Lafayette Hit Hard By Residential Burglaries; Chief Asks For Public "Eyes and Ears"

A fairly prolific bank robber, asked why he liked to rob banks - is reported to have countered with "because that's where the money is."

And although Lafayette police have consulted and can find no rhyme nor reason for a recent uptick in burglaries and car theft in their city, it appears that thieves are visiting in increasing number - perhaps for the same reason.

Chief Mike Hubbard notes the increase in data released to City Manager Steve Falk and published in Falk's "Friday Summary."

June

July

August

Calls for service

1528

1542

1642

Arrests

15

13

18

Reports

137

141

157

Thefts from Vehicles

12

6

6

Commercial Burglaries

4

1

1

But as both Falk and Hubbard note, now for the bad news:

June

July

August

Stolen Vehicles

1

3

5

Residential Burglaries

3

6

12

The Chief is perplexed and says there is no apparent pattern to the crimes, which is making them even more difficult to solve.

"We have run the fact pattern through our computer and it has shrugged its shoulders and said, 'I don’t know,'" Hubbard wrote. "Which brings us back to 'We need your help.'"

As his colleagues in Orinda and Moraga both did when confronted by similar upticks in crime in their respective cities, Hubbard is turning to the public, and asking residents to fine tune their awareness levels.

"We need more eyes and ears in the community," Hubbard wrote. " That is where you come in. Please be aware of what is happening in your neighborhoods. Report any suspicious activities. Look out for you neighbors. Together we can make Lafayette a more secure city."

Okay? There you have it. LPD can help residents tired of being victimized or just wishing not to become victims with organizing neighborhood watch programs. If you're interested, call them at 299-3220.