Crime & Safety

Police Log: Burglars Steal 800-Pound Safe; Teachers' Cars Keyed at Kitayama Elementary

A summary of crimes and incidents reported in Union City.

The following is a summary of significant crime and incidents reported in Union City between Feb. 7 and Feb. 11 as released by the Union City Police Department. Reports have been lightly edited for Patch style. 

This week’s message also comes with  a “Tip of the Week” and highlights from the police department.

Crime Tip of the Week:

Find out what's happening in Union Citywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Keeping valuables in a safe is always a good idea. However, make sure the safe is bolted into the wall or floor securely. Having the safe hidden to avoid detection is also a good idea. Remember that a burglar will typically target safes when they are looking through a residence for valuables. Having a small safe that is not securely bolted down just gives a burglar a convenient container to take with them. This week’s “Blotter” highlights a large safe (estimated at 800 pounds) being taken during a residential burglary. The more difficult you make it for a burglar to take or find what they want, the longer a burglar will remain inside a residence. Increasing the amount of time a burglar spends inside a residence increases the chances that they will be arrested. 

Police Department Highlights:

Find out what's happening in Union Citywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Officer Sergio Quintero and Officer James Cordero were recognized for their outstanding achievements in DUI arrests. Officer Sergio Quintero made 20 DUI arrests in 2012. Officer James Cordero made 27 DUI arrests in 2012.  DUI related arrests were up approximately 100% last year. Congratulations to both officers who were recognized for their efforts to keep our community safe from impaired drivers!

Additionally, Traffic Sergeant Sato was recognized for his involvement with the DUI program.  Sergeant Sato utilized grant funding to coordinate DUI special enforcement and DUI warrant sweeps.

Blotter:

THURSDAY, FEB. 7

Teachers’ cars keyed at Kitayama Elementary

Officers investigated multiple vandalized vehicles at Kitayama Elementary School. The vehicles, many of which belonged to school teachers, sustained paint damage from being keyed. The cars were vandalized between 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. The vandalism occurred over multiple days, with the first incident reported Monday, Feb. 4 and the last reported Friday, Feb. 8.

Burglars steal 800-pound safe

Officers investigated a home burglary on Santa Maria Drive. The burglary was reported at 3:45 p.m. Unknown suspect pried open a rear window, entered the home and stole a large safe estimated to weight about 800 pounds. The suspects found a dolly inside the house and used it to roll out the large safe. A Colt .45 handgun was also during the burglary.

SATURDAY, FEB. 9

Man brandishes firearm at neighbor over landscaping

A victim on Tumbleweed Court reported that a neighbor brandished a firearm at him. Officers responded to the call at 12:47 p.m. and contacted those involved. Through the investigation, officers learned that the suspect accused landscapers of damaging his property, then approached the victims and pointed a handgun at them. The suspect was arrested and his weapon booked into evidence.

SUNDAY, FEB. 10

Man arrested with 15 ounces of weed, 10 grams of meth

An officer responded to the area of Union Square at 11:51 p.m. on a report of a just-occurred vandalism in the area. The officer located a suspect in the area who, after a search, was found to be in possession of 15 ounces of marijuana and more than 10 grams of methamphetamine. He was arrested on suspicion of various drug charges.

MONDAY, FEB. 11

UCPD assists in arrest of bank robbery suspects in Newark

Members of the Union City Police Department’s SWAT assisted in apprehending two bank robbery suspects who holed themselves up in a Newark motel for more than five hours. Though one of the suspects surrendered, the other remained barricaded in the room. Authorities had to use chemical agents to drive the second suspect out of the room.

Read the full Patch report here.

Anyone with information about any crime in Union City is asked to contact Union City police at 510-471-1365 or the anonymous tip line at 510-675-5207. Tips can also be e-mailed to tips@unioncity.org.

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