Crime & Safety
Police Warn Residents Following Residential Burglary
Financial information and other items stolen from Sierra Madre home while residents were out of town.
Following the robbery of a Sierra Madre home in the northeast section of the city, Sergeant Keith Abbott has issued a notice to all neighborhood watch captains reminding them of best practices for leaving homes unattended.
The incident happened in the 300 block of Foothill Avenue, just north of Grandview Avenue on Monday, June 13.
Residents of a house in that area returned home from an extended time out of town and realized that their house had been burglarized.
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According to police, the burglars were able to open several windows and enter the house and garage, where household items were stolen.
Among those stolen items was sensitive financial information that the burglars were then able to use to complete fraudulent transactions, according to the SMPD, who say the matter is under investigation.
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The burglars also attempted to steal a car from the victim’s garage, but were unsuccessful in that attempt.
Police do not have a suspect description at this time.
In his message to neighborhood watch block captains, Sgt. Abbot gave some general advice to Sierra Madre residents leaving town and wishing to protect their homes while away.
From Sgt Abbott's statement:
“In general, and not necessarily related to this crime, residents are reminded to close and lock doors and windows, and, if so available, use their house and vehicle alarms; alarm company signs and stickers can also be a deterrent.
“While out of town, also consider using a radio that is loud enough for a suspect coming too your front door or listening at your windows to hear and hopefully believe someone is actually home; of course, don’t have the radio to loud to disturb your neighbors and be careful if you leave your radio on for a long time when away due to the possibility of a fire hazard.”
Abbott also reminded residents that the SMPD offers vacation checks of residents’ homes while they are out of town. Residents should call the police station at (626) 355-1414 for more information on the program or to setup a vacation check.