Today, Assemblymember Kansen Chu presented $3.75 million of newly-secured State funding to local police departments to address "smash and grab" automobile burglaries. The Milpitas, Fremont, Newark, Santa Clara and San Jose Police Departments will each receive $750,000.
The law enforcement agencies plan to work collaboratively to address the full scope of the issue, share resources and develop a comprehensive plan that will include community education, equipment procurement, directed enforcement and other creative prevention strategies to end auto break-ins in our communities. Assemblymember Kansen Chu plans to update the public in one-year with a summary of the initiatives implemented.
To date, the Santa Clara Police Department has utilized general fund resources to take proactive steps to address preventing thefts from vehicles among residents, business / property owners and visitors, including:
* Educational messages on the City / SCPD website and social media
* Community meetings
* Flyer distribution in targeted areas encouraging drivers not to leave valuables in their vehicle
* Meetings with hotel management, car rental companies and shopping center property managers to encourage ample lighting, security personnel, signage, video surveillance and maintain an open line of communication
* High visibility patrols in areas where break-ins have occurred
* Undercover operations to locate in-progress thefts and apprehend suspects
Residents, businesses and visitors are reminded to:
* Park in well-lit areas
* Always lock your vehicle
* Do not leave ANY valuables (e.g. loose change, GPS, gym bag, purse/wallet, charging cords, garage remote, or sunglasses) in your vehicle or in your trunk. Suspects have been known to break windows, fold the back seat, and access trunks
* Do not leave cell phones, iPads or laptops in your vehicle. Thieves have been known to locate signals from these devices even when they are in "sleep mode"
* Criminals often target rental cars, so do not leave any valuables in your rental car while it is parked
* Report suspicious activity by calling 408-615-5580. In-progress incidents should be reported by calling 9-1-1. Do NOT confront suspects. Instead, be a good witness
