February 17, 2024
Safeguarding Our Community Against Burglaries
Dear Atherton Residents,
I hope this message finds you well. As your Police Chief, it is my responsibility to ensure the safety and security of our community. Recently, we have responded to three residential burglaries in the last three days, and it is crucial that we work together to protect our homes and loved ones.
Burglaries and other property crimes are the primary crimes that occur in Atherton and in most communities throughout San Mateo County. Knowing this, we have concentrated our community outreach efforts for the last several years on educating our residents, through numerous in person and Zoom community meetings, on the importance of burglary prevention efforts and on best practices to secure valuables in your home. Unfortunately, the investigation of the recent burglaries revealed that our consistent prevention messaging and advice was not followed.
Last year in the United States there were over 2 million residential burglaries. Of the two million plus burglaries, less than 10% resulted in arrests of suspects. This is a particularly frustrating crime for police to investigate and solve. Burglary prevention on the part of residents is the key to reducing and preventing burglaries.
Burglaries not only violate our sense of security but also disrupt the harmony we strive to maintain in our neighborhood. To address this issue head-on, I want to share some blunt yet essential tips for burglary prevention:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
I understand these measures may seem straightforward, but their effectiveness cannot be overstated. We are a resilient community, and by taking these steps collectively, we can send a strong message to potential criminals that Atherton is not an easy target and not a place to commit burglaries.
Let's stand together in safeguarding our homes, our families, and our way of life. If you have any concerns or need assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out to our dedicated team at 650-688-6500.
Stay vigilant, stay safe.
Sincerely,
Steven D McCulley
Chief of Police
Atherton Department of Police