News Flash

Three vehicles have been stolen in as many weeks in Atherton. Securing your vehicle when it is parked in your driveway will deter these thefts.

On 1-12-18, the Atherton Police Department recovered a vehicle which has been stolen from the San Francisco Airport rental facility on McCormick Lane. On that same date, a resident's vehicle was stolen from their driveway several blocks away on Winchester Drive.

On 1-31-18, two vehicles were stolen in Atherton. A vehicle was taken from the 100 block of Isabella Avenue. Another was taken from Menlo Atherton High School.

The thieves were able to steal all three of these cars using the keys. It is important to take your keys when parking in outdoor, accessible spaces. If you leave your car outside overnight, secure your keys inside the home, away from the car.

Other safe practices include carrying your house keys and car keys on separate key rings. If a thief gets all of your keys, they can use the vehicle registration document to figure out where that house key works. Keeping the car keys and house keys separated mitigates this risk.

Criminals will seek unlocked cars. They will rummage through unlocked vehicles looking for valuables such as GPS units, sunglasses, and cash. Locking your vehicle will prevent this type of loss and deter criminals from coming into your neighborhood.

Should you see suspicious activity, especially at night (flashlights, talking, car doors opening or closing, interior car lights going on, etc.), please contact the Atherton Police Department at once at 650-688-6500.