Hollister
– Reports of burglaries in Hollister have been falling every
month since January, but collectively remain significantly higher
than the first quarter of previous years.
Hollister – Reports of burglaries in Hollister have been falling every month since January, but collectively remain significantly higher than the first quarter of previous years.
The decline comes after the city was plagued with a record number of burglaries at the end of 2006.
Hollister Police Chief Jeff Miller said there are several explanations for the decline, including the arrests of several juveniles and adults who may have been responsible for multiple burglaries.
“We did make some arrests a couple months ago,” he said.
However, Miller said the burglaries are not the work of one individual or group.
The chief attributed the decrease to the vigilance of police officers and community members.
Police officials have spoken with several people who are interested in starting neighborhood watch programs, Miller said. The department does not have a neighborhood watch program, but is willing to help neighbors begin one.
In January, there were 35 burglaries reported in the city, according to the police department. In February, there were 30, and in March there were 27 burglaries reported.
As of Tuesday, 21 burglaries have been reported this month.
However, burglaries remained unusually high in the first quarter of the year, with a total of 92 burglaries reported.
In the first three months of 2004, there were 60 burglaries reported. In the first quarter of 2005, there were 51 burglaries reported, and in the first quarter of 2006 there were 59.
Police continue to investigate the burglaries, said Officer Rosie Betanio, a spokeswoman for the police department. Betanio said many factors could be contributing to the high number of burglaries.
“It could be gang-related; it could be drug-related,” Betanio said. “It could be kids who are bored and have nothing to do.”
Miller said residents should remain aware and take steps to help prevent what can be a crime of opportunity.
“The No. 1 thing is, lock their doors,” Miller said. “Don’t make it easy for burglars to get in.”
Getting to know neighbors and who should be in the neighborhood is also key, Miller said.
Reporting suspicious activity and providing a good description of the person, their vehicle and direction of travel to the police dispatch can also help catch potential burglars in the act, Miller said.
However, police advised caution.
“I don’t want anybody to put themselves in danger to get that information,” Miller said.
Parents can also help by watching what their children are coming home with, he said.
“In my career, I’ve seen cases solved by parents saying, ‘My son didn’t used to have a mountain bike; my son didn’t used to have a laptop computer; I didn’t buy these things for him,'” Miller said.
Concerned neighbors can reach police dispatch at 831-636-4331.
Michael Van Cassell covers public safety for the Free Lance. He can be reached at 831-637-5566 ext. 335 or
mv*********@fr***********.com
.
