Crime & Safety

Rash of Burglaries—Police Urge Residents to Report Strangers Who Knock on Door

El Cerrito police report several daytime residential burglaries recently and advise residents to install burglar alarms and to inform police of unfamiliar vehicles, suspicious activity or strangers who knock at the door.

Several residential burglaries have occurred in El Cerrito in the past few weeks, and many of them have been similar, with the break-ins occurring during the day, said.

"Most of the burglaries have occurred in the residential hill area of the city," police said a news release Tuesday. "Only a few witnesses have provided information about possible suspects, describing groups of two or three young African American or Hispanic males."

Police encouraged anyone with information about the crimes or possible suspects to contact El Cerrito police. Information on the location and dates of the burglaries can found on CrimeReports.com, police said. 

Find out what's happening in El Cerritowith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Police offered the following recommendations to prevent home burglary:

  • Install an audible burglar alarm, and activate it when you are away.
  • Never leave any doors or windows unsecured, even when you are home. 
  • Become acquainted with your neighbors and their vehicles.
  • Contact the El Cerrito Police Department immediately (510-237-3233, option 2) to report any people or vehicles that are unfamiliar or out of place, or any other suspicious activities. 
  • If anyone knocks at your door or rings your bell, they may be trying to ascertain if anyone is home before attempting to burglarize your home. If you are home, do not open the door to a stranger. Announce your presence through your locked door, and call police immediately to report the incident. When you speak with the police dispatcher, be prepared to provide any description you may have of the suspect(s), any vehicles, and what direction they were headed as they left.

Police said any information should be referred to Detective Joshua Del Prado at 510-215-4422.

Find out what's happening in El Cerritowith free, real-time updates from Patch.


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