Suspect Arrested in Recent El Cerrito Burglaries

El Cerrito police have arrested a Richmond resident, Simone Aguilar, in connection with the in the city, according to a police news release issued today, Friday.

A police follow-up investigation of the crimes resulted in Aguilar being identified as a suspect in one of the burglaries, police said. She was arrested without incident at her residence at 7 a.m. Thursday and taken to the county jail in Martinez pending the filing of charges by Contra Costa County District Attorney's office, according to police.

"During a search of her residence, officers located property from several victims in the El Cerrito burglaries along with property from an unreported theft out of Sonoma," the police release said.

Earlier this month, police called a community meeting in the face of public alarm over a rash of home burglaries, chiefly in the north hills section of the city during the daytime. At least six occurred on one day, Oct. 3.

An overlfow crowd of between 200 and 300 attended the at the Arlington Park Clubhouse. Dozens stood outside to listen and watch through the windows.

Police urge residents to report any suspicious activity, including strangers knocking on doors, to the police department at 510-237-3233. Crimes in progress should be reported at 911.