Berkeley Neighborhoods See Sharp Increase In Home Burglaries
BERKELEY (CBS SF) -- Residents in some Berkeley neighborhoods are on edge after a sharp increase in home burglaries.
Police say Francisco and Grant is ground zero for the burglaries. The burglary rate in the area has more than doubled, and homes in the area have been hit so often that notices have been posted on poles, warning neighbors to stay alert.
Police say laptops and cameras are often left in places that attract burglars.
"A lot of times people may be leaving valuables that they can clearly see from the street," Berkeley Police Public Information Officer Ethell Wilson said.
Despite the sharp increase in crime, some residents seemed unfazed.
"At a certain point you just chalk it up to living in Berkeley," one resident said.
Police have identified other hot spots, including the area near UC Berkeley that has been hit hard. The department stepped up patrols in those areas, and have recovered some of the stolen items.
