help_outline Skip to main content

DSA In the News

As more homes burglarized, police urge residents to lock up while away

Published on 6/20/2011


A string of home burglaries since April has prompted Hillsborough and nearby city authorities to alert residents to be vigilant about protecting unoccupied homes, Hillsborough police said.

Seven residences in Hillsborough have been burglarized since the beginning of April. The locations of the targeted houses do not appear to have a discernable pattern, acting police Captain Caroline Serrato said.

In most of the burglaries, suspects have gained entry through a rear sliding glass door during the day when no one was home after prying off locks with various tools, Serrato said.

Five homes have had items taken including cash, jewelry and electronics. Two of the homes had an alarm system activated, which deterred the thieves, Serrato said.

No consistent description of suspects has been made, but witness reports describe Hispanic or Pacific Islander males driving away in a dark blue or black Honda, a silver Jeep, a gray pickup truck, a blue van and a white sedan, Serrato said.

The seven burglaries follow a growing burglary trend in San Mateo County, which led to a roundtable meeting involving San Mateo, Daly City and Foster City police departments and the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Department, Serrato said.

As part of increased efforts to reduce crime, U.S. mail carriers along with Hillsborough Public Works employees have been briefed to report any suspicious activity in Hillsborough neighborhoods, police said.

Hillsborough police urge resident to activate home alarm systems and install locks on sliding doors. If residents see anyone suspicious, they can call the Hillsborough Police Department at 375-7470 or 911.