We take pride in doing all we can to help curtail crime in our city – and that can require collaborative, innovative approaches to help combat region-wide issues like auto burglaries.

Beginning in November 2021, MVPD in partnership with the City of Mountain View and the Chamber of Commerce launched a pilot program dubbed “Downtown Ambassadors” where teams partnered up to greet those visiting,working or stopping by the downtown area to please remember to remove valuables from their cars.

Regionwide, there have been noticeable upticks in auto burglaries, and unfortunately Mountain View is not immune. This partnership,however, has had noticeable – and very positive – results!

“There is a direct correlation between when ambassadors are in downtown parking lots and drops in auto burglaries in those areas,” said Lt.Wahed Magee. “I am encouraged how we have all come together to make this work.”

While the program initially launched during the holidaymonths to slow the seasonal spike in auto burglaries, these crimes of opportunity have continued and as such, so has the program. You may have noticed signs gently reminding you to take your valuables from your car, or you may have seen volunteers in neon yellow vests in the downtown area. All of these are part of the initiative to keep our community members safe, and to work to prevent those who would burglarize cars from taking advantage of items such as phones, laptops, tablets and more that may be left behind while people walk, dine or visit the downtown area.

Please remember, auto burglaries take seconds, and often thieves will take whatever they can grab. Please take all valuables with you –it’s not worth it to keep them in your car, even if you think they are well hidden!

Media inquiries can be sent to PIO Katie Nelson at policepio@mountainview.gov.