BREAKING: A series of nighttime home burglaries has shaken residents in Palo Alto, with two incidents interrupted by homeowners. Police are actively searching for suspects following these alarming events that unfolded on October 23, 2023.
At approximately 9:26 PM, a woman reported a burglary in progress at her home on Nelson Drive. She heard a gate open and spotted two masked intruders armed with flashlights entering her yard. The suspects then smashed her rear glass door. Officers arrived just in time to see the burglars fleeing in a dark-colored vehicle, which sped away before they could be apprehended. It remains unconfirmed whether any items were stolen from this residence.
Just eight minutes later, another call came in from a nearby home on El Capitan Place, where a man returned to find his house ransacked. His child reported seeing a person crawling on the ground inside the home. The family swiftly evacuated and contacted the authorities. Despite a quick response, which included a perimeter set up by officers along with assistance from the San Jose Police Department helicopter and a K-9 unit from the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office, no suspects were located. Investigators confirmed that the burglars had also gained entry by smashing the rear glass door.
The burglaries continued less than an hour later at around 10:15 PM, approximately 2.5 miles north on Cardinal Way. The homeowner, who was not present, reported that several items of jewelry had been stolen, again via a broken rear sliding door.
Residents are urged to remain vigilant in light of these incidents. The Palo Alto Police Department is calling for anyone with information to contact their 24-hour dispatch center at 329-2413. Anonymous tips can be submitted via text or voicemail to 383-8984 or through the ‘TipNow-Palo Alto’ app.
As police continue their investigation, the community is on high alert. These burglaries highlight the pressing need for residents to ensure their homes are secure and to report any suspicious activity immediately. Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.
This alarming trend of home burglaries raises serious concerns about safety in Palo Alto, making it crucial for residents to discuss and share information about these incidents.
