The Investigation Division is responsible for investigating cases reported through the Patrol Division. Some of the crimes investigated include thefts, home and auto burglaries, identity theft, crimes against children, and sexual assaults. The goal is to arrest the person(s) responsible for the alleged crime. In addition, the Investigations Division works closely with the San Mateo County District Attorney’s Office to assist in the prosecution of the investigated cases.

The Investigations Division is also responsible for keeping updated on legal issues and disseminating that information to the Patrol Division. The Detectives also work closely with the community to make sure they are informed of current crime trends.

A word from the Investigations Unit:

Identity Theft is a major growing crime in Atherton. Identity theft involves acquiring key pieces of someone’s identifying information, such as name, address, social security number, and date of birth. The identity thief uses that information to commit numerous forms of fraud which include, taking over a victim’s financial accounts, opening new bank accounts, applying for credit cards, and social security benefits. A person’s identifying information is obtained by stealing mail, dumpster diving, hacking through the Internet, home and automobile burglaries, purse/wallet theft, and insiders (waiters, retail stores).

Some preventative actions include:

remove mail from your mailbox right after delivery

deposit outgoing mail in post office collection mailboxes

never give personal information over the telephone

shred pre-approved credit card applications

order your credit report from the three credit bureaus once a year to check for fraudulent activity

never carry your social security card with you

beware of telephone/mail/email solicitations disguised as promotions offering

instant prizes or awards designed solely to obtain your personal information or
credit card numbers.

Credit Bureaus:

Equifax PO Box 74021, Atlanta, Georgia 30374-0241
To order your report, call 1-800-685-1111
To report Fraud, call 1-800-525-6285

Trans Union PO Box 390, Springfield, Pennsylvania 19064-0390
To order your report, call 1-800-916-8800
To report Fraud, call 1-800-680-7289

Experian PO Box 949, Allen, Texas 75013-0949
To order your report, call 1-888-397-3742
To report Fraud, call 1-888-397-3742

Available at the Atherton Police Department is an informational brochure regarding Identity Theft. Come by the police department or call 650-688-6500 and request a brochure be mailed to you.

For more information regarding Identity Theft: www.consumer.gov.idtheft

Internet Safety for Children is also a growing concern. Too often we hear of stories where a child or teenager meets an adult stranger via the Internet. It is estimated that there are around 20,000 pedophiles online worldwide, entering chat rooms and preying on vulnerable teenagers. The Internet pedophile hopes to establish a relationship with that child or teenager. Often times the Internet pedophiles exploit these victims into child pornography or the teenagers themselves are sexually exploited.

The Atherton Police Department would like to make sure parents have the tools to prevent this from happening to their children. One of the best methods is to instruct children on the benefits and dangers of being online. We need to teach our children how to be smart and safe to prevent from being exposed to a dangerous situation. Many ISP’s (Internet Service Providers) provide the option of limiting the exposure of children to pornographic sites, chat rooms, and message boards. Some have filtering features that only allow children to access websites that are appropriate for children. As a parent, you should keep track of what your child is downloading from the Internet. Although children need some privacy, parental supervision and involvement is the main key to preventing them from being exploited via the Internet.

For more information regarding Internet Safety for Children:

http://www.netsmartz.org
http://www.missingkids.com

The best way to prevent you or your family from becoming a victim of a Burglary or Theft is to secure all personal property.

Automobile Burglary/Theft:

Do not leave the doors unlocked

Do not leave windows open

Do not leave the keys to the car in the vehicle

Do not leave valuables inside the vehicle

Activate alarm if there is one

Residential Burglary:

Do not leave the doors unlocked when nobody is home

Do not leave windows open when nobody is home

Activate alarm if there is one

Be careful who has knowledge of your alarm code

When going on vacation, contact APD at 650-688-6500 for a Vacation Home Check or do so on-line at www.ci.atherton.ca.us/police/vacation.html

Have the delivery of mail and newspapers stopped while on vacation

Make sure the exterior property has proper lighting at night

If you notice a suspicious person at a neighbor’s house or in the area, contact APD.

Contact Information:

Sergeant Joe Wade (650-752-0557)

Detective Kristin Lee (650-752-0511)