Crime & Safety

Berkeley Crime: Robber Grabs Woman's Purse, Burglars Hit Two Homes

The Berkeley crime narratives for March 24—31 also incude a brick through a window, a vehicle theft and a fire in a trash can that's described as possible arson.

The following narratives have been selected and written by the Berkeley Police Department. 

March 24

Robbery, 1500 Block of Prince Street: On Sunday, March 24, 2013 at approximately 8:10 p.m. a robbery occurred in the 1500 block of Prince Street.  The female victim was walking in the area. The unknown suspect approached her from behind. The suspect demanded the victim's purse and grabbed it from her shoulder. 

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The suspect is described as "Black Male, 20-30 years old, 6', medium build wearing a light gray hooded sweatshirt."

March 25

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Residential Burglary, 3000 Block of King Street: On Monday, March 25, 2013 at approximately 2:16 p.m. a resident in the 3000 block of King Street reported a burglary to a rear storage unit.  The unknown suspect entered by breaking a window to the unit.  According to the victim, it appeared that nothing was taken.

March 26

Vandalism, 2700 Block of Bancroft Way: On Tuesday, March 26, 2013 at approximately 2:15 a.m. an unknown suspect broke the window to a residential building in the 2700 block of Bancroft Way.  The suspect used a brick to break the window.  

March 27

Residential Burglary, 900 Block of Tulare Avenue: On Wednesday, March 27, 2013 between 2:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. a residential burglary occurred in the 900 block of Tulare Avenue.  The unknown suspect entered the residence by prying a door.  The suspect stole a computer and jewelry from the home. 

March 28

Auto Theft, 3100 Block of Lewiston: On Thursday, March 28, 2013 at approximately 9:00 the victim reported their vehicle stolen in the 3100 block of Lewiston Avenue.  The victim parked the vehicle the night before on the city street.  They went out in the morning and discovered the vehicle missing.  Taken was a 1998 Honda Civic black in color.  The vehicle was recovered on Northampton in Berkeley. 

March 29

Possible Arson, 1900 Block of Shattuck Avenue: On Friday, March 29, 2013 at approximately 2:01 a.m. a BPD officer was on patrol and discovered a City of Berkeley trash can on fire in the 1900 block of Shattuck Avenue.  The officer using a fire extinguisher put out the fire.  The Berkeley Fire Department arrived to assist, and indicated the fire may not be accidental.  The incident is still under investigation. 

March 30

Narcotics Violation, 2100 Block of 4th Street: On Saturday, March 30, 2013 at approximately 11:20 p.m. a BPD officer was on foot patrol in the 2100 block of 4thStreet.  He noticed a subject hiding behind a vehicle smoking a substance.  The officer investigated further and determined the subject was smoking suspected methamphetamine.  The subject was arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia. 

COMMUNITY SAFETY TIPS:

Walk with purpose:  Project an assertive image that conveys you know where you are going.

Avoid Isolation:  Avoid uninhabited parks, parking lots, garages, and alleyways; stick to well-lit, high-traffic areas.


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