Fremont Auto Burglaries On Record-setting Pace

FREMONT, CA — Fremont Police officers have arrested eleven auto burglary suspects in eight days but, despite their efforts, the city is on pace to set a record. The department reported Tuesday that from Jan. 1 to Feb. 12 there have been 319 reported auto burglaries. Most of the crimes were committed in retail parking lots where there is a higher likelihood of people leaving valuables behind as they shop, eat in restaurants, go to the movies or work out at gyms.

Police are using marked and unmarked police vehicles to patrol shopping centers. Other initiatives include detectives working with property owners to bring awareness to the crime and post signs, running educational campaigns and encouraging the installation of private video at commercial center entrances and exits.

The department is also working with the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office to develop a Special Prosecution Unit committed to prosecuting prolific offenders, with an emphasis on those committing auto burglaries. Since making the eleven arrests earlier this month, there has been a slight decrease in the number of auto burglaries reported, police say. And yet, during one 48-hour period last week, 22 reports were taken.

Here's how to avoid becoming the next victim:

• Remove ALL valuables from your parked car, especially laptops and high end electronics
• Share this information with your friends, neighbors and co-workers
• Be vigilant and report suspicious vehicles and activity
• Install video surveillance
• If you routinely travel or use your vehicle for work, consider purchasing a trunk storage case that can be locked and secured in your trunk. Place items in the storage case as you leave for your destination so that people watching parking lots don't see you put valuables in your trunk as you are about to walk away.

To report suspicious activity, call the Fremont Police Department at 510-790-6800 x 3. To report a crime in progress, dial 911.

(Get Patch real-time email alerts for the latest news from your California neighborhood. Also, download the free Patch iPhone app or free Patch Android app. Also, be sure to follow your local Patch on Facebook!) Also See:

• Deadly Salmonella Outbreak Continues To Spread
• Obama, Curry Inspire Youth To Be Future Leaders
• Alameda Girl Desperately Needs Bone Marrow Transplant
• Roiling Pink Sky: Photo Of The Day

— Image via Shutterstock