Heena Desai recently attended a neighborhood watch orientation organized by the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Department to protect against home burglaries after burglars targeted South Asian homes in her east Cupertino neighborhood of Rancho Rinconada. Despite having security measures in place such as cameras and alarm systems, Desai was concerned about the safety of her own home given the recent break-ins.
During the orientation, she requested increased patrolling in her neighborhood from the sheriff, who explained that while constant patrolling was not possible, officers could respond to reports of suspicious activities. Unfortunately, just two days after the orientation, burglars broke into Desai’s home when she and her husband were away, stealing jewelry worth over $30,000.
This incident was the third in a series of burglaries targeting South Asian homes in the neighborhood. The burglars typically broke through glass doors, raided bedrooms for jewelry, and made a quick getaway. Similar incidents occurred at the homes of Mudita Tiwari and Jayshri Yadwadkar, both single mothers who work as tech executives.
Following the break-ins, concerns about home security among South Asian residents in Cupertino have increased. The stolen jewelry, often heirlooms with sentimental value, has left victims devastated. The burglaries have prompted some women to reconsider wearing jewelry in public to avoid being targeted.
While the number of burglaries in Cupertino has decreased compared to previous years, underreporting remains a challenge. Captain Neil Valenzuela emphasized the importance of residents reporting crimes to assist law enforcement in solving cases. He also recommended security measures such as alarm systems, cameras, and neighborhood watch programs to enhance safety.
In response to the burglaries, the city of Cupertino approved the installation of ALPR cameras to aid in identifying suspects and stolen vehicles. Mayor Sheila Mohan highlighted the collaborative efforts between neighboring cities to address the issue of home burglaries. The ALPR cameras are expected to provide an additional layer of security in strategic locations throughout the city.
Despite these measures, residents like Yadwadkar, Tiwari, and Desai continue to feel anxious about the possibility of future break-ins. The traumatic impact of home invasions on families, especially children who discover the crimes, has raised concerns about long-term effects on mental health and well-being.
As the community works towards enhancing safety and security in Cupertino, residents are encouraged to remain vigilant, report suspicious activities, and support initiatives aimed at preventing burglaries. The installation of ALPR cameras represents a step towards leveraging technology to combat crime and protect neighborhoods from intruders.