El Cerrito, CA — The El Cerrito Police Department is investigating two residential burglaries that occurred within approximately 30 minutes of one another. Based on the proximity and similarities in the method of entry, we believe the two incidents may be related.
On September 23, 2026, at approximately 6:40 P.M., ECPD officers responded to a residential burglary alarm in the 6800 block of Snowdon Avenue.
Officers arrived and discovered signs of forced entry at the rear of the residence. A perimeter was immediately established, and a Richmond Police Department K-9 unit responded to assist with a search. Officers searched the residence and surrounding area but did not locate the suspect. Surveillance cameras captured an image of the suspect.
Officers conducted an extensive neighborhood canvass and obtained surveillance footage showing a newer-model black Jeep Cherokee without a front license plate driving through the area around the time of the burglary.
Approximately 25 minutes later, at 7:05 p.m., ECPD officers responded to another residence in the 60 block of Wildwood Place after two suspects shattered a rear sliding glass door.
The resident was home at the time of the attempted burglary. The suspects fled after realizing the home was occupied, and no property was reported stolen.
Officers again conducted an extensive neighborhood canvass and located additional surveillance footage. Video showed the same newer-model black Jeep Cherokee without a front license plate traveling on Wildwood Place shortly before the incident.
Surveillance video obtained from a neighbor showed two suspects walking toward the victim's residence and then running from the area several minutes later. One of the suspects appears to be the same individual captured on surveillance during the Snowdon Avenue burglary.
The El Cerrito Police Department is actively investigating these incidents and is asking residents in the Snowdon Avenue, Ganges Avenue, Wildwood Place, and Navellier Street areas to review home surveillance or doorbell camera footage from around the time of the burglaries.
This incident is an important reminder that residential burglaries can occur even when a home is occupied. Residents are reminded to remain vigilant, secure doors and windows, use exterior lighting and alarm systems when available, and immediately report suspicious persons or vehicles.
Anyone who captured footage of the suspect vehicle or individuals matching the suspect descriptions, is encouraged to contact the El Cerrito Police Department.
