While the number of reported burglaries and break-ins are down in Los Altos and Mountain View compared to last year, local law enforcement agencies encourage diligence as the holiday season progresses.
Through Nov. 24, there have been 185 reported burglaries – residential and commercial – in Mountain View since the beginning of the year, down from last year’s annual total of 353 reported burglaries and breaking and entering incidents.
Los Altos is fairing similarly; from the beginning of the year to Nov. 24, there have been 34 residential burglaries; in 2024, there were a total of 62 residential burglaries, according to Los Altos Police Chief Saskia Lagergren.
“We have had fewer burglaries each month this year than the same month last year, except three months we had the same number of residential burglaries this year as we did last year,” Lagergren stated in an email. “There has been a significant drop in residential burglaries. As far as robberies go, we have had three this year, compared to five total last year.”
She noted that with residential burglaries, criminals often scope out the neighborhood and conduct surveillance on the targeted house to determine if it is occupied, either by observation or by knocking on the front door.
“This suggests a degree of planning in many cases,” She stated. “If someone knocks on the door or rings the doorbell, verbally respond to them so they know someone is home. Oftentimes, if they don’t get a response, they will go around the back of the house to break in when they believe no one is home.”
Historically, Los Altos has experienced higher numbers of residential burglaries in November and December, Lagergren stated. While that is not the case for Mountain View, according to Monica Leon, Mountain View Police Department media and public relations analyst, it’s still crucial for members of the community to exercise caution during the holiday season.
For those hoping to ensure their homes are secure against burglars, the Los Altos Police Department offers a free home security inspection.
“Our officers will conduct a personalized survey of your home’s interior and exterior, identifying potential security risks and providing recommendations for improvement,” Lagergren stated.
The Los Altos Police Department also offers a vacation check program. When time permits, police officers will provide extra patrols around properties – those of people who are on vacation – enrolled in the check program (visit tinyurl.com/LAPDvacationcheck to sign up).
Installing a security system, locking all windows and doors, setting up light timers to simulate occupancy, putting mail on hold, connecting with neighbors and reporting suspicious activity can also all deter potential burglars, Lagergren stated.
While retrieving stolen property can be difficult – sometimes impossible – Lagergren said creating a list of valuables can help officers return items.
“For electronics like phones, computers and cameras, record the serial numbers. This unique identifier can help us return stolen items if they are recovered,” she stated. “Take clear photos of jewelry, artwork and other items that would be difficult to describe in detail or serialize. This visual record can aid in identification and recovery.”
The Mountain View Police Department shared tips to stay safe while shopping and having packages delivered to homes this season to the department’s Facebook page.
• Be vigilant – know where you are and who’s around you when you’re out
• Keep valuables and bags, shopping or otherwise, out of sight when stored in the car
• Keep car doors closed and locked, and roll up those windows
• Track packages and take them inside as soon as they’re delivered
• Have deliveries sent to work, a trusted neighbor, or package lockers when away
• Have packages placed out of sight
