This is a partial list of recent crimes in Berkeley based on information from the Berkeley Police Department and the UC Berkeley Police Department. See also Local Crime News’ regularly published list of arrests of Berkeley residents. For other sources of information on crime in Berkeley see BPD’s CrimeView Community and Crimemapping.com.
November 27:
Series of indecent exposure incidents at University Village
The UC Berkeley-managed University Village office was notified on Nov 28, that a female resident was the victim of indecent exposure on Nov. 27 at about 4pm. The resident was walking up the exterior stairs to her apartment when a man asked her a question she could not understand. He repeated the question and when she turned around he exposed himself to her. The witness believes it is the same man who was going into apartments posing as a Village maintenance person in September. He is described as a white man. He looked about 50 years old. He wore a khaki (off white) cap and a khaki jacket, beige pants and had a leaflet or some pieces of paper in his hand. The previous victims have been all Asian females.
December 9:
Loud Reports, 1700 block of Blake Street
On Saturday, December 9, 2012 at approximately 11:26 PM, several residents called BPD reporting hearing possible gunshots in the area of the 1700 block of Blake Street. BPD Officers were dispatched to the location. Officers did not locate anything out of the ordinary. No victims or property damage were reported.
December 10:
Attempted Residential Burglary, 3000 Block of Dohr Street
On Monday, December 10, 2012 between 11:30 AM and 7:15 PM an attempted residential burglary occurred in the 3000 block of Dohr Street. The homeowner reported coming home and discovering damage to his door. It appeared the unknown suspect attempted to pry open the door, but was unable to gain entry.
December 11:
Stolen Vehicle, 700 Block of the Alameda
On Tuesday, December 11, 2012 at 2:17 p.m. the victim called BPD to report that his vehicle was stolen from the 700 block of The Alameda. The vehicle was locked and parked legally on the street. The victim went out and discovered his vehicle missing. Taken was a Gray, 1993, Acura Legend, four doors.
December 12:
Auto Burglary, 2000 Block of Dwight Way
On Wednesday, December 12, 2012 between 9:00 AM and 4:00 p.m., an auto burglary occurred in the 2000 block of Dwight Way. The victim parked and locked her vehicle. When she returned she discovered that the unknown suspect broke a window and stole her purse.
December 13:
Robbery, Bancroft Way/Warring Street
On Thursday, December 13, 2012 at approximately 9:10 PM, a robbery occurred near the intersection of Bancroft Way and Warring Street. The male victim was walking in the area when he was approached by an unknown suspect. The suspect demanded the victim’s property telling him he had a gun. The victim turned over his backpack, containing a laptop and other items. The suspect is described as: Suspect – “Black Male Adult, early to mid 20s, 6′-6’2″, slim build, dark complexion, short hair or bald head wearing a zip up gray hooded sweatshirt and baggy dark blue jeans.”
Robbery, via threats of a firearm, Bancroft Steps # 12-68891
On Thursday, December 13th, 2012, at 10:04 p.m., a robbery via threats of a firearm occurred along the Bancroft Steps. The victim, a male UCB student, was walking when he was approached by the suspect. The suspect claimed to have a gun and demanded the victim’s property. The victim
turned over his laptop and personal property. The suspect fled eastbound up the Bancroft Steps, toward Prospect Street. The victim heard a vehicle leaving the area. The victim was not physically injured during the encounter. BPD and UCPD searched the area but could not locate the suspect. The suspect is described as: A Black male in his mid-20s, approximately 6’2” in height, dark complexion, short black hair, thin mustache, wearing a light grey zip up hooded sweatshirt with a red pattern on the front, loose fitting jeans, and white Air Force 1 shoes.
December 14:
Vandalism, 2200 Block of San Pablo Avenue
On Friday, December 14, 2012 at 12:03 PM, the manager of a business in the 2200 block of San Pablo Avenue reported that the store the victim of vandalism. An unknown suspect used black paint to graffiti the side of the building.
December 15:
Loud Reports, 1400 Block of Virginia Street
On Saturday, December 15, 2012 at approximately 5:45 p.m., BPD received several calls for loud reports in the area of the 1400 block of Virginia Street. Officers responded to the area and spoke with several people in the area. It was determined the loud reports were possible fireworks.
Burglary, Alumni House, #12-06252
On December 13, 2012 UCPD received a report of a burglary which took place at the Alumni House sometime between 5:34 p.m. on Wednesday, December 12th and 8:30 a.m. December 13th. Entry was made through an unlocked window and two iMac desktop computers were taken.
Community safety tip — Cell phone thefts:
Berkeley, California – The Berkeley Police Department (BPD) is currently investigating several reports of cell phone thefts through the use of a ruse. The suspects are targeting people’s willingness to help others. The suspects will ask to use a victim’s phone usually claiming they need to contact a sick family member. Once the suspect has the phone they drive off in a vehicle stealing the phone.
BPD would like to remind and encourage people to employ a few crime prevention measures that can help reduce your risk as well as discourage those who commit these types of crimes. Don’t lend your phone to anyone you don’t know or take it out of your purse, pocket or bag to give someone the time, if asked:
- Walk with purpose: Project an assertive image that conveys you know where you are going.
- Avoid Isolation: Avoid uninhabited parks, parking lots, garages, and alleyways; stick to well-lit, high-traffic areas.
- Keep a safe distance: Don’t let people get too close, even if they appear to have a reason, such as asking for the time.
- Don’t talk on cell phones or listen to IPods when alone outside as they significantly limit awareness.
- Trust your Instincts: Trusting your own instincts that a situation seems “wrong” can be the best personal safety tool you have.
BPD is encouraging anyone to report suspicious persons or activity. In Berkeley dial 911 or (510)981-5911 from your cell for emergencies and/or crimes in progress.
Berkeley Police to conduct DUI checkpoint on Friday Dec. 21:
The City of Berkeley Police Department (BPD) will be holding a Driving Under the Influence (DUI) checkpoint, Friday, December 21, 2012.
The checkpoint will be held on San Pablo Avenue near Jones Street in northwest Berkeley. Participating Officers will begin operations at 8:00 p.m. and staff the checkpoint until approximately 2:00 a.m. Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Driving impaired is extremely dangerous and the consequences are serious and real. Impaired drivers can kill themselves and others, and the trauma and financial costs of a crash or an arrest for driving while impaired are significant.
During 2010, more than 10,000 people were killed nationwide in a motor vehicle traffic collision involving impaired drivers.
BPD is urging the community to report drunk drivers, call 9-1-1.
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The Berkeley Police Department includes this disclaimer: “Please note that these are Calls For Police Services (CFS) only and are subject to review and reclassification. These CFS numbers only reflect part one crimes reported to BPD. The numbers reflected in the report are only a snapshot of what occurs in the City of Berkeley. The numbers are considered for informational purposes only and should not be used for data analysis or comparison to other agencies. Cases may be reclassified after further review of the incident, by supervisors, investigating detectives or the District Attorney as appropriate.”
