Palo Alto: Police probe ‘rare’ overnight home burglary

Authorities say suspect may have used key hidden outside to gain entry to residence in the early morning Thursday

PALO ALTO – An investigation is underway into a rare overnight burglary of an occupied residence in Palo Alto, police said.

The burglary occurred at a home on the 1100 block of Hamilton Avenue between 4:10 a.m. and 6:15 a.m. Thursday, the Palo Alto Police Department said in a news release Friday.

Police said the suspect stole electronic items and keys to a vehicle.

No force was used to enter the residence, and police said they believe the suspect found a key hidden outside the home and used it to gain entry while the residents slept. Both the residence and the vehicle have since been rekeyed.

Overnight burglaries in Palo Alto are “extremely rare,” police said.

“Most residential burglars commit their crimes during the day, when homes are unoccupied and the chance of a confrontation with a resident are correspondingly reduced,” police said.

Police said there is no evidence linking the burglary to a pair of similar crimes on Oct. 12.

Anyone with information related to the case can contact police at 650-329-2413. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call or text 650-383-8984 or email paloalto@tipnow.org.