Police Report Uptick In San Ramon Home Burglaries

SAN RAMON, CA — The San Ramon Police Department asks city residents to remain vigilant amid an increase in home burglaries.

Police have seen less activity in recent weeks, but 2019 saw 93 home burglaries compared to 60 home burglaries in 2018, said Cpt. Denton Carlson.

Police have identified a few suspects and are investigating a string of home burglaries with neighboring law enforcement agencies. Carlson said officials believe there is a group targeting homes throughout the Bay Area.

He said police have not identified any Tri-Valley residents as suspects, but declined to provide further details about them amid the ongoing investigation.

Home burglaries tend to come in waves, he said. There might be a few in a day, then none for weeks. The beginning of 2020 saw some home burglaries, but there haven't been any recently, Carlson said.

Police haven't seen a consistent pattern in the home burglaries, he said. Burglaries are taking place at different times of day and days of the weeks.

Burglars do, however, tend to smash in a sliding glass door or window on the rear side of the property after knocking to see if someone is home, Carlson said. Police haven't seen many burglars kick in the front door of a home.

Carlson asks anyone who sees or hears something unusual to immediately call police.

"We want to respond as quickly as possible to see if we can catch anyone who's in the middle of committing these crimes," he said.

Police recommend residents leave lights, a TV or music on before heading out to give the impression that someone is home.

Emergency calls can be directed to 911. The department's non-emergency line is 925-973-2779.

Correction: A previous story misstated the percent increase in home burglaries that San Ramon has seen between 2018 and 2019.