Cell Phone Robbery on University, and More from BPD

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

December 30

Auto Burglary, 1900 Block of Milvia Street: On Sunday, Dec. 30 between 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., an auto burglary occurred in the 1900 block of Milvia Street. The victim reported parking his rental vehicle on the street and locking it. He returned and discovered a window broken. An unknown suspect stole a suitcase out of the vehicle.

December 31

Auto Theft, 2100 Block of Stuart Street: On Monday, Dec. 31 at approximately 7 a.m. the victim discovered her vehicle stolen from the 2100 block of Stuart Street. The victim had parked her vehicle the previous night and went out Monday morning and discovered it taken by an unknown suspect. Taken is a red, 1989, Toyota Camry, four-door.

January 1

Loud Reports, 2700 Block of Ellsworth Street: On Tuesday, Jan. 1 at approximately 2:04 a.m., BPD officers responded to the area of the 2700 block of Ellsworth Street for a report of possible gunshots. Officers arrived in the area and determined the loud reports were fireworks.

January 2

Robbery, 1100 Block of 2nd Street: On Wednesday, Jan. 2 at approximately 10:15 a.m., a robbery occurred of a business in the 1100 block of 2nd Street. The two unknown suspects entered the business.  The suspects simulated possibly having a weapon. The suspects stole cash from the business and personal items from the employees. The suspects left the business fleeing north.

The suspects are described as:

Suspect 1 – “Black Male Adult, 5’10”-5’11”, Thin Build, Dark Complexion wearing long black wool coat, black beanie.”

Suspect 2 – “Black Male Adult, 5’8”-5’9”, Stocky Build, Light Complexion wearing letterman jacket with red and white sleeves.”

January 3

Robbery, University Avenue/Curtis Street: On Thursday, Jan. 3 at approximately 10:49 p.m. a robbery occurred near the intersection of University Avenue and Curtis Street. The female victim was walking in the area when the unknown suspect attempted to take her cell phone from her hand. A struggle ensued and the suspect was able to take the victim’s phone. The suspect fled north on Curtis Street.

The suspect is described as:

Suspect – “Black Male, 16-22 years old, 5’8”, normal build, short cropped hair wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt with blue lettering.”

January 4
Auto Theft, 30 Block of Domingo Avenue: On Friday, Jan. 4  at approximately 12 p.m., the victim reported the vehicle stolen from the 30 block of Domingo Avenue.  The victim parked and locked his vehicle on the street. The vehicle was parked on Dec. 29. The victim went to his vehicle and discovered it missing the morning of Jan. 4. Taken is a gray, 1995, Honda Civic, four-door.

January 5

Theft from a Vehicle, 700 Block of Hilldale Avenue: On Saturday, Jan. 5 at approximately 10:15 a.m., the victim reported an unknown suspect entered her unlocked vehicle and stole several items, including an IPod and sweatshirt. The vehicle was parked on January 3, 2012 in the 700 block of Hilldale Avenue. On the 5th the victim noticed the property missing from the vehicle.

COMMUNITY SAFETY TIP—Cell Phone Safety

• Do Not talk on cell phones or listen to iPods when alone outside as they significantly limit awareness.
• Do Not lend your phone to anyone you do not know or take it out of your purse, pocket or bag to give someone the time, if asked.
• Do walk with purpose: Project an assertive image that conveys you know where you are going.
• Do keep a safe distance: Do not let people get too close, even if they appear to have a reason, such as asking for the time.
• Always trust your instincts: Trusting your own instincts that a situation seems “wrong” can be the best personal safety tool you have.

Please note that these are Calls For Police Services (CFS) only and are subject to review and reclassification. These CFS numbers only reflect part one crimes reported to BPD. The numbers reflected in the report are only a snapshot of what occurs in the City of Berkeley. The numbers are considered for informational purposes only and should not be used for data analysis or comparison to other agencies. Cases may be reclassified after further review of the incident, by supervisors, investigating detectives or the District Attorney as appropriate.