Crime Blotter: Burglars Bungle Job on College Ave, Robbery, Vandalism and More

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

February 17

 Vandalism, Allston Way/Oxford Street: On Sunday, Feb. 17 between 5:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. an unknown suspect vandalized a vehicle near the intersection Allston Way and Oxford Street. The victim parked the vehicle on the street. When they returned they discovered an unknown suspect scratched the paint on the driver’s side.

February 18

Auto Burglary, 400 Block of Gilman Street: On Monday, Feb. 18, between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. an auto burglary occurred in the 400 block of Gilman Street.  The victim parked and locked his vehicle in a parking lot in the 400 block of Gilman Street. The unknown suspect broke the window to the victim’s vehicle.  The suspect stole the victim’s wallet and cell phone.

February 19

Commercial Burglary Attempt, 2900 Block of College Avenue: On Tuesday, Feb. 19 at 8:30 a.m. the owner of a restaurant in the 2900 block of College Avenue reported an unknown suspect attempted to burglarize the business. The owner locked up the business the night prior around 10:30 p.m.  He came in the next morning and discovered damage to the front door. It appeared that the unknown suspect attempted to force the door open, but was unable to gain access to the business.

February 20

Residential Burglary, 1600 Block of Fairview Street: On Wednesday, Feb. 20 between 4 p.m. and 9:45 p.m. a residential burglary occurred in the 1600 block of Fairview Street. The unknown suspect entered the residence, possibly through an unlocked window. The suspect stole the victim’s laptop and fled the residence.

February 21

Theft Attempt, 2300 Block of Russell Street: On Thursday, Feb. 21, at approximately 7:50 a.m. an attempted theft occurred in the yard of a residence in the 2300 block of Russell Street. An unknown suspect was seen in the rear yard attempting to remove a bicycle. The victim yelled at the suspect scaring him off, he then fled the yard.

The suspect is described as: “Black Male, 50-60 years old, 5’10”, 160 lbs, black hair, brown eyes wearing a black knit cap, black zip up hooded sweatshirt and dark pants.”

February 22

Commercial Burglary, 1700 Block of San Pablo Avenue: On Friday, Feb. 22 at 6:20 a.m. an employee called reporting a burglary in the 1700 block of San Pablo Avenue. The unknown suspect entered the business and pried an office door. The unknown suspect stole several computers from the location.

February 23

Auto Burglary, Channing Way/Telegraph Avenue: On Saturday, Feb. 23 between 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. an auto burglary occurred near the intersection of Channing Way and Telegraph Avenue. The victim parked and locked his vehicle on the street. When he returned he discovered an unknown suspect broke one of the vehicle’s windows. The suspect stole a computer bag containing a laptop.   

COMMUNITY SAFETY TIP: Bicycle Theft Prevention:

• Lock frame to something that cannot be moved
• Use high quality lock, such as a U-lock
• Secure quick release wheels and seats
• Secure your bicycle at home; many are stolen from yards and garages

To learn more about calls for service in your neighborhood, we invite you to try CrimeView Community.  http://berkeley.ca.crimeviewcommunity.com/default.aspx