Police Warn Residents to be Cautious After Attempted Home Burglary

A burglar escaped after trying to break into a home in Decoto Wednesday afternoon, police said.

It was "the typical story," said Lt. Ben Horner of the Union City Police Department.

According to Horner, the suspect knocked on the front door of a home in the area of Railroad Avenue and Stone Street at about 4 p.m. A resident in a back room of the home did not answer the door immediately. The resident heard glass break shortly after and hid in a bedroom while calling police.

Officers were on the scene within minutes but the suspect fled the home, Horner said. Police searched neighboring yards as a helicopter circled overhead but weren't able to locate the suspect.

He may have run to a waiting vehicle and left the area, Horner said.

Thursday's incident is not uncommon.

"It happens all over the city," Horner said of the home burglaries.

He warned residents to exercise caution when unexpected guests arrive at the door.

"My advice is to either look through the peephole or curtain. If it's someone you don't recognize, call us and we'll check it out," Horner said.

He also reiterrated the importance of knowing your nieghbors.

The attempted burglary followed Tuesday's citywide event. The neighborhood block parties aimed to strengthen bonds between neighbors and law enforcement.