Crime & Safety

Orinda Police Ask for Public Help in Stopping Burglary Crews

Police say homeowners need to be increasingly vigilant as groups of burglars strike across the city.

The Orinda Police Department, in a release issued by Detective Sgt. Neal Rafanan, asked for help in combating the .

Rafanan wrote that the city has "recently been struck with an unusually high number of daytime residential burglaries" and said that despite common perception, they are not concentrated in "easily accessible" areas.

Although the number of burglaries was not provided, Rafanan wrote that they are occurring in daylight between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. While it is suspected that multiple groups are involved in the burglaries, each group is using similar methods.

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"," Rafanan warned. "The burglars attempt to determine the occupancy by knocking on the door and, if someone comes to the door, they use a ruse that they are attempting to deliver something to an unknown neighbor. In other incidents, it's suspected that the burglars park along a street and watch for the residents to leave their homes before breaking into the house. Most of the burglars force their way into the house by kicking in a door. Burglars have been targeting residences whose front doors cannot be seen from the main road."

Rafanan asked residents to be aware of their surroundings and to call the Orinda police immediately via sheriff's dispatch at 925 646-2441 if they see suspicious people, cars or unusual activity in their neighborhood.

Find out what's happening in Lamorindawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"If you see anyone suspicious, please do not confront them or attempt to follow them in your vehicle," Rafanan warned. "The best thing you can be is a good witness."


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