Crime & Safety

Police Warn of Burglary Trend in North Berkeley Hills

Most of the burglaries involved an unlocked door or open window. Police are warning residents to be vigilant.

A slew of residential burglaries in the North Berkeley Hills last week has caused the Berkeley Police Department to issue a warning to residents.

Most of the burglaries involved an unlocked door or open window. In every case, the burglaries took place between noon and 6 p.m. Items stolen include electronics such as laptops and cell phones, art, money and, in one case, a passport and a hand gun. 

Police are recommending that residents take the following advice to help deter burglaries: 

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Secure all doors and windows

Over half of the reported burglaries involved an unlocked door or window. You should also consider photographing and recording the serial numbers of your valuable items.

Increase natural surveillance

Make certain the lighting at entryways are lit from dusk to dawn. Criminals do not want to be exposed. Do not let criminals have a place to hide in the darkness.

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Practice territorial reinforcement

Make it clear in your neighborhood that the community is watching through signs, notices, and postings. Crimes happen when you have a motivated offender, a suitable victim, and there is no one to watch what is going on.

Maintain properties and keep neighborhood clean

Keeping up properties, cleaning off graffiti etc., are ways a potential criminal will know that people in the community are watching and caring about the neighborhood.

Police also advise residents to always report suspicious activity. 


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