Portola Valley: Three suspects at large following home burglary

This is EXACTLY why we need the ALPRs, [Part removed. Please don't speculate on what may may have happened.] So sad to hear, let's work together to prevent any more robberies, burglaries, etc. Also, do not hesitate if you see anyone who looks out of place or suspicious, better safe than sorry!

today's burglary was not stopped by watch groups... but cameras on the property helped and some day, ALPRs will help...

What is ALPRs?

A friend installed a security system he bought at COSTCO, which he programmed to his mobile phone device, which sends him a message if anyone is trespassing on his property. And, with the COSTCO security system programmed to his mobile phone device, he can also see clearly into each room of his house, and see who is there at any given time around the clock.

ALPRS are plate readers logging what cars enter & exit

Lots of residents support their use. A few do not

PV local:

Thanks. I would vote yes for ALPRS in a heartbeat!!!

Pearl

License plate readers at a few strategic locations are a GREAT idea. Our plates are already tracked every time we cross a bridge and when we park in many parking lots. And many more times than we already realize.

Your cell phone already tracks you wherever you go anyway, so no loss of privacy with the readers.

I agree with Mike and Pearl 100%, ALPRs are great because you can narrow down Portola Valley residents from workers, criminals, visitors, etc. based on how many times a car is tracked coming in and out of town. And it also alerts the sheriffs of stolen cars which can be a huge benefit (not only for us but also for AMBER alerts and missing or abducted children.

I also believe the neighborhood watch groups are working out great, even though it didn't work today. By working together and scanning for potential threats (it seems like the perps have been the same in the past three robberies!) we can better work together to prevent such horrendous crimes. When in doubt, call the sheriff's office IMMEDIATELY if you see anyone who looks out of place.

Due to the increase in home burglary's in the area, My family has hired a private security patrol officers to help protect our home (WOODSIDE & PORTOLA PRIVATE PATROL).

It gives me peace of mind that when we go away security patrol officers are checking our house daily and will response should our house alarm should it be activated. They open 24 hours a day and their officers are always so helpful and professional.

ALRP's are all good if the bad guys (People) don't remove the license plates and/or where mask to cover theirs faces. If they do both of these ALRP's are of NO GOOD.

H Taylor

I have heard great things about Woodside Patrol. It never hurts to have an extra set of eyes and ears looking out for you.

And you bring up a good point about ALPRs as there definitely are limitations like the ones you've mentioned. Probably best to install high def security cameras with night vision both inside and outside your home. You can also buy hidden cameras (which can take the form of an alarm clock or other common household object) to place inside without guests (or criminals) knowing. Oftentimes the robberies/burglaries have been inside jobs, so they usually will know where cameras are placed. This is just one way of having a backup plan to ensure you can have footage that can help catch these criminals.

Dear Keep PV Safe,

Your desire to keep our community safe is admirable. You're right, we are fortunate to live in a place where the police and the residents have responded to the increase in house breakins, some of which have been violent. The objection is to your saying the suspects are in East Bay or Oakland. The fact is, at this point, we have no idea where they are from, and they are just as likely to be from the peninsular. There is no reason to insult another community or area as part of our reaction to a crime in our neighborhood.

Maybe vetting some of the service people gardeners, house cleaners, laborers etc,.. might be a good idea. There are different gardeners with rotating workers for just about everyone on my street. The suspects in this latest incident appear to have had information on when the homeowners would be away. Maybe the town should issue permits for a fee that would pay for the vetting (background checks) and keep a record of vehicles that are associated with these services.

Editor, perhaps it is time to for Keep PV Safe to be removed from these discussions until he/she learns to play politely with others, and realizes that PV has not quite yet banned the 1st Amendment.