Orindans Talk About Recent Burglaries; Express Confidence In Police

A recent rash of burglaries has many Orindans confused and alarmed by the sudden jump in residential break-ins. While many are hesitant to speak publicly about the measures they are taking to protect themselves and their property, a few spoke with Lamorinda Patch and neighbors while at Starbucks and Safeway.

Satoko Fogarty, who lives in the Estates Drive block, was surprised by the frequencies of the burglaries.  She said she moved to Orinda from Palo Alto because she heard it was “a quiet bedroom community” in the East Bay and perfect for raising children.

“I already have two dogs, but I am not sure if that is enough to protect my home,” said Fogarty. “I am wondering if I should install some video security cameras as well.”

Talk of new alarm systems proved to be a common thread of conversation during Patch's brief talks with neighbors.

“I didn’t used to have a burglar alarm in my house,” said Barbara, who asked that her last name be withheld. “But after hearing about all these homes being burglarized, I immediately called an alarm company and set up a new system. You just can't do enough to protect yourself.”

Barbara's friend, who also asked to not reveal her identity, said she sets her alarm whenever she leaves the house, even when picking up her kids from school. She said, “even if you are gone only 10 to 15 minutes, you become an easy target.”

A resident of Loma Vista asked to keep her identity private after one of the homes on her block was recently burglarized, said neighbors have gathered and created an email list to alert subscribers of any unusual activities in the neighborhood. They have a designated block captain who distributes information and the neighbors are asked to be more vigilant and to keep their eyes open.

A resident of El Toyonal said she noticed that the kids at the local schools are even talking about the burglaries. “It would be nice to have an automatic dial-up alert system, sort of like PG&E does when there is an electrical outage,” she said.

Maria Solid, a resident in the La Cuesta Road also wishes there was a better alert system when criminal activities are on the rise. “I wish there was more information about the burglaries in the paper informing us. An email alert system would also be nice,” she said.

Rebecca Moran said her particular block, a cul-de-sac, is unique because of the close relationship she has with all her neighbors. She said she comes right up to anyone who looks suspicious and confronts them directly on what their business is on her street. She recently noticed the patrol cars cruising her area on a regular basis.

"I have 200 percent confidence in Orinda Police,” said Moran. “Any issue we have in our neighborhood, the police are here within minutes.”

Moran did point out a concern she had regarding the dimly-lit streets in Orinda. She said “because the streets are not lit well, you have to take the initiative to keep the lights on all night.”

While police deal with the alarming uptick (11 homes have been burgled in the last six weeks), the increased awareness and watchful activities of engaged neighbors may make Orinda a bit harder of a target for criminal activity than previously.