Sheriff’s Report

Metrics on Burglaries and Crime

As of December 13, 2022, residential burglaries hit a 10-year high with 47 residential burglaries reported. Three cases are outliers with the same residence being burglarized by a known suspect who has since been arrested.

In reviewing data, we learned most burglaries occurred either during the evening hours or over the course of multiple days, as many residents reported being out of town or away on vacation. Of the houses burglarized, 68% reported having home alarm systems installed. Some systems are live monitored by an alarm company, some are audible only, and while most victims reported activating their alarms, a handful did not.

In an overwhelming majority of cases reported, burglars made entry by breaking a rear glass door, typically one leading directly to the master bedroom of the home, and quickly searching and stealing property. As a reminder, a live monitored system, sensitive to all doors and windows with reporting directly to the Sheriff’s emergency dispatch line, is a preferred method for an alarm system as it gives the Sheriff’s Office the immediate notification required for an expedited response.

Please consider purchasing an alarm for your home and remember to activate your alarm system if you already have one. Though burglaries can still occur with an alarm system, burglars are less likely to stay in a home for a long period of time once an alarm is triggered. On several occasions, the alarm system was triggered, causing burglars to flee prior to entering the home.

For more information on crime prevention, please contact the Sheriff’s Office at (408) 868-6600 and ask to speak with a crime prevention deputy.