Cell Phones Rank High on List of San Lorenzo Robberies From 2011

Last year, many of the 216 robberies and 32 armed robberies reported in the unincorporated areas of Alameda County were over cell phones, according to Detective Terrance Montigue from the Alameda County Sheriff's Office.

Montigue stopped by to present a 2011 crime report and offered crime prevention tips at the board meeting Thursday night.

"Cell phones is the biggest thing," Montigue said. "A lot of people we talked to weren't aware [they were about to be robbed] because they had the listening device or headphones in their ear."

One attendee of the board meeting asked a question assuming that most of these robberies were done by juveniles. However, Montigue said he has seen more adults commit these crimes than teens. 

Montigue suggested that when walking at night time, it would be best to have a cell phone in your hand, but concealed. He said to have 911 on speed dial and be aware of your surroundings.

Among the 216 robberies, Montigue said 48 percent have been solved thanks to the help of vigilant neighbors.

"A lot of these robberies we do solve is because of the public's help," he said.

January 2011 had the highest rate of robberies. However, Montigue said it's difficult to compare it to this year since the month is not over. He did say that the combination of the holiday season's end and a troubled economy are contributing factors to these crimes being committed.

According to the statistics he presented, there were more residential robberies than home invasion robberies, which is when a person is robbed while they are inside their house.

Many folks expressed concern over who the robbers were. Montigue said often times, children bring over friends of friends who eventually target the home months later. He told parents to make sure they know who their children are bringing over to the house before opening their doors to them.

He repeatedly told everyone not to hesitate to call the Sheriff's Office if they are are ever uneasy about anything ranging from strange visitors near their homes to loud music coming from next door.

"If you see some suspicious activities, report it," he said.

Community members are encouraged to use the Alameda County Sheriff's Office anonymous tip line for providing crime tip information: 510-667-3622. You can also call Alameda County Sheriff's Office dispatch center at 510-667-7721.