Petaluma Police Investigating Rash of Commercial Burglaries

Police are investigating a rash of commercial burglaries that have occurred in Petaluma over the past month.

These include nighttime break-ins at Lumberjacks, Buffalo Wings and Beri Yummy Yogurt, all on East Washington Street and Irma’s Beauty Salon and the Alano Club, both on Petaluma Boulevard North.

In most of the incidents, burglars broke the front window and took the cash register, which was later found discarded. One store left its windows open, which the burglar used to access the premises.

There has also been an increase in residential burglaries, bringing the total of home and commercial  break-ins to 39 since August, according to Petaluma police. That more than double the 15 commercial and home burglaries reported in the same timeframe last year.

“This is a reminder for businesses to lock your windows, don’t leave cash overnight and leave the light on,” said Lt. Tim Lyons, a police spokesman.

Are you concerned about crime in your neighborhood? Let us know by contacting Local Editor Karina Ioffee at karina@patch.com