County Sheriff Investigates Spike in Residential Burglaries
The County Sheriff's Department is investigating a recent surge in home break-ins, particularly in the western part of the county. Authorities reported a 25% increase in burglaries over the last month and are urging residents to take additional security precautions.
- In a recent operation, Fremont Police were involved in the arrest of a group suspected of committing numerous vehicle and residential burglaries throughout the Bay Area in 2025. The arrest on February 14, 2026, involved a vehicle pursuit and resulted in the apprehension of three suspects, with a fourth hospitalized. - Historically, Fremont has seen coordinated burglary crews. In one past series of events, burglars in the Mission Hills area specifically targeted cash, jewelry, and safes after gaining entry by smashing rear sliding glass doors. In some of those cases, the suspects even shut off power to the homes before breaking in. - Alameda County has a higher property crime rate than the national average, at 41.2 incidents per 1,000 residents compared to the U.S. average of 35.4. Your chance of being a victim of property crime in the county can vary, from 1 in 30 in the northwest to 1 in 60 in the southeast. - In 2022, burglary was one of the most frequent offenses in Alameda County, with 2,723 reported incidents, just behind motor vehicle theft and other forms of theft. - Authorities often see a pattern where burglars target homes that appear unoccupied. They recommend simple security measures like using automatic timers for lights, stopping mail delivery when away, and arranging for lawn care to maintain an occupied appearance. - Law enforcement advises residents to secure all potential entry points, not just front doors. This includes locking all windows, securing sliding glass doors with secondary locks or dowels, and ensuring garage doors are closed and locked. - Fremont Police have previously investigated organized groups of armed burglars who conducted home invasions. In one case, the suspects entered a home through an open garage door and confronted the residents at gunpoint. - Recommended deterrents from security experts include installing motion-activated exterior lighting, visible security cameras, and ensuring house numbers are clearly visible for emergency responders. They also suggest trimming shrubbery around doors and windows to eliminate potential hiding spots for intruders.
