Union City Police Issue Warning Over Smash and Grab Burglaries

UNION CITY, CA — The Union City Police Department has issued a warning to Union City residents and visitors about the growing incidence of smash and grab burglaries.

• Car burglaries: the burglar smashes a car window and grabs anything on the seats, or releases the trunk latch and takes items from there.
• Residential burglaries: the burglars typically knock on the door to see if anyone is home. They then force entry to the home and grab jewelry and other high value items that are easy to carry.
• Commercial burglaries: the burglars will bust out windows or doors and grab cash boxes, small safes, or electronics.

According to police, "These property crimes are frustrating for both officers and the victims because it is so hard to catch these types of burglars. The thieves are in and out of the target and out of the neighborhood often before witnesses or alarm companies even call the police."

Last Saturday night, a commercial burglar was caught after a woman in a neighboring business called police. Arriving officers found a door pried open. "Officer Willson made an announcement that he was about to search the business with his canine partner, Ace," police said in a statement. "Upon hearing Ace barking, the burglar who was hiding inside made a wise decision and immediately surrendered."

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