Residential burglary protection safety basics 101
Published on February 20, 2024
The Menlo Park Police Department and other surrounding agencies have responded to multiple calls reporting burglaries recently and are working to identify suspects.
Investigators believe the suspects are not choosing targets at random but instead are watching homes in affluent neighborhoods before entering and stealing safes, jewelry and other high-end designer items. In most cases, the burglars are not violent and choose unoccupied homes to avoid confrontations.
While the Menlo Park Police Department has increased patrols in targeted neighborhoods, there are additional steps you can take to protect your home and neighborhood. We have the best chance at deterring residential burglaries when law enforcement and residents work together!
Burglary Protection Basics:
• Install security alarms in your home and always turn them on when leaving your home.
• If possible, have your alarm monitoring company contact police immediately and not attempt to contact you first.
• Install security cameras and lights outside of your home and keep them on at night.
• Install security cameras that you can monitor through your cell phone.
• Register your cameras! If a crime occurs in your neighborhood, Menlo Police will have your contact information and may contact you for permission to check your cameras for any useful footage. Register your camera.
• Make sure all doors and windows are locked before going to bed or leaving your home. Even if it is for a short time, lock your doors.
• Leave lights or a radio on in your home to make it look like someone is home when you are not.
• Do not leave keys under doormats, flowerpots or “secret” hiding places. Burglars are experts in finding these hidden keys.
• Cancel all deliveries. Arrange for the Post Office to hold your mail or ask a friend or neighbor to pick up your mail regularly while you are away.
• Keep valuables out of sight, including packaging from expensive purchases in your trash or recycling bins.
• Don’t tempt a thief by leaving lawn mowers, grills or bicycles easily accessible. This includes locking your garden sheds for extra security.
• Landscaping tools: keep your landscaping neat to allow visibility, consider planting thorny plants under first-floor windows to deter entrance or climbing.
• Call 650-330-6300 to notify the Police Department when you leave your home for an extended period. Officers will check in on your property periodically for any suspicious activity.
• Let your neighbors know that you will be gone so they can keep an eye out for suspicious activity.
Suspicious activities include:
• Someone walking down the streets trying multiple door handles or looking into multiple car windows or mailboxes.
• A stranger walking around your neighbor’s house or trying to gain access by force.
• Someone knocking on doors who does not produce identification upon request.
• An unknown vehicle driving around the neighborhood multiple times, regardless of the car make or model.
• Hearing the sound of glass breaking or odd sounds coming from a neighbor’s house when you know they are not home. This includes unoccupied houses for sale.
If your home is broken into:
• Do not enter; the perpetrator may still be inside.
• Call 9-1-1 immediately to report it.
• Do not touch anything until the police have inspected it for evidence.
• Write down the details of suspicious vehicles or persons around your home.
Find more crime prevention tips on our Crime Safety and Prevention page on the City's website.
Remember- if you see something, say something! It is everyone’s job to stay vigilant and share suspicious activity with other neighbors and police. You can report suspicious activity by calling our non-emergency line at 650-330-6300 or call 9-1-1 for emergencies.