SAN LEANDRO: INCREASE IN AUTO BURGLARIES PUTS POLICE, RESIDENTS ON ALERT
SAN LEANDRO -- An uptick in auto burglaries in the city has residents and patrol officers on alert after reports that car break-ins doubled over a two-week period, police said.
"During the past week, our staff responded to about 30 automotive burglaries compared to approximately 15 during the week prior," Lt. Randy Brandt said. "We need our citizens to remain vigilant and remove or hide their valuables from their vehicles and lock their vehicles when unattended."
Police warned residents to not only be alert while at home and at work, but while out at businesses including gas stations and coffee shops.
"They are target-rich environments," Brandt said Tuesday. "A lot of people will run into Starbucks and leave their laptop on the seat. You think you're only going be gone for a second and then it's too late."
Anyone who sees anything suspicious related to a possible auto burglary or sees a crime in progress is asked to call police at 510-577-3230 or contact the Anonymous Tip Line at 510-577-3278. Residents can also send an anonymous tip to the San Leandro Police Department by texting the word SLPD and their tip to 88777.
By Natalie Neysa Alund / MercuryNews.com
