Neighborhood hires its own security because of lack of patrols by sheriff

"Menlo Oaks residents feel abandoned by the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office following an increase in attempted burglaries in the community, and as a result have hired their own security guards. "We were not getting adequate response from the sheriff, so we decided to figure out our own securi-ty," said resident Jessica Gilmartin. Residents have spent over $100,000 in hiring private security and security cameras, Gilman said."

"Residents of the unincorporated neighborhood between Menlo-Atherton High School and Bay Road relies on the San Mateo County sheriff's office for policing. But because there is no dedicated officer for the neighborhood, if someone calls the police it can take them up to 15 minutes to arrive, Gilmartin said, causing for residents to feel abandoned by the Sheriff's Office."

"On Friday, a car without headlights on was driving slowly, and the driver knocked on four doors and sped away after one resident answered the door, Gilmartin said. With the cameras residents had installed, they were able to get the car's license plate and report it to the sheriff's office, Gilmartin said."

Menlo Oaks residents have experienced an increase in attempted burglaries and feel abandoned by the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office, prompting them to hire private security guards and install cameras at a cost of over $100,000. The neighborhood lacks a dedicated sheriff's officer, and reported police response times can reach up to 15 minutes, according to residents. The sheriff's office states it provides regular patrols and is monitoring trends, but declined to say how often the area is patrolled. Residents used camera footage to identify a suspicious car; detectives said they could investigate only if a crime occurred.

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