Full Notification

DATE: March 4, 2019
LOCATION: City of Milpitas

The City of Milpitas has experienced a significant increase in auto burglaries since the beginning of this year. Since January 1st, there have been 145 auto burglaries in the City.

There were 88 auto burglaries in January alone, making it the highest for auto burglaries in the past year. In February, there were 57 reported auto burglaries. If the current trend continues, we are projected to surpass last year’s total. The good news is that these crimes are preventable.

The majority of these auto burglaries have occurred in the parking lots of retail shopping centers. The shopping centers which have been primarily affected are: Ulfert’s Center, Milpitas Square, McCarthy Ranch, and the Great Mall of the Bay Area.

In an effort to the reduce the number of auto burglaries, the Milpitas Police Department has deployed personnel at the shopping centers, conducted operations to identify and apprehend suspects, met with property management, and met with contracted security services of affected shopping centers. The Milpitas Police Department is working collaboratively with stakeholders in an effort to share information, evaluate security measures, and maintain an open line of communication regarding this ongoing crime trend that has affected many cities in the Santa Clara County and the region. We have shared safety tips with the public to reduce the likelihood of becoming a victim through our social media platforms, electronic signboards, and have made direct contact with high-tech companies whose employees frequent the shopping centers.

Our personnel are in routine contact with other bay area police agencies sharing information and strategies as auto burglaries have not only affected the City of Milpitas but many cities within Santa Clara County and Alameda County.

Combatting auto burglaries is a priority for the Milpitas Police Department and together we can reduce your chances of becoming a victim. Suspects frequently look for bags (briefcases, backpacks, luggage), that may contain electronics or other valuables. The suspects will usually shatter a window to reach inside and grab items in plain view. An auto burglary only takes a few seconds to commit.

How can you help the Milpitas Police Department?
• Do not leave bags in your vehicle that can be seen by looking through your windows.
• Remove ALL valuables from your vehicle, especially laptops, tablets, and phones.
• When items must be left in our vehicle, place them in your trunk BEFORE arriving and parking.
• Park in well-lit areas.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Report suspicious activity immediately by calling the Milpitas Police Department at 408-586-2400 or calling 911 if a crime is in progress.

Together we can reduce auto burglaries.

If you have any information regarding auto burglaries; then you are encouraged to call the Milpitas Police Department at (408) 586-2400. Additionally, the information can be given anonymously by calling the Crime Tip Hotline at (408) 586-2500 or via the Milpitas Police Department Website at: http://www.ci.milpitas.ca.gov/crimetip


Press Release By: Lieutenant John Torrez #209
Date/Time: March 4, 2019 / 1:00 P.M.