Shortly after 12:30 a.m. Tuesday, police responded to reports of a residential robbery on the 1000 block of Crooked Creek Drive. Police noted that three males wearing masks entered the home through an attached garage. Once they were inside, a male resident woke up and confronted them. One of the suspects then pulled out a firearm and held the victim at gunpoint while the other two burglarized the home.
The suspects then fled the scene and remain at large. The resident was not injured, police added.
Los Altos Police Capt. Andy Galea said that while it’s not uncommon to see “a little uptick” in home burglaries during December, the Crooked Creek incident stands out because of the time it took place and that there was a weapon involved.
“It is unusual to have someone enter a home at night because of the high probability that someone is home,” Galea said. “To have someone break into a home at nighttime with a gun is particularly alarming. It’s very unusual, especially for this area.”
Galea added that police are asking residents to vigilantly report any suspicious activities – including aggressive door-to-door solicitors and the presence of vehicles not familiar to the neighborhood.
“We do want to make sure everyone is aware that this took place and that people are vigilant,” he said. “Know your surroundings and what’s going on in your street.”
In addition, police are asking residents to take additional precautions securing their home – particularly those who plan to travel during the holidays. Police advised residents to use burglar alarms and lock perimeter gates, as well as install video surveillance and exterior motion lights to deter would-be burglars.
Residents can schedule a free home security inspection by contacting Los Altos Community Service Officer Josh Cottrell at 947-2647. Police are actively investigating the residential robbery and urge anyone with information to contact them at 947-2770.
