How about the police department releases additional useful information, and your report on this information:

1. Were the residents at home when the burglaries took place?

2. If not (or perhaps, if yes), were security alarms on and functioning when these burglaries took place?

3. If yes, how long did it take for the police to get there to try to stop the burglary?

4. If no, how is it that these robbers seem to always be able to target homes without alarms? How do they possibly know?

This information would be useful for other residents in determining what appropriate security measures we need to take in the wake of all of these burglaries.

"4. If no, how is it that these robbers seem to always be able to target homes without alarms? How do they possibly know?"

I have built for many people in Atherton. I can tell you from experience that almost no one sets their alarms. So, burglars don't have to "know", the odds are in their favor that the alarm isn't set. In Atherton, unlike almost every other city or town in the bay area, residents can have their alarm sent directly to Atherton Police dispatch. When there is an alarm the response times are incredibly short.

Based on my experience, my bet would be no one was home and their alarms were not set.

I agree with Menlo Voter - BUT those questions should be answerd & published. Atherton Police offer a great connection to your home's security system & all residents should use it!

Is it asking too much foe the Almanac's team to be "Reporters" & not merely "Repeaters"? Please ask the follow-up questions & don't just publish the news release!

My alarm is actually used all the time and I’ve never been robbed. How do they know I use it?

Thoughtful:

They don't. You are rare in Atherton. You've been lucky so far. If you do get broken into, you won't lose anything because you use your alarm. Alarm goes off and they take off.