COMMUNITY ALERT CITY of SAN MATEO POLICE DEPARTMENT

Sent: Mon, August 16, 2010 4:16:48 PM
Subject: Request

This ‘Press Release / Community Information’ is being sent to you by The Public Information Office of the San Mateo Police Department. We at the SMPD take pride in alerting our community partners about activities and current events relevant to neighborhood incidents.

PRESS RELEASE – COMMUNITY ALERT
CITY of SAN MATEO POLICE DEPARTMENT
200 Franklin Parkway, San Mateo, CA 94403
http://www.cityofsanmateo.org

Community Assistance Requested – Robbery Investigation

San Mateo, CA – August 9th, 2010 – 7:55 pm – A victim was seriously physically assaulted and robbed in the area of 16th Ave. and Railroad Ave. The suspect in the assault stole cash from the victim, and fled the area in a vehicle. Officers quickly responded, and combed the area for suspects, evidence and witnesses. An independent eyewitness described the suspect in this case as a Polynesian (Pacific Islander) male in his 30s, 5’9 tall and weighing about 190 lbs. The witness saw the suspect leave the scene in the passenger seat of a dark blue or black 80s vintage subcompact Volkswagen, possibly a Rabbit or GTI. The vehicle had a store-bought “For Sale” sign in the window.

Attached is a artist’s sketch of the suspect, based on witness information:

Suspect: Pacific Islander Male – 30s – 5’9 and about 190 lbs. – Black Hair, Brown Eyes

Vehicle: 80s Vintage Volkswagen – Dark Blue or Black in Color – Possibly a Rabbit or GTI – Store-Bought “FOR SALE” sign in the window

SMPD Detectives are seeking the assistance of the public in identifying the suspect in this case. Anyone with information is urged to call SMPD at the numbers below:

SMPD Investigations – Det. M. Williams 650-522-7655

SMPD Secret Witness Line – 650-522-7626

Anonymous Tip by Text Message (SMS) 650-262-3473

Anonymous Tip by email sanmateo@tipnow.org

Personal Safety Tips:

Try to avoid walking alone on the street after 9:00 p.m. If you must walk alone at night, use well-lit roads, with as much car traffic as possible, and walk near the curb. At night, avoid vacant lots, and areas with excessive trees and bushes.

When walking to your car at night, have your keys in your hand and be ready to open the door. If you have to walk in the street, walk facing traffic. A person walking with traffic can be followed, forced into a car, and abducted more easily than a person walking against traffic. Wear clothing and shoes that give you freedom of movement, and don’t burden yourself with too many packages or items.
Try to avoid using ATMs late at night. If you must, try to pick an ATM in an attended location, such as a supermarket or mall. At the very least, make sure the ATM is well lit, and be aware of any people “loitering” in the area. Try to avoid going alone.

Don’t carry a purse loosely around your shoulder. Clutch it tightly under your arm or, better yet, avoid carrying a purse and keep a wallet in your pocket instead.

If you are robbed, obey the robber’s instructions. Keeping your cash in a separate money clip or pouch will allow you to hand it over without sacrificing your credit cards, identification, and personal papers. Try to memorize your robber’s physical features, clothing, motor vehicle, and direction of flight. Call the police from the nearest available telephone.

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Please help us make your neighborhood safer and take a stand against crime. Please report all criminal behavior, join a neighborhood watch program, and help anyone that might fall victim to a crime. If a Neighborhood Watch doesn’t exist on your block, you can start one with help from SMPD. For additional information about the City of San Mateo Neighborhood Watch Program, call Sergeant Dave Norris at (650)522-7626 or visit our web http://www.cityofsanmateo.org