Neighbor Foils Attempted Burglary of Grocery Store

Four juveniles from San Jose attempted to burglarize , 1491 S. Main St. in Milpitas, on Monday morning, Oct. 31, around 4 a.m.

What they didn't count on was the watchful eyes of a nearby resident.

Milpitas Police released information Monday afternoon about how a conscientious citizen helped secure the capture of four would-be burglars who fled the scene after smashing the window of Jerry's Market, in an attempt to break in and steal items, only to be scared off by the store's alarm system going off.

Police received a call from a female Milpitas resident who dialed 911 when she awoke to the sounds of an alarm and dogs barking. Police say she looked out her window and saw three suspects climbing the fence from the Milpitas Food Pantry, at 1440 S. Main St., and running toward the railroad tracks.

Within three minutes, police were on the scene, conducting a search for the suspects. They immediately located the three suspects the woman saw, at the railroad tracks, and detained them.

A fourth suspect was also spotted trying to run from officers. He climbed the fence into A-1 Tool Sheds, also located on S. Main Street, but officers were able to capture him.

Further investigation turned up the broken window of Jerry's Market, and it was determined the suspects broke the window in an attempt to get inside and burglarize the store, but were scared off when the alarm sounded, and fled.

The four juveniles were arrested on multiple charges including burglary, conspiracy, trespassing and violation of City curfew. They were all issued citations and released to parents or guardians.

Milpitas Police credit the quick reactions of the resident, and how she immediately called 911, as the main reason the suspects were captured within minutes of the crime.

Police Chief Dennis Graham said, “We encourage everyone to call 911 as soon as they see or hear anything suspicious.”

Anyone witnessing criminal activity occurring in Milpitas is encouraged to call the Milpitas Police Department at 408-586-2400. Information can be given anonymously by calling 408-586-2500, or via the Milpitas Police Department website.