Two residential burglaries in Atherton on February 16

On February 16, at approximately 9:19 am, Atherton police responded to a residential burglary call that occurred on Almendral Ave.. The suspects entered the residence by smashing a rear glass door. The take is unknown at this time. The incident occurred  some time this past week.

On the same day, at approximately 8:10 pm, Atherton police responded to a residential burglary call that occurred on Lupin Lane. The suspects entered the residence by smashing a window to the rear of the property. The take is unknown at this time.

If you live in the area of Almendral Ave. or Lupin Lane, please check your surveillance video and report any possible leads to the Atherton Police Department at 650-688-6500.

These burglaries follow a similar break-in on Austin Avenue on Thursday, February 15.

These burglaries prompted Atherton Police Chief Steven D McCulley to reach out to residents via email, which offered these tips for burglary prevention:

1. Lock It Up, Every Time: Ensure all doors and windows are securely locked, even if you’re stepping out for just a few minutes. A surprising number of burglaries occur because of unlocked entry points.
2. Light It Up: Well-lit homes are less likely to be targeted. Install outdoor lighting and consider motion-activated lights near entrances. A well-lit home is a deterrent to potential intruders.
3. Know Your Neighbors: Building a strong sense of community is one of our best defenses. Get to know your neighbors and establish a network of trust. Look out for each other and report any suspicious activity promptly.
4. Secure Valuables: Keep valuable items and safes out of your master bedroom and out of sight of the windows. Make it difficult for burglars to identify high-value items.
5. Utilize Security Systems: Consider installing a home security system or surveillance cameras. Visible security measures act as powerful deterrents and can assist law enforcement in identifying suspects.
6. Maintain the Illusion of Presence: Whether you’re away for the weekend or just at work, create the appearance that someone is home. Use timers for lights and radios, and arrange for mail, newspapers, and packages to be collected.
7. Report Suspicious Activity: Trust your instincts. If you see something unusual or someone acting suspiciously, don’t hesitate to call us. Your timely report could prevent a crime.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Atherton Police Department at 650-688-6500.