Full Notification

On 6/28/2016, approximately 9:30 a.m., Moraga Police received a call from a citizen in the Carroll Ranch area who reported seeing a juvenile male inside an open garage. The citizen knew that the garage belonged to his elderly neighbor and didn't believe that the juvenile was supposed to be inside.

When officers arrived, they contacted the elderly neighbor and found that items had been moved around in her garage, but nothing was missing. She also told them that no one was supposed to be inside the garage. Officers also contacted the juvenile, who admitted being in the garage. The officers continued their investigation and determined that the juvenile was responsible for committing 4 residential burglaries (1 that was unreported) and one attempted burglary last week. Officers were able to recover some of the stolen property and are continuing their investigation.

The juvenile was released into the custody of his mother. The Moraga Police want to thank the citizen who observed the suspicious activity and promptly reported it. In this case, their actions not only prevented a burglary, but were instrumental in solving 5 other felony crimes. This is an incredible example of the importance of the police and residents working together.

All of you are the best guardians of your neighborhoods as you know your neighbors and are usually the first to be aware of suspicious or unusual activity. For example, one of the things that residential burglars do is knock on the front door to see if anyone is home. If you answer the door, they will ask you a seemingly innocuous question, such as “do you know where the freeway is?” or asking if a certain person lives there. A stranger who comes to your door like this is suspicious and should be reported. If they are completely innocent, then you have given us the opportunity to provide them with directions or other assistance. If they are not innocent, then you may be preventing a crime.

To report a crime or suspicious person or vehicle, please call Dispatch at 925-284-5010.

Please contact the Moraga Police at 925-888-7055 with any questions or concerns.

Help us to keep Moraga safe by taking appropriate precautions to protect yourself, your family and your home. Thank you.