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Police are investigating a string of thefts after a home burglary produced important leads.
On the morning of Wednesday, Feb. 2, the resident of a home on Indian Home Road reported unknown subjects entering their garage, Lt. Jeff Moule said.
While no one was injured, the subjects removed property and vehicles from inside the garage. Moule said the victims were unsure whether they had closed their garage doors the night before.
Some of property was recovered and returned to the victim, including a backpack that contained another person’s name.
“We followed up with that person and that person was a victim of their car being broken into,” Moule said. “They didn’t report because thought it was insignificant.”
Recently, there have been several auto burglaries in the Indian Home Road area, most of which occur when residents leave computers and other valuables in plain view.
“There is a group of people moving through neighborhoods checking doors and looking through windows. We encourage people to lock their doors, and remove all items of value from their vehicles to not attract burglars,” Moule said.
[Correction, Feb. 11] In January, Danville police came upon video taken by a home surveillance system that captured a group of teenagers or young adults peering through car windows.
Moule said the police have distributed the video to neighboring law enforcement agencies, asking them to review the video in hopes of making an identification.
Moule encourages anyone with information to call the police at 646-2441.
Put the video online so we can take a look at it. Neighborhood experienced several auto burglaries a few months ago. Young people might be able identify culprits; thefts were mostly “tech stuff” left in cars (laptops, GPS, CDs, etc.).
Since there is a video, how about posting a description of the thieves?
Danville Police, etc.:
Do you want to solve these crimes……or not!?!
Make the video available! These persons are already doing wrong behavior by checking car doors and looking in windows.
Either use the power of modern technology and the manpower of the citizenry to be effective and successful………or keep all “crime solving” to yourselves.
I’d like to hear the police’s “reason” for NOT making the video available (distributing it to us).
Post the video so we can catch these perpetrators!!!
After speaking with the police department, I was told that the video Lt. Moule described related to an older event and not the Indian Home Road burglaries.
The video in question was from a home surveillance tape that was quickly spotted and turned away.
As a side note, I agree that these tapes should be made public but think that the police may be wary of some sort of vigilante justice.
Jessica Lipsky
Editor
we’re the homeowners who were robbed in this case.
posting the video (if it was relevant) is no different than any other case where the police go public with information seeking assistance in the identification of suspects in a case.. eg posting photos in newspapers, or car descriptions with license plate numbers on the electronic highway signs. Seeking assistance doesn’t promote vigilante justice, it promotes a community that cares.
An involved and informed community is the best way to cut down on crime and resolve cases. It was a neighbor who found and returned some of the missing property to us. We appreciate the fact that we have neighbors who care.
Jessica Lipsky, what in the world does:
“The video in question was from a home surveillance tape that was quickly spotted and turned away.”????
you’re a journalist??? I find that difficult to believe when you are unable to construct a comprehensible sentence.
Please clarify (if you feel you’re able to).
Thank you kindly.
Your Friend,
Sponge Bob
This doesn’t surprise me. Our car was badly damaged one night near the Danville Grange Hall and the perpetrator was videotaped by a neighboring homeowner who had experienced damage from parties held there in the past. The police were never able to identify the person and the video was never posted. I don’t think catching juveniles is a very high priority for the Danville police department.
I agree with homeowner’s comments:
“An involved and informed community is the best way to cut down on crime and resolve cases.”
The local police should provide access to videos like this and distribute / make available to media for all to view & assist. Isn’t ‘journalism’ supposed to be a part of the Danville Express’ DNA?
I see video links in the CC Times, Danville Patch, SF Chronicle.
There is a reason the video has not been shown. It is poor quality or it shows a protected group committing a crime.
RE “the video Lt. Moule described related to an older event and not the Indian Home Road burglaries.”
So show that video too! Maybe it relates. Maybe it stands on its own as a problem situation.
RE “The video in question was from a home surveillance tape that was quickly spotted and turned away.”
If there is even a glimpse (or still) of a person’s face, show the video. See if people can identify the person(s) and then do further investigation.
RE “fear of vigilantism”
Let us help. Good police know that they can’t really do the whole job without citizen’s assistance. Quit putting us off (and turning us off)!
We want a Police Dept that works with us and for us…..not against us.
Good Evening,
I have been following this thread today, and wanted to take a moment to clarify a few things.
The video referenced in this article is not connected to the string of thefts in the Indian Home Rd area. The video Lt. Moule talked about was taken in December 2010 two miles away from Indian Home Rd. We are not the owners of the surveillance video; however, we have made contact with the homeowner and he has agreed to release the video.
The video depicts no loss of property and there were no victims. However, this is a good opportunity to bring to light just how crucial it is to keep your doors locked and valuables safe.
I apologize for any confusion and miscommunication related to this incident. We have put the video online and it can be found at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i8Bcp53tZ7c
If anyone recognizes the persons shown in this video, please contact Detective Ben Alldritt at 925-314-3710.
In closing, let me just reiterate how eager we are to work with the citizens of Danville. We know that with your help we can continue to bring the high level of service expected by our residents.
Any other questions, concerns or comments, please feel free to contact me.
Steve Simpkins, Chief of Police
ssimpkins@danville.ca.gov
(925)314-3700
Thank you, Chief, and I want you to know how much we appreciate all the brave men and women that serve in law enforcement to protect us. May God bless you and all law enforcement.
We are fortunate to live in a community where we have police that respond so quickly to our needs. Thank you to all our crime fighting men and women.
Sometimes reading these responses to the Danville Weekly is frustrating. If you are having a bad day, think before you post.
Thank you Chief Steve Simpkins for your input.
Is there a way of leaving an anonymous tip? More people would be willing to help if they don’t have to worry about be harassed at school or more vandalism at home.
Folks,
Thanks for all the comments. This is an excellent community and we definitely want to work with you to keep everyone safe.
@Marie – We have designated a phone line to be used for crime tips. If you call (925) 314-3777, you can leave a recorded message for our officers.
As an alternative, you can also email a tip to:
tips@danville.ca.gov
Thanks again,
Steve Simpkins
Chief of Police
(925) 314-3700
ssimpkins@danville.ca.gov