This article is oriented to those living in unincorporated San Mateo County.
In our West Menlo Park neighborhood, University Park, we enjoy a very low level of crime; however, that doesn’t mean that we have zero crime. Occasionally, bad things happen. That said, there are many things we can do to address this:
- Steps you can take to make you safer and more resilient to burglary and similar crime
- Steps you can take as a neighbor to make your street and our neighborhood safer
A foundational key to having a neighborhood that provides safety, security, and a strong sense of well being is Neighbors Knowing Neighbors. When walking in your neighborhood, when you pass others on your walk, employ Willie Mays’s famous saying: “say hey”. Breaks the ice and lets you (and them) get to know each other a bit better.
Please make a point of introducing yourself to your neighbors. Share contact information. Know the people and the cars around you.
Steps for your household
This section is in a draft – a work in progress. So please revisit in the near future.
With an emphasis on burglary, here are a few pointers:
- Don’t put your valuables in the home office, master bedroom, or master bathroom.
- Position security cameras to capture backyard, front street, front and back doors.
- Leave lights so they will turn on when you are away
- Let your neighbors know when you are away and make sure they have your phone number
Steps for Vacation
Consider that it maybe a good idea to let your neighbors and nearby family members know of your vacation plans and how to contact you. Like wise, it is NOT A GOOD IDEA to let the general public know that you will be gone and your house unattended: Avoid social media posts, including Facebook, Nextdoor, Instagram, etc.
- Keep all windows and doors closed and locked while you are gone (and alarm set if you have one).
- Consider using an ‘uninterruptible’ power extension cable to power your alarm and cameras. (These have a battery that will supply power even when power to the house is turned off)
- Have a trusted neighbor(s) or friend keep an eye on your house (preferably with a key to access it in an emergency).
- Ask the postal service / newspaper service to hold service while you are on vacation.
- Have inside lights and a radio on a timer to give the illusion that you are home.
Reporting Suspicion
Because you live in unincorporated county, reporting of suspicious behavior should be to the Sheriff’s dispatch number. If you are certain of a crime, you might get better timing and response by using the dispatch number ((650) 363-4911). However, 911 can be used as an alternative.
Note: Our 911 calls often take extra wasted time because the 911 operator gets confused as to the jurisdiction of our incorporated neighborhoods. We are in unincorporated San Mateo County, not the city of Menlo Park. In our neighborhood, crime is handled by the Sheriff and traffic issues by the CHP.
- First, call the sheriff dispatch at (650) 363-4911
- Make sure you are safe and secure (stay away, don’t confront the suspects, lock your doors)
- Record the car being used (color, make, model, license, and any special identification features like stickers, damage, wheels)
- Call that neighbor whose house is targeted. If you can’t reach the neighbor, call the next door neighbors to alert them.
- Report incident to UnivPark@UnivPark.org – our neighborhood website email. It is so important that we notify the neighborhood when incidents occur — our neighborhood’s awareness and vigilance will help deter crime.
Read the Sheriff flyer on Residential Burglaries by clicking the button below:
Other Resources
- Menlo Park Police – Burglary Info
- Area Crime Statistics – Menlo Park Surrounding Area
- Menlo Park – Crime Prevention Webpage