Full Notification

On Tuesday night, there were 3 residential burglaries and a number of thefts from unlocked vehicles in Lafayette. ALL 3 BURGLARIES OCCURRED WHEN THE RESIDENTS WERE HOME. The burglaries and thefts had one thing in common - there was an unlocked door or window through which the criminals gained access. These follow 4 residential burglaries that occurred in Orinda last week.

This is a very scary scenario - burglars inside your home while you are asleep. Although the Lamorinda area is very safe, we live in a day and age in which we have to keep doors and windows closed and locked.

Please consider the following when safeguarding your home and vehicles:
* As noted, keep your doors and windows locked, even at night when you are home and asleep.
* If you need to leave a window open for ventilation, use a dowel in the window track or a lock on your window that only allows it to be partially opened.
* At night, if you have an alarm system, set the perimeter portion of the alarm.
* If you don't have one, consider installing an alarm system and/or surveillance cameras in and around your home.
* Keep your side gates secured with padlocks to prevent easy entry into your backyard where a burglar would be shielded from view.
* Keep your vehicles secured and valuables out of sight, even when the vehicles are in your driveway.
* Report suspicious persons and vehicles in your neighborhood.

These incidents are under investigation and officers are working diligently to solve the crimes. It looks like the suspects may have been cruising neighborhoods, trying doors and looking for a target. These suspects could easily migrate to Moraga, as happened in 2015 when we suffered over 40 thefts from unlocked vehicles.

All of these crimes, including the ones that occurred in 2015, can be prevented. Please use the information and insure that your home, business and vehicles are secured. Report suspicious persons and vehicles in your neighborhood by calling the Moraga Police at 925-284-5010. For any questions or to arrange a security survey of your residence, please call the Moraga Police business line (925-888-7055) during regular business hours.

Please help us to prevent crime and keep Moraga one of California's safest cities.