Crime & Safety
This Week from the Los Altos Police Log: Oct. 21-27
A housekeeper was caught stealing on camera, a serial robber struck a bank, and a bike was set on fire in a busy week for the town.
An unusually busy week for Los Altos - a serial robber headlined more than one Patch site - but it wasn't devoid of good news, as a stealing housekeeper was sneakily caught on camera.
Serial Robber
Oct. 24, 1001 Fremont Avenue; 1:01 p.m.; A serial bank robber suspected of hitting five other Bay Area banks struck Los Altos just 20 minutes after robbing another bank in Sunnyvale, Los Altos police sergeant Cameron Shearer said.
Find out what's happening in Los Altoswith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The suspect entered the at Loyola Corners, went up to the teller, and presented a demand note stating he was armed.A full robbery report is here.
Theft Arrest
Find out what's happening in Los Altoswith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Oct. 24, 600 block of Benvenue Ave, 11:29 a.m.; a homeowner set up a “nanny-cam” in her house after she noticed missing jewelry. The camera recorded the housekeeper allegedly stealing jewelry and shoes, with an estimated value at $500. Police responded and found items from the house concealed in the cleaner’s mop bucket and vehicle. Maria Flores, 38, of Mountain View, was arrested for theft and possession of stolen property. The total value of the items allegedly stolen over time is not known.
Arson
Oct. 22, 2:56 p.m., ; a mother found her son's bicycle, which was left at a bike rack at the school, burned. The police department is working with the Santa Clara County Fire Department to investigate the crime.
Residential burglaries
11:08 a.m., Oct. 21, 200 block of Jardin Drive; resident returned home and found someone walking away from his home. Victim entered house and saw it had been burglarized. A camera and camera case were taken. Other missing items are being determined.
Oct. 25, 1000 block of Dartmouth Lane, 5:25 p.m.; Los Altos police responded to a report of a residential burglary. Upon arrival, police officers determined that forced entry in to the residence was made and miscellaneous items taken
Vandalism
Oct. 22, 3:49 p.m., 600 block of Spargur Drive; resident found three of the tires on her rental car slashed overnight.
Threats
Oct. 20, 11:06 a.m., 199 Main Street; customer went into a Chase Bank branch and threatened employees with harm. Customer contacted and told if he returned to the business, it would lead to an arrest. Report taken.
All residential locations mapped are approximations and reflect only the block number to protect the privacy of those involved.
