This is a partial list of recent crimes in Berkeley based on information from the Berkeley Police Department, followed by a snapshot of BPD activity this week. See also the BPD’s weekly calls for service spreadsheet and the San Francisco Chronicle’s regularly published list of arrests in Berkeley. For other sources of information on crime in Berkeley see Community CrimeView and Crimemapping.com.

Auto Burglaries: Lawrence Hall of Science
In recent months a series of auto burglaries have occurred in the parking lot at Lawrence Hall of Science. UCPD recommends taking the following steps in protecting your property and to discourage would-be criminals from committing auto burglaries:

  • Do not leave valuable items visible in your car.
  • Close all windows and lock all doors before leaving your vehicle.
  • Park in well-lit, heavily populated areas.
  • Trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, find another place to park.
  • Avoid parking next to occupied vehicles.
  • Be aware of your surroundings.
  • Make a copy of your registration and insurance, and keep them in your wallet or purse. Then remove all forms of identification from your vehicle. Anyone with permission to drive your vehicle should also have a copy of the registration and insurance with them to furnish to the police if necessary.
  • Take note of emergency/pay phones near where you have parked, in case you need to use them.
  • If you see any suspicious activity or individuals, please contact UCPD immediately when you feel safe to do so by dialing 9-1-1 or 642-3333 (from cell phones).

Armed Robbery, Hearst Avenue and Oxford Street, # 12-14939
On March 20, 2012 at approximately 1:34 a.m. a UC Police Officer was flagged down by the victim of an armed robbery.  At approximately 1:20 a.m. the male victim, affiliation unknown, was walking west on Hearst just east of Oxford talking on his cell phone.  The victim was approached from behind by two suspects who demanded his property.  One of the suspects pointed a gun at the victim while the second suspect took his cell phone and other personal items.  Both suspects fled on foot northbound on Oxford.  The victim was not injured during the encounter.  BPD and UCPD searched the area but were unable to locate the suspects.

The suspects are described as: Suspect #1 – A Black male, 17 to 21 years of age, 5’11” in height, with  a medium build, wearing black pants and a black hooded sweatshirt. Suspect #2 – A Black male, 16 to 18 years of age, 5’8” in height, with a medium build, wearing dark pants and a black hooded sweatshirt.

Snapshots of what your BPD officers are doing:

  • Between Sunday, March 18, 2012 at 2:26 a.m. and Thursday, March 22, 2012 at 4:01 p.m., BPD officers detained 33 suspicious individuals throughout the city. The individuals are identified, run on computer systems for wants, warrants, parole, probation, missing person and restraining order statuses. Several stops led to arrests.
  • Between Sunday, March 18, 2012 at 2:30 a.m. and Thursday, March 22, 2012 at 3:58 p.m., BPD officers responded, investigated and documented
  • 30 audible burglar alarms from residences and businesses throughout the city.
  • Between Sunday, March 18, 2012 at 4:47 p.m. and Wednesday, March 21, 2012 at 1:25 p.m., BPD responded, investigated and documented 9 non injury hit and run vehicle collisions. (20002 of the California Vehicle Code –CVC)
  • Between Sunday, March 18, 2012 at 2:43 a.m. and Thursday, March 22, at 2:11 p.m., BPD responded, investigated and documented 21 battery cases. (242 of the CA. Penal Code – PC)

Tracey Taylor is co-founder of Berkeleyside and co-founder and editorial director of Cityside, the nonprofit parent to Berkeleyside and The Oaklandside. Before launching Berkeleyside, Tracey wrote for...