Police warn of being extra vigilant during the holidays
Gilroy – ‘Tis the season. A rash of burglaries Thursday marked the start of an expected rise in holiday thefts. A masked armed robber hit two stores within 15 minutes of each other Thursday night, stealing an unknown amount of cash from the registers.
Two homes were also burglarized. One victim actually returned to her home on El Dorado Way while the thief was there, causing the thief to flee out the back.
“This is the season where the criminal element will take advantage,” said Gilroy Police Sgt. John Sheedy.
Residential burglaries, vehicle burglaries and overall thefts tend to increase during the holiday season beginning after Thanksgiving and through Christmas.
Presents are lifted from homes and vehicles as thieves take advantage of those in a more giving state.
People out shopping are often not on high alert – they leave their wallets and purses on countertops and presents in plain view on carseats.
“It’s the holiday season, you have a lot more people out and about – more access,” Sheedy explained.
At 8pm Thursday night an unknown male in his 20s, wearing blue jeans, white shoes, a dark gray hooded sweatshirt, gloves and a black ski mask, entered Apatzingan Meat Market, brandished a black handgun and demanded money.
Twelve minutes later, at Del Sol Market on 435 First Street, about 1 mile away – a suspect matching the description of the man in the first robbery demanded money from a second store clerk. He fled on foot toward Sargent Street.
No shots were fired in either instance.
“More than likely its one and the same person,” Sheedy said.
At 10pm, residents on the 6800 block of Glenview Drive reported a small safe filled with papers, jewelry and cash stolen. The victims are in the process of moving and noticed the safe missing Thursday night.
“People just need to be a little more vigilant. If you have an alarm system – set your alarm system,” he advised.
