Bicycle Theft on the Rise and Safety at Campbell Plaza

Is there anything you have ever wanted to know from Campbell Police Department? Well, this is your chance to ask. 

Patch has always strived to bring its readers all types of information and keep them updated on what is happening in their communities. It is with that in mind that we bring you our newest column, “Ask a Campbell Cop.” We'll be teaming up with the Campbell Police Department to answer your questions.

Whether you have a question about certain laws and how they might affect you, your family or friends, or how to stay safe in certain situations, we want you to ask them. Every week we will run two or three questions and give some answers.

To submit a question, email mayra.marcotte@patch.com or add it in the comments section below.

This week's questions from Campbell Patch readers were answered by Campbell Police Captain Dave Carmichael.

1. Why don't you spend more time arresting people in the Safeway parking lot on Winchester?

I too would like to know why there is not a larger police presence at the Safeway on Winchester. I will no longer shop there after dark and daytime hours are questionable!

Our officers frequently patrol the Campbell Plaza Shopping Center (Safeway on Winchester).  If a citizen notices a crime in progress or suspicious activity, we would ask that call 911 or our non-emergency number (408)866-2101 to report their observations. 

We can then dispatch an officer(s) to handle the situation.  We have not experienced any significant crime increases in the area, but will continue to conduct patrols on a frequent basis. 

2. Also, what's being done to prevent bicycle theft? My bicycle was stolen right in front of Blue Line Pizza ... along with my friend's bike. Both were locked up. Rumor has it bike theft is rampant in Campbell.

Bike theft has been on the rise throughout Santa Clara County. Most often, thieves will target unsecured bikes, but they have also been known to defeat cables and other locking mechanisms from time to time.

In addition to having a good quality lock, it is critical to write down your bicycle's serial number so that if it is stolen, the police can enter it into the computer system. This gives us the greatest opportunity to catch the thief and return your stolen bike. 

Far too often, our officers will stop an individual with a suspicious bicycle, but are unable to confirm if the bike is stolen because the serial numbers have not been entered into the system.