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Residents be aware: Burglars are doing their shopping, too

By Chris Vongsarath

The prime holiday shopping season is under way, and shoppers may want to think about taking precautions against burglars doing a little "shopping" of their own.

Saratoga has not seen a spike in thefts and burglaries this year, but local law enforcement still wants to make sure residents are aware of the potential dangers.

Sgt. Doug Rogers of the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office, West Valley Division, said there has not been an increase in the number of incidents in Saratoga, but there certainly have been some burglaries. Holiday season presents an opportunity for more burglaries, especially with shoppers leaving gifts in cars and residents leaving town.

While car burglaries are not a pressing problem locally, many Saratoga residents shop outside of the city at places such as Westfield Valley Fair Mall and Santana Row. Busy business areas such as these make cars vulnerable to break-ins.

"Too often cars are left unlocked with personal items left behind," Rogers said. "All it takes is one person not being thoughtful and away your property goes."

This year, burglars have their eyes set on global positioning systems, which can range from $300 to $600, Rogers said. Because the systems and their accessories are both targets, the best advice to leave no trace of having a GPS at all.

"If they're a thief, they're gonna find someone to steal from," Rogers said. "If you're going to make it easy for them, you're going to be a target. Find some way to discourage them as best you can."

On the local front, many residents visit family and take trips during the holiday season, leaving their homes vacant and unwatched.

Compounding the problem may be the attraction to Saratoga's affluent community. Because of the rural environment and low crime rate, many residents may not think the city is vulnerable to thefts and burglaries.

But Rogers said it is difficult to determine the mindset of a criminal, and a community like Saratoga could be enticing to outsiders.

"I'm not positive, but it wouldn't surprise me," he said. "If crooks know it's an affluent area, that's where they're going to do their shopping. Some of them are very opportunistic."

Unfortunately, taking all the necessary precautions still might not be enough to deter determined criminals. Rogers said it is up to citizens to be constantly alert, whether shopping or at home.

"The best line of defense is to trust your instincts," he said.

The sheriff's office recommends these precautions during the holiday season.

For your car:

* Keep expensive items (GPS, stereo systems, etc.) hidden from view.

* Keep gifts in the trunk; if you drive a van or sport-utility vehicle, cover the gifts with a blanket.

* Pay attention to the surroundings; most malls have security personnel who walk shoppers to their cars.

* Have your keys in hand while you walk to your car to prevent fumbling around for them later.

* Be alert at all times, even during the day. Most shoppers think crimes are more prevalent at night, leaving them vulnerable during the day.

For your home:

* Make sure all doors and windows are locked and security systems activated.

* Set your lights on timers or leave your porch light on.

* Ask neighbors to keep an eye out and pick up your mail and newspaper.

* Ask neighbors to park their cars in your driveway. This shows activity at your home.

To report a crime or for more information, call the West Valley sheriff's office at 408.868.6600.