PALO ALTO, CA: Since the beginning of June, Palo Alto has seen a significant increase
in residential burglaries. Statistical data shows that approximately twenty residential
burglaries have been reported over the past six weeks. Although the burglaries have
occurred throughout Palo Alto, the majority have taken place in the north end of town. The
method of entry continues to be the same as in prior incidents, through unlocked and
unsecured rear doors and windows. Palo Alto Police continues to make burglary
suppression a top priority and have made a number of significant arrests.
During the overnight hours between July 15 and July 16, Palo Alto Police located three
subjects who were breaking into vehicles on the 1400 block of Edgewood Drive. The
suspects, two juveniles and one adult, were arrested on theft related charges. This
investigation is continuing to determine if the trio is linked to any other recent burglaries.
During the early morning hours of July 14, a residential burglary occurred on the 1000 block
of Tanland Drive. During this incident the suspect entered the residence through an
unlocked door and burglarized the residence while the occupants were sleeping. On July
16, two officers conducting follow-up on another case realized a possible link between the
two incidents. As it turned out, the suspect, Michael Holden, 36, was staying with a friend in
the same apartment complex where the burglary occurred before he was arrested at
Stanford Hospital for a Santa Barbara County warrant. Officers went to the residence
where he was formerly staying and performed a probation search. The search revealed all
of the stolen property taken in the overnight burglary. The suspect will face further charges
for burglary and possession of stolen property.
As a reminder, residents are encouraged to call 9-1-1 to report suspicious behavior, and
allow the police to investigate if that behavior is innocent or criminal. Anyone having
information about our current burglary trend can contact our 24-hour dispatch center at
650-329-2413. Anonymous tips can be e-mailed to paloalto@tipnow.org or sent via text
message or voice mail to 650-383-8984.