her husband had just returned from a trip. She says her husband had gone to bed, and she was boxing up their home to prepare for fumigation.

At about 10:30 p.m., Owen opened up her garage door to load some boxes into her car. She decided to retrieve additional boxes from the second story, left the trunk open and went back inside for about 45 minutes. Meanwhile, her television, dishwasher and washing machine were all in use.

Owen said didn't hear anything unusual and didn't notice the purse missing until returning from a walk the next morning.

"I'm crushed, especially because I do a lot for the community," she said of her involvement in various charities.

Owen said the sheriff's office said the chances of retrieving the rings are slim, and also advised her to check pawn shops.

According to Owen, the sheriff's office also placed a photo of the rings online so other police departments can look out for them.

The sheriff's department also advises Cupertino residents to keep their doors and windows locked, even while at home.

Calderone said residents should not confront any home invaders.

"Don't approach them," he said. "Make some noise to let them know you are there and try to scare them off, then call 911. It's not worth being injured for a property crime."