Sheriffs say to 'lock doors' due to a recent string of auto burglaries
By Leigh Ann Maze
People in the Saratoga neighborhood near Herriman Avenue have experienced a rash of auto burglaries in recent weeks, according to incident reports from the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office Westside Substation in Saratoga.
Twenty vehicles were burglarized, with 13 of the crimes occurring between May 8 and May 12, according to the reports.
In most cases, the cars were parked in a driveway or on the street in front of a residence and were left unlocked, according to Detective Randy Bynum at the Westside Substation. Most of the burglaries occurred between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. The thieves took cellular phones, laptop computers, cameras, money, credit cards and other personal belongings. In many cases, perpetrators searched the glove boxes, Bynum said.
"Because this is a safe community, people think they don't have to take safeguards to protect their property, and they leave their cars unlocked," said Capt. Jeff Miles at the Westside Substation. "All it takes is for someone to walk by and notice that the car is unlocked and there is property inside--and a crime of opportunity presents itself."
Bynum believes the same group or groups of people committed the auto burglaries because of similarities in incidents and the large number of cars involved. Deputies are investigating the burglaries, Miles said.
Bynum said similar incidents have occurred in Saratoga in the past. Two individuals were convicted last month for committing a string of similar auto burglaries in Saratoga last year, according to Bynum. Both Bynum and Miles said they recommend that Saratoga residents keep their vehicles locked at all times and keep personal items in the cars out of sight.
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Saratoga, California Since 1955
