Petaluma police seek suspects in car burglary spree
Petaluma police are investigating more than 30 vehicle breakins over the weekend.
Officers began receiving reports Saturday evening of “window smash” break-ins starting throughout the city, including at the Outlet Mall, St. Vincent’s High School, the Capri Creek Apartments and the Sheraton Hotel, the Petaluma Police Department posted Sunday on Facebook.
More than 30 vehicles were burglarized from around 4 p.m. Saturday to 6 a.m. Sunday, with various personal items stolen, the Police Department said, adding that several neighboring jurisdictions have been affected.
“Preliminarily we have reason to believe there are least three suspects,” Petaluma police Lt. Garrett Glaviano told the Chronicle. “We are continuing to follow up on leads such as collecting video surveillance and following the usage of at least one stolen credit card.”
Police are trying to locate and contact all affected victims and ask the public to provide any surveillance footage that may aid in the investigation.
Homes and businesses can register their security cameras with Petaluma police to aid in investigations by supplying potential evidence, the department said.
“While every community struggles with preventing thefts from vehicles, this spree is abnormal for our city due to the number of incidents, and the number of different locations throughout the city,” Glaviano said.
Police remind car owners to park in well-lit areas, ideally with security cameras; lock their doors; use anti-theft devices such as steering wheel locks or car alarms; and be aware of their surroundings.
The agency asks anyone with information on the break-ins to contact 707-778-4372.