Dear Atherton Residents,
Our mission at the Atherton Police Department is to keep our community safe and informed. I am writing to make you aware of a recent increase in residential burglaries here in Atherton and in the surrounding communities. While we are actively increasing patrols and working closely with our regional law enforcement partners, we also rely on the partnership of our residents to help deter crime.
What We Are Seeing:
As with most past burglaries in Atherton, the recent burglaries share some common elements, including targeting unlit unoccupied homes, entry made by smashing through rear doors and windows, theft of jewelry, watches, luxury handbags, and safes, all kept in the primary bedroom or adjacent rooms. Many of these crimes occur during evening hours when it appears no one is home.
How You Can Help Prevent Burglaries:
We encourage all residents to take the following steps to protect your home and property:
Lock doors and windows – even when you are at home.
Set your alarm system every time you leave the house, even for short periods.
Use exterior lighting and consider motion-activated lights to deter intruders.
Make your home look occupied by using timers for lights, televisions, and radios when you are away.
Keep your valuables out of your primary bedroom and secure them in another location in your home.
Secure valuables in a safe, keep the safe in a hidden location (not in your primary bedroom) and secure the safe to the floor. Take valuables with you when leaving for an extended time.
Trim shrubs and trees near windows and doors to eliminate hiding places.
Report suspicious activity immediately by calling our non-emergency line at 650-688-6500 or 911 in an emergency.
Our officers are available to conduct free residential security surveys upon request. We will evaluate your home’s security and provide personalized recommendations. If you would like to schedule a security survey, please call 650-688-6500.
Thank you for your continued partnership in keeping Atherton a safe and secure community. Please do not hesitate to reach out to the Atherton Police Department to speak with an officer if you have questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Steven D McCulley
Chief of Police
Atherton Police Department