There has been a spike to the number of burglaries in the
downtown area since the start of the month, and the Hollister
Police Department is warning residents about keeping their
belongings out of view when they leave vehicles unattended.
There has been a spike to the number of burglaries in the downtown area since the start of the month, and the Hollister Police Department is warning residents about keeping their belongings out of view when they leave vehicles unattended.
Since Jan. 1, there have been 12 break-in burglaries in the downtown corridor, an increase over usual activity for the period, said Sgt. David Westrick, the police department’s spokesman.
The reported incidents have ranged from break-in burglaries of various parked vehicles to the door getting kicked in Saturday night at Metropolis in the 700 block of San Benito Street.
Westrick tracked the number of burglaries in the downtown area – from the 300 block to the 800 block along San Benito Street, and on side streets over to Sally Street on the east side and Monterey Street on west side of the main drag.
He said the totals are a “little bit higher” than last year and he noted how there has been no specific pattern to the crimes.
“They’re just trying to look for unattended vehicles and they’re looking to see if there are any valuables,” Westrick said.
He pointed out how some of the items commonly taken from vehicles include iPods, laptops and purses. He said residents should be cognizant of not leaving such valuables out in sight.
“You don’t want to become a victim because you haven’t thought of doing all the things you need to do,” he said.
Look for more in the Pinnacle on Friday.
