Moraga Auto Burglaries Spike; Police Issue Safety Tips

LAMORINDA, CA — Moraga residents have been victimized by an increase in auto burglaries and stolen vehicles over the past few weeks, the police department said in a statement to the community.

On Saturday, an auto burglary was interrupted at Rheem Center.

"Although we are a quiet and safe community," Moraga Police said, "we are not immune from these crimes. The good news is that most of these crimes can be prevented!"

Here are safety tips from the police department:

1. Close and lock your doors and windows. We have documented cases of suspects coming into Moraga at night, walking down the street and checking car doors. If they find one that is unlocked, they will search through it for valuables. This tip is good for your home too!
2. Ensure that your trunk release only works when the vehicle is on or the key is present. If a suspect can gain entry into your vehicle, you want to prevent them from opening your trunk or rear hatch to protect anything you have stored there.
3. Do not leave valuables in your unoccupied vehicle. Most of these suspects are looking for a crime of opportunity. Leaving your purse visible, your phone out, your bag or briefcase out is an invitation to them to burglarize your vehicle. Even if the bag only contains dirty clothes or something that is not valuable, the suspect doesn't know this and only sees the bag and the potential for what it may contain. If you have them in your vehicle, secure valuables in your trunk before you arrive at a destination and park your vehicle.
4. Be aware of your surroundings and report suspicious persons. You know your neighborhood better than anyone else and you know what is out of the ordinary. Many suspects will walk or drive through an area looking for a victim. For example, if you see someone walking through your neighborhood or a parking lot who is looking into all of the parked vehicles – this is not normal and may be someone who is looking for an opportunity. Report suspicious persons and activity to the Moraga Police by calling Dispatch at 925-284-5010. Be able to describe the person and what they are doing that you believe is suspicious.
5. Consider anti-theft devices for your vehicle. In addition to ensuring your vehicle is locked, car alarms, anti-theft devices that attach to your steering wheel or other devices that prevent a suspect from stealing your vehicle are often a good deterrent.

Call the Moraga Police Department at 925-888-7055 for more information about how to prevent crimes.