September 14, 2006

Montevideo residents alarmed by increase in auto thefts and vehicle break-ins

Concerns prompt community meeting Sept. 20

By Jeanne Carbone Lewis
Staff Writer

A recent increase in auto thefts and vehicle break-ins has Montevideo residents alarmed and concerned about the change in their normally quiet and safe neighborhood.

Karen and Bob Landgraf’s two cars were parked in front of their house when someone shattered the front window, taking the radio, coins and personal papers from one vehicle. The thief also stole the car cover and then attempted to break into the Landgraf’s other automobile, but the auto alarm frightened them off. The Landgrafs estimate that the crime took place at 2:45 in the morning.

Steve Hansen is fed up after having three of his vehicles stolen. Photo by Jeanne Carbone Lewis

“The personal stuff that was taken is very alarming,” said Karen Landgraf. “We called the police and they said to mail a report, fax it or to go online to fill one out.”

The Landgrafs are original owners and have lived in their Montevideo home 30 years. They were so disturbed by the incident that they delivered flyers to the neighborhood, notifying the residents of the theft and vandalism and requesting any information someone might have. They discovered that many of their neighbors were victims as well, not only of vandalism and petty theft, but also of car theft.

David and Ruth Marie Wolfe have lived across the street from the Landgrafs for 20 years and were victimized in the same early-morning hours.

“My truck was broken into on the driveway,” said retired pastor David Wolfe. “It looked like a professional that did it as they took out the dome light. The camper wasn’t locked as this has been a safe neighborhood. They took a weed eater, power drill, an emergency kit. They were selective. It’s obviously a group of experienced people, but its real risky and fool hardy.”

Bill Connolly’s vehicle was broken into two houses away from the Landgrafs in the same time frame. Besides taking a CD player, change and personal papers from the car, the thief opened the trunk and stole Connolly’s tennis rackets, clothes and other items.

“We don’t have a [regular police] patrol,” claimed Connolly’s daughter Jennifer. “We’re vulnerable.”
The Wolfes didn’t file a report. The Connollys called San Jose Police Department [SJPD] and were told to go online to file a report.
“We tried twice to send the report, but never had any success,” said Connolly.

Dec and Karen Hannan live a few blocks away on Puerto Vallarta and have also been victims of an auto break-in. They never leave any valuables in the vehicle, but the perpetrator rifled through the vehicle.

“I grew up in Almaden and it never used to be like this,” said Hannan. “My sons have told me that they’ve seen a homeless encampment down at Guadalupe Creek. I’m very concerned. We need to have a neighborhood watch meeting and get organized.”

Auto theft
Michael McLean’s vehicle was stolen early one morning before 5 a.m.

“They’re smart,” said McLean. “They must have canvassed the neighborhood as they came before the paper was delivered. I called 911 and the police were here in seven to 10 minutes. I was appalled that it happened, but I appreciated the officer’s honesty that if my car wasn’t found in two or three days, I probably would never see it again.”

Residents in the Montevideo area are concerned with the recent auto thefts and vehicle break-ins.

One of McLean’s concerns is that he lives in SJPD’s jurisdiction, but the area close by is under the Sheriff’s Office control. He wonders how quickly auto thefts are cross-referenced between the two departments. His vehicle has not yet been recovered.

Steve and Judy Hansen left for a vacation in Cabo San Lucas, leaving their daughter Carly, 18, home with a babysitter when two of their cars were stolen from the driveway. Their Acura was found at the Albertson’s parking lot at Meridian and Redmond and their Toyota was located in South County. Four days after the Hansens returned home, their Dodge was stolen. It was recovered at Almaden Expressway and Highway 85. Items were taken and the vehicles were damaged.

“I feel this is a freak occurrence,” said Steve Hansen, who has lived in the Montevideo area nine years. “We never had any theft before, a couple of bikes stolen, but that was probably kids. The thieves just saw an opportunity to steal. You have to be careful.”

The stats
A breakdown of the Montevideo [Beat A4] area by the SJPD’s crime analysis unit reveals a 51.28 percent change in auto burglary from Jan. 1 to July 31, 2006 from the previous year’s time period. Auto theft is down at 5.26 percent and tampering/removing vehicle parts is up 122.22 percent of the crimes reported. Though the percentages may be alarming, the numbers represent 59 auto burglaries, 36 auto thefts and 20 tampering/removing vehicle parts for Beat A4.

A breakdown of auto burglaries for all of District A [Almaden] indicates there were fewer incidences of auto burglaries and auto thefts Jan. 1 to July 31, 2006, but tampering and removing auto parts are up [See sidebar Vehicle Crimes—District A].

Neighborhood Watch
The Montevideo neighborhood’s concern for the auto thefts and vehicle break-ins led the residents to request a neighborhood watch meeting Sept. 20. And they are graciously opening up the meeting to all concerned Almaden residents.

SJPD Southern Division Commander Lt. Jack Farmer, patrol officers and a crime prevention specialist will attend to address residents’ concerns. SJPD Commander of Vehicle Crimes Unit Lt. John Carr, officers from his division, and District 10 Councilmember Nancy Pyle also plan to attend.

The Neighborhood Watch meeting is scheduled for Sept. 20 at 7 p.m. at the Montevideo Homeowners Association Club House at 1585 Monteval Lane. The clubhouse is located at the corner of Coleman and Camden Expressway. It is suggested that you call (408) 822-6468 if you plan to attend.

Protect your vehicle

The San Jose Police Department Auto Theft Unit investigates two basic types of crimes: vehicle burglaries and vehicle thefts. The SJPD Web site suggests that you can help prevent vehicle thefts and vehicle burglaries by doing the following:

- Park your car in a well lighted place

- Never leave your car keys in your car

- Always LOCK your car

- Get motion detector lighting for your porch and your garage area

- Use visible deterrents, such as a steering wheel locking device

- Don’t leave anything valuable visible

Reprinted from www.sjpd.org.