The following items represent just a sampling of calls, which were selected by the Berkeley Police Department. See past crime blotters here, including a more detailed list from last week’s calls for service.
See also Local Crime News’ regularly published list of arrests of Berkeley residents. Other sources of information on crime in Berkeley include the Police Department’s CrimeView Community and CrimeMapping.com.
From Jan. 6-12, there were 19 burglary reports, 25 auto break-in or theft reports, and five stolen vehicle reports to the Berkeley Police Department, according to CrimeMapping.com. Three robberies and 10 assaults were reported.
Jan. 6, Sunday
A thief broke a window, and stole a camera bag and laptop, from a locked vehicle parked in the 2300 block of Fourth Street between noon and 2:30 p.m.
Jan. 7, Monday
Someone apparently set fire to fabric on a chain-link fence in the 2300 block of Bancroft Way at about 9:15 p.m. The fire spread to two porta potty units. The Berkeley Police Department and Berkeley Fire Department are investigating the incident as a possible arson.
Jan. 8, Tuesday
Two men got into a fight in Ohlone Park, 1701 Hearst Ave., at about 6:45 p.m. after an incident during a basketball game. Police said Clarence Bailey, 44, of San Pablo picked up a rock and punched a 57-year-old Berkeley man in the face with it. Police arrested Bailey and the other man declined medical attention after receiving non-life-threatening injuries.
Jan. 9, Wednesday
Wednesday morning, a burglar tried to break into a home in the 1800 block of Thousand Oaks Boulevard. Police said the thief tried to get inside through the rear door but was unsuccessful. Nothing was taken.
Jan. 10, Thursday
A robber approached a 23-year-old Berkeley man walking near King and Tyler streets around 8:50 p.m., pointed a gun at him and demanded his cell phone. The victim turned over the phone and the thief fled on a BMX-style bicycle. Police described the thief as a black man in his 20s, 5 feet 10 inches tall, with a thin build wearing a blue or black hooded sweatshirt and dark pants.
Jan. 11, Friday
A thief broke into a school in the 2000 block of Sixth Street at about 1:20 a.m. The burglar forced open the rear door to the school and prowled the office, according to police. Nothing was taken.
Jan. 12, Saturday
A citizen spotted someone trying to steal a police cruiser at about 6:15 p.m. in the 2400 block of Telegraph Avenue. The police officer had responded to the area to help bicycle officers making an arrest. The citizen noticed someone trying to steal the cruiser, and alerted its driver. Police found the suspect — later identified as James Forestal, 31, a transient who often stays in Berkeley — in the front seat of the police car trying to drive it away. Officers removed Forestal from the vehicle and took him into custody; he was arrested on suspicion of attempted auto theft and resisting arrest. According to authorities, Forestal told police he wanted to drive the cruiser to a family member’s home.
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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.”
