The following items represent just a sampling of calls, most of which were selected by the Berkeley Police Department. See past crime blotters, including Berkeleyside’s most recent list of calls for service.
From Jan. 20-26, there were 18 burglary reports, 52 auto break-in or theft reports, and 10 stolen vehicle reports to the Berkeley Police Department, according to CrimeMapping.com. Six robberies and 11 assaults, domestic violence incidents or batteries were reported.
Jan. 20, Sunday: Someone used a black marker to draw graffiti on the walls and in the stalls inside a bathroom at the Elmwood Rialto Cinemas, 2966 College Ave., around 6 p.m.
Jan. 21, Monday: A man returned to his locked car, in the 1300 block of San Pablo Avenue, to find that a thief had broken a window and stolen his laptop and camera. The burglary took place between 11 a.m. and about 11:30 a.m.
Jan. 22, Tuesday: A thief went into a home in the 1500 block of Henry Street between midnight and 3:30 p.m. A laptop computer and cash were taken from the home. Police said the burglar might have gotten inside via an unlocked door.
Jan. 23, Wednesday: A woman was walking near Fulton and Stuart streets at about 2:40 p.m. when a man got out of a vehicle and pointed a gun at her. He stole the woman’s cell phone, then fled in the vehicle, which was described as an older model Toyota Camry, possibly green or teal in color. The suspect was described as a black man in his 30s with a dark complexion, 6 feet tall and 180-200 pounds, with brown eyes wearing a black beanie, black jacket and dark pants.
Jan. 24, Thursday: A woman returned to the 2100 block of Ward Street at 9:30 a.m. to discover that her car, which she had parked there the night before, was gone. The vehicle was a silver-colored four-door 1997 Honda Accord.
Jan. 25, Friday: A resident in the 1100 block of Sutter Avenue returned home at 3 p.m. to find that his rear door had been forced open. A burglar had gone inside sometime after 8:30 a.m. and stolen a laptop, iPad and cash.
Also on Friday, police received a report of a nomadic man walking on the campus of John Muir Elementary School. School staff called police at about 1:45 p.m. to report the man, who had been asked to leave. Officers responded to the area and found the man at Claremont and Ashby avenues. After speaking with the man, he was released. Police admonished him about being on school grounds, and school staff were asked to contact police if the man returned.
Jan. 26, Saturday: Police received a report about possible gunshots just after midnight near the 2700 block of College Avenue. Police arrived and spoke to several people in the area, who said they hadn’t heard anything, or that it might have been fireworks. Police checked the area and found no indication of property damage or injuries.
COMMUNITY SAFETY TIP:
- Mark your valuables
- Record your VIN from your car
- Use anti-theft devices
- Do not have a key ring with your name on it
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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.”