TACOMA- Thieves Target Packages Left on Porches

KOMO 4 TV reports that thieves have been stealing packages left on home porches by delivery services such as UPS and FEDEX in the Tacoma area. A twist to this long term problem is that the thieves will leave an empty box when they take the just delivered full box. http://www.komonews.com/news/112117539.html.

This kind of theft from homeowners can happen year around and in any neighborhood in Puget Sound, but homeowners are especially vulnerable during the holidays when package delivery volume becomes higher.

Some things you can do to prevent becoming a victim include:

• Have a trusted stay at home neighbor hold your package for you until you come home
• When at home keep a watch for suspicious vehicles following UPS, FEDEX or Postal Service trucks. If you see a suspicious vehicle, call 911 and report the license number, vehicle description, and direction of travel.

UPS suggests:

• Have the shipper require a signature on delivery
• Have the package sent to your work where someone will be present to accept it.

CAR THEFT- Cold Weather Danger

It has turned cold. We have already been through freezing weather and a few days of snow. Some drivers may be tempted to start the car up and let it warm up while they finish getting ready for the day. DON’T DO IT!!!


Each winter local police agencies receive reports of stolen vehicles that were warming up in driveways. Any time the keys to your car or truck are in it, with it warming up or not, and you are not around, only gives a car thief an opportunity to steal your car.

The best way to prevent car theft is to take away the opportunity by:

• Taking your keys with you

• Locking your car doors

• Not leaving anything visible in your car

SNOHOMISH COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE- Crime Prevention Newsletter

The holiday issue of the Sheriff’s crime prevention newsletter, “Partners in Crime Prevention,” is now available at:


http://sheriff.snoco.org/Documents/NovDec10.pdf

EVERETT- Increase in Car Prowls

Everett PD has seen a significant increase in car prowls within the city of Everett. This is important information since the holiday season is a prime time for car prowls in parking lots at stores and at shopping centers. Everett PD notes the following:

• Most vehicle prowls occur on Monday’s and Wednesday’s

• You are most likely to be victimized during the middle of the day

• MO: The majority of cases involve breaking a vehicle’s windows to gain entry

• NEW: Vehicle registration and financial information is being targeted

• Prowlers also take everything in plain view including: gym bags, backpacks, mail, etc.

• Suction cup marks from GPS units indicate the high probability of a GPS unit still in the vehicle

• Areas of dense parking, such as shopping centers, big box stores, parks, apartment communities and locations of public activities are being targeted

• If current trends continue, 2010 will have the highest number of vehicle prowls within the past 5 years

Everett PD recommends:

◊ Use a garage or secure location whenever possible

◊ Park in well-lit areas where your car can be seen

◊ Lock all doors & activate your alarm

◊ If you hear or see something suspicious, call 911

◊ Vehicles are not storage units... Take personal belongings with you!

◊ If you must leave items in the car, put them in the trunk prior to arrival

EVERETT- Van Fire Update

Mercy Transportation is receiving replacement vans for vans destroyed in fire.

The Herald update:
http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20101113/NEWS01/711139968

SOUTH PRECINCT- Burglary Trends

During the Precinct Partnership meeting this week, Capt. Bales, the Precinct Commander, announced that there has been a 53% decrease in burglaries in the South Precinct over last year.


This no doubt is a result of the work and the assistance to the Sheriff’s Office that neighborhood watches throughout the precinct have made in the past year.

EVERETT- Fire Destroys Vans

In the early Thursday morning hours, a fire destroyed two vans used by Mercy Transportation to transport people in wheel chairs to and from doctor's appointments and other locations. Apparently, thieves tried to steal gas from the vans as well as other company vehicles. Damage amounted to about $50,000. It will take several weeks for Mercy Transportation to receive replacement vans.
For more information go to:

The Herald:

http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20101112/NEWS01/711129854/-1/News
 
KIRO:
 
http://www.kirotv.com/news/25774266/detail.html

Note: This incident points out how dangerous stealing gas can be. It also shows how egregious and uncaring thieves can be when they steal. If you have any information about who did this call 911 or Everett PD.

TAMBARK TRAILS- Attempted Burglary

On Thursday November 11, around 10:30am, in Tambark Trails a homeowner's
doorbell rang twice. By the time she got to her door there was no one there. She went into one of her front bedrooms and saw a tall skinny young male dressed in a black hoody, black pants and black converse tennis shoes coming up the side rockery from the backyard and he across the front patio. He looked in the window, saw the homeowner and took off. He may have left in a car that was parked on the side of the house. He was also wearing a black baseball cap and had reddish blond curly hair.

He entered the property despite the fact the homeowner has well marked signs that indicate a burglar alarm system is on the property.

HOLIDAYS- DUI Patrols

Law enforcement agencies have been conducting DUI emphasis patrols to protect citizens from drunk drivers. The holiday period, from Halloween through New Years, is one part of the year that the agencies gear up their patrols. With bad weather, increase in partying. socializing and drinking the holiday period can be a dangerous period for driving.

Over the Halloween weekend, the State Patrol arrested 34 drivers for DUI in Snohomish County. Their goal was to have zero fatalities or serious injuries due to DUI crashes. They succeeded over that weekend.

http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20101102/BLOG41/101109973

http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20101101/BLOG41/101109988

The State Patrol has formed "Target Zero Teams" who along with local police agencies in Pierce, King and Snohomish counties have the goal of eliminating drunk driving deaths in 20 years. The teams and State Parol analysts use DUI reports and statistics to develop DUI Danger Zones throughout Puget Sound. By designating these zones, the State Patrol can make decisions on where and when to patrol for drinking drivers.

The State Patrol has designated two danger zones in south Snohomish County, Mill Creek and Lynnwood.

The Mill Creek zone lies primarily to the west of Mill Creek.

According to a State Patrol report (http://komonews.s3.amazonaws.com/101101_dui_snohomish.pdf) the Mill Creek zone has had 10 fatal impaired crashes that killed 11 people between 2007 and 2009. Five of the 10 crashes occurred on Sundays. One of the crashes involved a stolen vehicle. Only one crash occurred during rainy conditions.

The State Patrol also considered the number of citizen calls to 911 reporting possible DUI drivers. Between 2007 and 2009, 911 logged 2,389 citizen reports of possible DUI or erratically driven vehicles in the Mill Creek zone. Calls steadily increased starting at noon with peak hours between 6pm and 11pm. Saturdays followed by Fridays and then Sundays had the highest number of DUI reports.

 
The Lynnwood Danger Zone lies south of 196th St SW to Mountlake Terrace.
 
 

 
During the 2007 to 2009 period, this zone had 7 impaired fatal crashes that killed 7 people. Five out of the seven crashes were speed related and five occurred between 8pm and 11pm. One vehicle was stolen.

911 logged 99 citizen reports of possible DUI or erratically driven vehicles. Most calls came on Saturdays followed by Sundays then Thursdays.

For more information about the program go to:

http://www.komonews.com/news/local/106480484.html?

So, advice that you probably have heard before:

1. Don't drink and drive.
2. If you do drink, use a designated driver to take you home. Or call a taxi.
3. If you see someone driving a car erratically, call 911 with the license number, car description, location and direction of travel.

SHERIFF’S OFFICE- Deputy’s Association Warns of Cuts

In an ad in this morning’s The Herald (page A4) the Snohomish County Deputy Sheriff’s Association warned that potential cuts to the Sheriff’s Office budget could hurt service to the community.

The County Executive’s proposed budget to the County Council calls for cutting 10 deputies (The Herald http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20100930/NEWS01/709309798).  In addition, 27 vacant positions will be dropped.

According to the Deputy Association website, with the proposed 2011 cuts, there will be a 15% reduction of manning since last year (http://www.snocodsa.com/index.cfm). It also points out that in 2001 the county had 306 funded positions while, if approved, the 2011 budget would fund 307 positions. As far as the Deputy’s Association is concerned, this is a step backwards given the growth in population of the county.

The Deputies Association appeals to the public to contact the County Council to save these 10 positions.

You can give your opinion about the budget by contacting the County Council-

On the web, fill out the following form for testimony concerning the 2011 budget:

http://www.snoco.org/app/sco/budgettestimony/

or call (425) 388-3494

Ad published in the October 30, 2010 The Herald

AUTUMN MEADOWS- Vehicle Break-in

A homeowner’s vehicle, in the vicinity of 45th Ave SE and 122nd Place SE was broken into Thursday night/early Friday morning (Oct. 28/29).The homeowner had forgotten to lock the vehicle. The thieves took the GPS unit and sifted through the glove box.

MAYS POND- Odd Activity

On Monday, October 25, 2010, at a home in Mays Pond, vicinity of 180th St SE and Brook Blvd, a lady with some random kids (the homeowner was not sure if they were hers) came to the door looking for donations. She said she just lost her job and needed diapers for her kid. The homeowner said she contradicted herself a few times and the homeowner got a weird feeling.

Has anyone had a recent experience similar to this? Please let us know.

Note: Burglars frequently knock on the front door of houses to see if anyone is home. If no one answers, they knock down the door and take what they can. If someone does come to the door, they may use some sort of claim, often flimsy, like they are selling something, looking for someone or for an address. Recently, KOMO 4 ran an article about burglars in the Montlake district of Seattle who have been using this ploy: http://udistrict.komonews.com/content/burglars-use-feeble-ploy-case-montlake-homes.

It’s hard to know if the lady truly was in need. But if someone shows up at your door with what seems to be a flimsy story, call 911 and let the Sheriff’s Office know about them.

BOTTLE BOMBS- Lookout for Soda Bottles in Your Yard

There is an email going around warning about soda bottles that may explode in your yard. More than likely a prank, they are said to be able to cause injury.

The Sheriff’s Office occasionally receives calls about these bombs, though not recently. In the Sheriff’s Office experience, the bombs are not designed to injure anyone. Usually, juveniles will throw them from a vehicle and watch them explode. You can easily find instructions for making the bombs in the internet.

According to the email, kids will put Drano, tin foil and a little water in a soda bottle. They will leave it on a lawn, or in the experience in Snohomish County, throw it from a car. A little bit of shaking will mix the Drano, tin foil and water into a gas that explodes in about 30 seconds or less. According to the email, there can be enough force to blow off fingers and the liquid can cause burns.

Snopes.com has an article that talks about a series of bottle bomb incidents in Washtenaw County, Michigan in April of this year:

http://www.snopes.com/crime/warnings/bottlebomb.asp

The advice on Snopes was to closely examine any bottle that you see lying in your yard or side of the road. Report it to 911, especially if you see signs of swelling or melting. DO NOT TOUCH IT!

KING COUNTY- King County Sheriff Looking for Victims of Cyberstalker

The King County Sheriff’s Office is looking for victims of William Pritchard who has been charged with 269 counts of cyberstalking as well as communicating with a minor for immoral purposes, harassment and extortion.


Two teenage girls reported threats from Pritchard to the school resource officer at Mariner High School. According to the King County Sheriff’s Office Pritchard made calls all over Puget Sound and there may be victims in Snohomish, King, Pierce and Thurston counties.

For more about this story, go to The Herald article:

http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20101015/NEWS01/710159802

The King County Sheriff’s Office requests that anyone who has received harassing or obscene phone calls from Pritchard to call them at 206-296-3311 or contact their local police department.



Note: Reference my posting on October 10th, BURGLARIES- And Social Media. Using social media and the internet as a way to gather leads to burglarize homes seems not to have taken off, even though there is the capability to do so. However, according to the National Crime Prevention Center and the National Center for Victims of Crime, over 1 million women and over 370,000 men are stalked annually in the United States (http://ncpc.typepad.com/prevention_works_blog/2007/04/title_3.html). In this modern age, stalkers have many tools to harass and threaten their victims including, spyware, GPS chips on cars and cell phones, and now social media.

According to the Stalking Resource Center of the National Center for Victims of Crime there are things you can do to protect yourself from a stalker. From their web site (http://www.ncvc.org/src/main.aspx?dbID=DB_statistics195 ):



Stalking is unpredictable and dangerous. No two stalking situations are alike. There are no guarantees that what works for one person will work for another, yet you can take steps to increase your safety.

If you are in immediate danger, call 911.

Trust your instincts. Don't downplay the danger. If you feel you are unsafe, you probably are.

Take threats seriously. Danger generally is higher when the stalker talks about suicide or murder, or when a victim tries to leave or end the relationship.

Contact a crisis hotline, victim services agency, or a domestic violence or rape crisis program. They can help you devise a safety plan, give you information about local laws, weigh options such as seeking a protection order, and refer you to other services.

Develop a safety plan, including things like changing your routine, arranging a place to stay, and having a friend or relative go places with you. Also, decide in advance what to do if the stalker shows up at your home, work, school, or somewhere else. Tell people how they can help you. Click here to learn more about safety plans: http://www.ncvc.org/src/main.aspx?dbID=DB_Safety_Plan_GuideLines333

Don't communicate with the stalker or respond to attempts to contact you.

Keep evidence of the stalking. When the stalker follows you or contacts you, write down the time, date, and place. Keep emails, text messages, phone messages, letters, or notes. Photograph anything of yours the stalker damages and any injuries the stalker causes. Ask witnesses to write down what they saw. Click here to download a stalking incident and behavior log: http://www.ncvc.org/src/AGP.Net/Components/DocumentViewer/Download.aspxnz?DocumentID=39028

Contact the police. Every state has stalking laws. The stalker may also have broken other laws by doing things like assaulting you or stealing or destroying your property.

Consider getting a court order that tells the stalker to stay away from you.

Tell family, friends, roommates, and co-workers about the stalking and seek their support. Tell security staff at your job or school. Ask them to help watch out for your safety.

For more information about cyberstalking go to:

http://www.ncvc.org/src/main.aspx?dbID=dash_Home

SNOHOMISH COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE- Partners in Crime Prevention – Domestic Violence

October is Domestic Violence Awareness month. This issue of the newsletter devotes itself to information about how the Sheriff’s Office handles domestic violence cases, where and how to get help, and how you can help a victim:

http://sheriff.snoco.org/Documents/SepOct10.pdf

BURGLARIES- And Social Media

Over the past few months there have been warnings about telling people that you are going on vacation over social media such as Facebook and Twitter. A group calling itself Pleaserobme.com (http://pleaserobme.com/) posted Tweets of people advertising their trips. Their point was that anyone could take that information and burglarize the house of someone on vacation.


Stories in the national media have popped up talking about the potential problem. In early August CNN ran an article about a burglary in Indiana attributed to a Facebook posting (http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2010/08/05/facebook-friend-or-foe/?iref=allsearch). In early September, a burglary ring in New Hampshire received publicity when police revealed that some of their victims had posted their vacation plans on Facebook (http://mashable.com/2010/09/11/facebook-places-burglars/).

In the Indiana and New Hampshire incidents the burglars had access to the victim’s Facebook accounts as friends. So, they either knew the victim or the victim allowed the burglar to become a “friend.”

With all of the talk about this “problem” there really have not been many reports of burglars using social media for leads to find empty houses. According to at least one of the sergeants at the Sheriff’s Office, they have not seen a rash of burglaries that they can attribute to social media. So what’s the problem?

First, social media is so new we don’t know quite how to use it. Those of us who might be older probably look on social media with suspicion. We just won’t use anything that we don’t understand. Youth, though, take to this new stuff like honey. Think all of the talk about “sexting.” If this social media phenomenon is truly useful, there must be a happy medium where the old become more daring and find uses and the youth becomes more careful and figures out how to protect itself from harm.

Second, many of the features of social media are designed to share information to anyone who will listen. In fact, Mark Zuckerberg, founder of Facebook, thinks that the more sharing of information the better. Not everyone shares that vision, hence the effort to “strengthen” Facebook’s privacy settings.

Third, criminals use new technology. They use cell phones, texting, and emails to coordinate their crimes. ID theft bloomed with the increased use of credit and debit cards. Online purchasing gave another potential source for ID theft. Devices that thieves can use to easily swipe cards to collect account numbers (in a restaurant, store or at an ATM) have made us more vulnerable. Email phishing schemes attempt to trick us into giving our account information. So it stands to reason that criminals will migrate to using social media.

But have criminals found an effective way to use social media to commit burglary? So far, the most practical method seems to be when the burglar is a “friend” of someone on Facebook or Twitter; and that someone mentions that they are going to be away from home on vacation, going to be gone over a weekend, or going to a bar or lounge. That could provide an opportunity. The burglar probably already knows where the victim lives. If not he could easily do a Google search or look in the victim’s profile.

Most burglary prevention advice consists of keeping doors locked, keeping a house in easy view of the street, and making the house look occupied (pick up newspapers and handouts, keep some lights on). The advice comes from the experience that burglars will check out a (or their) neighborhood for houses that give them the opportunity to enter, take something(s) worthwhile and get out without getting caught or hurt. This means physically going through neighborhoods.

So what to do?

First, don’t discount social media as a method of communicating with your friends or acquaintances. Know its’ capabilities and its dangers.

Second, as in any other aspect of life, be careful of what you say and to whom. Before social media, you probably would not announce to the whole world that you are going on vacation. You might tell only those close relatives or friends. So, on social media sites, take advantage of privacy settings to limit your message to your friends or followers. And be careful of who you allow to be a friend or follower. If you leave your privacy settings open to the whole world then don’t talk about your private life.

Third, when you are away, follow the common sense crime prevention advice that police departments have been giving for decades. When you are away from your house, lock your doors; make your home look occupied (lights on, maybe a radio turned on) and (especially when you are on vacation) have a trusted friend or neighbor pick up your mail and your newspapers and handbills.

Old advice may be just as applicable with new technology and new ways of doing things.

Have you been victimized by a burglar who used social media find you? Was he a friend or follower or did he use a different technique to find you?

LYNNWOOD- $3,000 Wheel Chair Found

LYNNWOOD- $3,000 Wheel Chair Found


The stolen truck that had the $3,000 wheel chair this is used by a boy with cerebral palsy has been found.

For more information go to KING 5 TV:

http://www.king5.com/news/local/Stolen-truck-for-special-needs-boy-found-104389519.html

LYNNWOOD- $3,000 Wheel Chair for Special Needs Boy Stolen

The Snohomish County Sheriff's Office is looking for a red 1994 GMC Jimmy truck that was stolen from a Lynnwood apartment complex. The truck contained a $3,000 wheel chair that was used by a boy who has cerebral palsy, doesn't walk, talk or feed himself. And he is blind.

The Washington license number for the Jimmy is 908 VSU. If you see this vehicle please call 911.

For more information about this situation go to KING 5 TV:

http://www.king5.com/news/local/Special-Needs-Theft-104311979.html

FIR RIDGE- March Burglary Update

In March of this year I reported on a burglary in Fir Ridge where the burglar was interrupted by the homeowner. During the confrontation, the burglar shot the homeowner. The bullet hit the homeowner's Zippo lighter in his pants pocket. The homeowner was not injured. See http://ssnoccrimewatch.blogspot.com/2010/03/fir-ridge-homeowner-interrupts-burglary.html for details.

According to KCPQ-13 news, the burglar has recently been taken into custody. See http://www.q13fox.com/videobeta/b95ac3cb-5304-428c-babf-297500a27a4b/News/ZIPPO-LIGHTER-SHOOTING for the video of the homeowner's story.

Note: While the Sheriff's Office cannot always solve every burglary it does show that when it does have the evidence it will pursue criminals until they are caught. Congratulations to the detectives of the Sheriff's Office for their persistence.

SILVER FIRS II- Damaged Mailbox Stand

The property management company for the Silver Firs II homeowner’s association says that there has been a mailbox stand that has been damaged by someone driving a dark green 2000 VW Jetta with tinted windows. They hope that the owner of this vehicle will come forward and claim responsibility, however if anyone has information as to who this person is, please call Tom Gish Jr. at (425) 339-1160.

LYNNWOOD- Missing Person- Cassandra Lennon

Lynnwood PD is looking for Cassandra “Casey” Lennon as a missing person. She was last seen at the Barnes & Noble near Alderwood Mall on September 15, 2010. She may be driving a white 2004 Subaru station wagon (Washington license plate 491-RZU).

Police consider her endangered because of an unspecified medical condition.

Cassandra Lennon is white with blonde hair and blue eyes. She is 5ft 3in and 160 pounds.

If you see or know where Cassandra is located, please contact Detective Post at phone: (425) 670-5620, email: epost@ci.lynnwood.wa.us. Refer to case number 10-07788.

Article from this morning’s The Herald:

http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20100922/NEWS01/709219777

GOLD CREEK- Burglary, Car Prowls, Vandalism

Lots of activity in Gold Creek over the past week:

Early this morning, September 15, 2010, a Gold Creek homeowner found that the hoses and nozzles had been cut off, possibly for use in siphoning gasoline from neighboring cars.

On Sunday, September 12, 2010, in the vicinity of 152nd St SE and 68th Ave SE, a Gold Creek 2a resident inadvertently left the garage door open overnight. Burglars took items from the car trunk and garage, but didn’t enter the house.

Early Friday morning, September 10, 2010, someone stole all 4 wheels and tires from a car in the vicinity of 155th St SE and 65th Ave SE, leaving the car on the ground in the driveway.

On Thursday, September 9, 2010, a Gold Creek 2a resident on 152nd Street near the Silver Lake Water reservoir was awakened by their driveway motion sensors and discovered a young man going through his car that was in the driveway. He called police and a deputy did catch up with the prowler and at least one of his accomplices. Nothing was stolen so no arrest was made.

A Gold Creek home was burglarized on Wednesday, September 8, 2010, between 12:30pm and 3pm in the vicinity of 67th Ave SE and Puget Park Dr SE. Entry was through a locked horizontal slide window over the kitchen sink. An "S" type pry bar was likely used which cleanly pulled the screws out for easy entry.

There was no vandalism but the burglars targeted money and jewelry. Total loss in material value was about $2,000. In sentiment and personal value, priceless. A police report was issued but chances of any recovery are slim.

BURGLARY- Preventing Repeat Crime

On Sunday, The Seattle Times published an interesting article about a LAPD program that tries to predict where and when crimes will occur using sophisticated computer software and data on where crime has happened in the recent past (http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2012812815_crimeprediction05.html). The focus of this research is on burglaries.

The research uses a relatively new theory of crime prediction called exact or near-repeat effect. This theory says that when criminals burglarize a home, it and its neighboring homes are highly likely to be burglarized again in the near future.

This theory views criminals as rational decision-makers who look for opportunities to steal where the target (in this case a house) is easy to enter without getting caught and has enough in it to be worth the effort. So, a house in a neighborhood that does not have an alarm or where no one will call the cops is more vulnerable than a house that displays an alarm sign in a neighborhood that has a reputation for calling 911 at any sign of suspicious behavior.

We citizens can use this understanding to prevent burglaries even without fancy computer models. We don't have to psychoanalyze a crook for his/her inner motivations either. We can look at our homes and our neighborhoods for vulnerabilities/opportunities that criminals might look for and then take those vulnerabilities/opportunities away from the criminal.

You may have heard about CPTED, Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design. Much of the basis for CPTED is from this rational thinking model. For more on CPTED you can go to http://sheriff.snoco.org/Documents/CPTED.pdf. Use it to look at your home and neighborhood to improve the security around you.

Our goal in preventing crime should mean not to be a victim in the first place. But sometimes someone in our safe neighborhood is victimized. The assumption of the LAPD computer program is that a burglarized home and its neighbors will be victimized again. If this happens in your neighborhood, this is not a time for panic, fear, or hand wringing. It is a time to take stalk of your home and your neighborhood. There may be a new opportunity/vulnerability that the crook has found that might need fixing. It is also a time for talking to your neighbors, to know what happened. That way you individually and your neighborhood as a community can find ways to improve your security and break any future repeat burglaries.

This is article explains a little more about the LAPD program:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/02/100222094826.htm


This paper talks about the research involved with the LAPD program (if you read this, you’re really into the subject):
http://www.math.ucla.edu/~mbshort/papers/crime2.pdf

BURGLARY PREVENTION- Things Your Neighborhood Burglar Won't Tell You

The following was published recently in The Reader's Digest. After reading it, you might feel like paranoia is setting in. Don't be paranoid. Use this list as guidance to protect yourself and your property.

Thanks to Marcella Zettler for passing this on.


1. Of course I look familiar. I was here just last week cleaning your carpets,
painting your shutters, or delivering your new refrigerator.

2. Hey, thanks for letting me use the bathroom when I was working in your yard
last week. While I was in there, I unlatched the back window to make my return a
little easier.

3. Love those flowers. That tells me you have taste... and taste means there
are nice things inside. Those yard toys your kids leave out always make me wonder
what type of gaming system they have.

4. Yes, I really do look for newspapers piled up on the driveway. And I might
leave a pizza flyer in your front door to see how long it takes you to remove it..

5. If it snows while you're out of town, get a neighbor to create car and foot
tracks into the house. Virgin drifts in the driveway are a dead giveaway.

6. If decorative glass is part of your front entrance, don't let your alarm company
install the control pad where I can see if it's set. That makes it too easy.

7. A good security company alarms the window over the sink. And the windows on
the second floor, which often access the master bedroom - and your jewelry. It's
not a bad idea to put motion detectors up there too.

8. It's raining, you're fumbling with your umbrella, and you forget to lock your
door - understandable. But understand this: I don't take a day off because of bad
weather.

9. I always knock first. If you answer, I'll ask for directions somewhere or
offer to clean your gutters. (Don't take me up on it.)

10. Do you really think I won't look in your sock drawer? I always check dresser
drawers, the bedside table, and the medicine cabinet.

11. Here's a helpful hint: I almost never go into kids' rooms.

12. You're right: I won't have enough time to break into that safe where you
keep your valuables. But if it's not bolted down, I'll take it with me.

13. A loud TV or radio can be a better deterrent than the best alarm system .
If you're reluctant to leave your TV on while you're out of town, you can buy a
$35 device that works on a timer and simulates the flickering glow of a real television.
(Find it at http://www.faketv.com/> http://www.faketv.com/)



8 MORE THINGS A BURGLAR WON'T TELL YOU:

1. Sometimes, I carry a clipboard. Sometimes, I dress like a lawn guy and carry
a rake. I do my best to never, ever look like a crook.

2. The two things I hate most: loud dogs and nosy neighbors.

3. I'll break a window to get in, even if it makes a little noise. If your neighbor
hears one loud sound, he'll stop what he's doing and wait to hear it again.. If
he doesn't hear it again, he'll just go back to what he was doing. It's human nature.

4. I'm not complaining, but why would you pay all that money for a fancy alarm
system and leave your house without setting it?

5. I love looking in your windows. I'm looking for signs that you're home, and
for flat screen TVs or gaming systems I'd like. I'll drive or walk through your
neighborhood at night, before you close the blinds, just to pick my targets.

6. Avoid announcing your vacation on your Facebook page. It's easier than you
think to look up your address.

7. To you, leaving that window open just a crack during the day is a way to let
in a little fresh air. To me, it's an invitation.

8. If you don't answer when I knock, I try the door. Occasionally, I hit the
jackpot and walk right in.


Sources: Convicted burglars in North Carolina, Oregon, California, and Kentucky;
security consultant Chris McGoey, who runs http://www.crimedoctor.com/> http://www.crimedoctor.com/ and Richard T. Wright, a criminology professor at the University of Missouri-St. Louis, who interviewed 105 burglars for his book Burglars on the Job.

As published in Reader's Digest: http://www.rd.com/your-america-inspiring-people-and-stories/13-things-a-burglar-wont-tell-you/article156709.html

SNOHOMISH- Heroin Increasing in Small Towns

Recently, The Herald quoted law enforcement officials as pointing out that they are seeing an increase of heroin use in Snohomish County. The officials attribute the increase to the recent surge in abuse of prescription drugs, especially Oxycontin. Oxycontin is a powerful synthetic opiate. Oxycontin abusers often turn to heroin which is easier and cheaper to obtain. Also, the manufacturer of Oxycontin is changing the formula to make it harder to grind up to smoke or snort.


Detectives have been recovering “gunpowder heroin” in recent drug busts. Gunpowder heroin is made up of Mexican black or brown tar heroin that is ground up with a common (and unspecified) kitchen ingredient. This form of heroin is easy to make and is smoked rather than injected. Snohomish County law enforcement agencies have not seen a smoked form of heroin in the county in decades. It returned about 10 months ago.

The article also points out the toll that heroin can make on young lives. If you have high school aged children, read this article:
The Herald article (August 26, 2010): http://bit.ly/bUgPnI

The Snohomish Regional Drug Task Force has more information about heroin:
http://www.srdtf.org/heroin

Here is a slide presentation about a similar form of heroin called “Cheese”:
http://www.srdtf.org/pageview.aspx?id=25624

More resources:

Office of National Drug Control Policy- Heroin:
http://www.whitehousedrugpolicy.gov/drugfact/heroin/index.html

SNOHOMISH COUNTY- School is Starting

Another September and school has begun or is starting for our children. The following article from The Herald has tips on how you and your children can be safe driving and walking between school and home:


http://bit.ly/a5ztyn

AUTUMN MEADOWS- Car Prowl

Overnight on Wednesday September 1/Thursday September 2, a car was broken into in the vicinity of 122nd Pl SE and 44th Dr SE. The car prowlers smashed out the driver's window and then went through the glove box, console and trunk. The only thing that was missing was an old emergency roadside toolbox. There was nothing of value in the car for them to take.

TAMBARK TRAILS- Burglary, Second Time Around

A homeowner, whose house was broken into on August 6, was broken into again in the last two or three days. The burglar was “extremely messy” dumping the contents of drawers and cabinets onto the floor. The victim had not yet replaced any valuables that had been taken in the first burglary.


Entry this time was through a window in the kitchen.

Note: Victims often wonder why burglars are so messy and seem to vandalize a home by throwing stuff on the floor. Often they are looking for your hiding places where you keep your cash, drugs, prescriptions, guns, etc. They don’t want to take too much time so they will just dump the contents until they have gone through the whole house or they think they had better get out.

Also, it is not uncommon for burglars or their buddies to return a few weeks after burglarizing a home to pick up the items that have been replaced from the first burglary. If you have been burglarized take a survey of your house for weak points. You can use this checklist to help you- http://sheriff.snoco.org/Documents/Homesecurity.pdf. The most obvious is where the burglar was able to enter your house. But look for other weak places also. This handout gives some good pointers- http://sheriff.snoco.org/Documents/Residential%20Burglary.pdf.

And when you receive your replacement items, after your insurance settlement, this might be a good opportunity to participate in “Operation ID” (http://sheriff.snoco.org/Documents/Operation%20ID.pdf) by marking your valuables and photographing them and noting any serial numbers on a computer disk. Place the disk in a safe place, such as your safe deposit box at your bank.

AUTUMN MEADOWS- Suspicious Person

Friday, August 20 around 5:30 p.m. at 44th Dr and 122nd Dr SE, a middle aged white male approached a homeowner's door. He was claiming to be with a home security company called “Northstar.’ He was very pushy and kept asking specific questions about the home alarm system. Asking questions like, is your alarm actively hooked up, how many sensors do you have. The homeowner had to tell him at least 5-7 times to please leave, and actually had to end up slamming the door on him. The homeowner called 911 and a deputy showed up and talked with the "salesman."

MILL CREEK- Robbery

On Thursday morning, August 19, 2010, a man robbed a store in the Thomas Lake Shopping Center in the vicinity of 35^th Ave SE and 132^nd St SE. He showed a knife and demanded cash.

The robber was in his late teens or early 20’s. He wore a mask, a black baseball cap, black sweatshirt and jeans. He was about 6ft tall and around 200 pounds.

Mill Creek PD urges all shoppers and businesses to watch out for suspicious activity. Suspects who are casing a business will often spend a long time watching businesses, walking or driving past the business and/or hanging out outside of the business.

If you see this type or other suspicious activity around a business, call 911.

Mill Creek PD points out that this is the ninth robbery in Mill Creek in about the last three months.

The Herald:

http://bit.ly/aDy9QA

LYNNWOOD- Robbery Suspect Update

Lynnwood PD believes that they have apprehended a suspect that robbed an elderly couple of a purse at Alderwood Mall on Wednesday afternoon. According to The Herald, a 25 year old Everett man was arrested on suspicion of first-degree robbery on Friday in connection to this incident.

The Herald:

http://bit.ly/aDy9QA

LYNNWOOD- PD Seeks Robbery Suspect

Lynnwood PD is seeking a man who robbed an elderly couple of a purse at Alderwood Mall in the late afternoon of Wednesday.

The man is described as white, in his mid-20's, with brown hair and was wearing a dark work coat, red shirt and blue jeans.

Anyone with information about this man please call detective Ross Adams of the Lynnwood PD at (425) 670-5614.

The Herald:
http://bit.ly/cUDNtn

HAWTHORNE STATION- Burglary, Question

Shrouded Lock

Question from Diana:

Your suggestion of locking the gates to the backyard sound good, but one question comes to mind. How then would the meter reader get back there to read the meter?

I checked with the Snohomish County PUD.

You can provide the PUD with a lock or combination to your gate to the back yard. Meter readers also have the capability to read meters remotely. This requires a special meter for a $150 fee.

If you want to use a lock I would recommend a shrouded lock. A shrouded lock prevents a burglar from cutting the shackle. See attached for picture of an example.

Contact the PUD at 425-783-1000 for more information.

Their website also has a statement concerning this situation:
Meter Reading FAQs:
http://www.snopud.com/home/homefaqs/faqmtrread.ashx?p=1285

The PUD is the major electricity provider in Snohomish County. Other utilities, such as for gas (Puget Sound Energy) may have different policies so contact them if you have their meters on your property.

SILVER LAKE TERRACE- Suspicious Activity

On August 11, 2010, between 5:00 and 5:30pm, a young man, 19 to 20 years old, approached the front door of a house in the vicinity of 121st St SE and 121st Pl SE. He asked the homeowner if he could get some gas for his maroon van. He said that he and his dad had run out. The homeowner did not see anyone in the van. The windows were practically covered with blankets and junk. The homeowner agreed to put some gas in the van, however, faked putting gas into the gas tank. After that, the young man started the van.


During the course of this incident, the young man asked who owned the Honda that was parked in the driveway.

The homeowner got the feeling that the young man was casing the neighborhood.

The description of the man is 5’10” to 5’11” in height, slender build with blondish hair.

THE FALLS- Attempted Car Prowl and Burglary

On August 10th I reported on suspicious activity in the area of 138th Pl SE and 64th Dr SE. Also, during that time at 11:30pm, a young male was seen trying the doors of a vehicle parked in the driveway of a house near this intersection. After trying the doors, he attempted to enter the back yard of the house through a side gate. This gate was locked. The male then got into a dark colored truck which was parked near the house and flashed its lights. An orange/red colored Eclipse drove to the location and parked. One or more males got out and got into the truck which drove away. Later around 2:00am, a vehicle returned to the Eclipse where several youth got out and walked down the street. Rumor has it that several underage youth were stopped at a nearby house for having alcohol.

WINDSOR ESTATES- Suspicious Activity

A white Toyota pick-up truck has been observed roaming the neighborhood in the past month or so. While this may not be odd in and of itself, the peculiar aspect is that the truck has been seen driving in and out of driveways during the very early morning hours. Just this week, the truck was recorded driving into the neighborhood as early as 4:45 a.m. One neighbor shared the following:

"We live in Windsor Estates and this morning at 05:15 am there was a white Toyota pickup truck with a blue cooler in the back, license WA A04372U, in our driveway. This truck is similar to the previous truck that was used for a previous burglary in our neighborhood."

This neighbor leaves for work very early. She happened to glance out her house window and noticed the pick-up loitering on her [long] driveway. When her husband tried to approach the truck it drove out of the community, and was recorded leaving at 5:18 a.m.

They contacted the Sheriff’s Office about the truck but were told that the plates belonged to a RED truck. Therefore, we believe the plates may have been switched. Nonetheless, the description of it being a White Toyota Pick-up coming up to driveways very early in the morning has been mentioned by several neighbors. A similarly described truck has also been seen loitering at other times of the day as well.

Note: Be sure to secure your house and vehicles. Also, call 911 if you see suspicious activity in your neighborhood. For guidance on what you can do to protect yourself from burglaries and car prowls go to:

Burglary Prevention:
http://sheriff.snoco.org/Documents/MayJun05.pdf

http://sheriff.snoco.org/Documents/MarApr06.pdf

Car Prowl/Car Theft Prevention:
http://sheriff.snoco.org/Documents/JanFeb04.pdf

CHESTNUT TRAILS- Vandalism

On Monday, August 9, 2010, a rock was thrown at a house and windowpane was broken. No one was injured and the police department was notified.

HAWTHORNE STATION- Burglary

On Wednesday, August 11, 2010 a home was broken into in Hawthorne Station on 214th Pl SE and 36th Dr SE. An Asian man parked his car one block from the home that he broke into. He rang the doorbell and looked inside the front window. Once he realized no one was home he proceeded to the back of the home through a gate and accessed the house through a lower kitchen window. A neighbor saw the suspicious activity and called 911 and then proceeded to follow the burglar to his car. The burglar said he was visiting a friend and then drove off. The homeowners noticed some money and a purse missing. The Sheriff dusted a hand print on the window. The Sheriff also found the car in a parking lot in Canyon Park and impounded it. The subject was an Asian male, small build with short brown hair. The Sheriff said they were looking for the same man in the morning because he broke into a different home in a different part of Bothell earlier in the day.

Note: People like fences for privacy. Many crime prevention officers do not like them. They can give privacy for a burglar. If you have a solid fence around your back yard, be sure that your gate has a good lock that can only be opened from the inside of your yard.

THE FALLS- Suspicious Activity

During the past two or three weeks, homeowners in the vicinity of 64th Dr SE and 138th Pl SE have seen various vehicles parked late at night at this intersection. Sometimes the vehicles flash their headlights a few times and then wait. Then another car, or sometimes people on foot, will come by and stop also. At times, they’re only there for a short while. One of the vehicles is an older, white Dodge Durango with black tail light covers and a loud engine. This activity usually occurs around 11:00 to 12:00pm. The latest occurrence of this activity was last night (August 9/10) when the vehicle was parked until 2:00am or so.

The neighbors don’t know what this activity is. Some think it could be drug deals. Others think that someone’s daughter has been forbidden to see a particular boy. This could be their effort to see each other behind the backs of the girl’s parents.

If you see activity like this, don’t hesitate to call 911 and ask for a deputy to check it out.

THE FALLS- Car Prowl

At 5:50am this morning, a homeowner witnessed suspicious activity around her neighbor’s Acura in the vicinity of 140th St SE and 64th Dr SE. Two Hispanic males in their early 20’s were checking the car out, one peering through a window, the other looking under the car.

This vehicle was broken into. The doors were locked. The car prowlers broke a window and took a purse.

The witness saw one of the suspects head south on 64th Dr SE toward Totem Falls Elementary school while the other headed north on 64th Dr SE toward 138th Pl SE. A black sedan with heavily tinted windows, possibly a Honda, was associated with this activity. The car had a spoiler on the back and the wheels had just the lug nuts showing with no fancy rims. The license plate number is:

857 YYC


The Sheriff’s Office is extremely interested in this vehicle and anyone associated with it. If you see the car, call 911 immediately.

TAMBARK TRAILS- Burglary

Sometime during the day of Friday, August 6, 2010, a house was broken into in the vicinity of 186th Place SE and 25th Ave SE. The homeowner came home to find that her front door had been pushed open. The burglar(s) took a laptop and some blank checks.

Subsequently, a neighbor talked to a few of his neighbors who said that they saw a person “looking for a dog” in the backyards of some homes in the vicinity of 25th Ave SE and 189th Pl SE. The individual is described as a male Caucasian, 5’8” tall, about 150 lbs with a shaved head and dark features (eyes and brows). At least one neighbor questioned this individual. Also, a different person was driving around the neighborhood in a silver Chrysler PT Cruiser yelling for a dog.

Note: People often look for lost pets. But, if someone is looking for a pet in your neighbor’s back yard it might pay to talk to them and to call 911 to report them as suspicious. Even if they are legitimate, having a deputy talk to them is not a bad idea.

THE FALLS- Stolen Car

Overnight on Tuesday/Wednesday, August 3-4, 2010, a 1996 White Honda Prelude was stolen from the 6600 block of Cascade Dr SE. The theft was discovered around 6:30am on Wednesday and reported to the Sheriff’s Office.

The previous owner had installed a Lojack device. The car was recovered by law enforcement at about 1:00am on Thursday morning at a downtown Everett hotel. Three people were arrested in connection with this car theft.

The car thieves stripped the car of its speakers and the CD front plate. There was also a sawed off key jammed in the ignition. No other damage was apparent.


Comment: No one wants to be a victim of a car theft. But, by this description, the car was probably taken in the late evening of Tuesday or early morning of Wednesday, and recovered at 1:00am on Thursday. That’s pretty fast! Victim gets their car back. In this case, the bad guys were caught and hopefully have learned a lesson (OK, I know, I’m naïve).

For those who have not heard of LoJack, it is a device that sends a signal to receivers that are installed in police cars when a car is reported stolen. Since its introduction to the Puget Sound market, several years ago, it has helped to reduce car thefts in our area. For more information about LoJack, go to their website at http://www.lojack.com/.

For more information about protecting your car from theft, go to http://sheriff.snoco.org/Documents/JanFeb04.pdf.

EVERETT- Hit and Run Update

On Sunday, July 25, 2010, the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office began an investigation on a hit and run incident that killed a man in the 1100 block of 128th St SW. At first, the Sheriff’s Office associated a dark colored stolen Ford F150 pick up truck to the hit and run and to another hit and run further south of 128th.

As a result of further investigation, the Sheriff’s Office has determined that the Ford was not involved in the death. Deputies recovered the stolen truck this morning after a chase. A 19 year old male was taken into custody.

Detectives believe that a light colored extended cab pickup truck was involved in the hit and run death. The truck probably has front end damage. A nearby security camera shows a light colored truck near the scene.

Detectives also are looking for a dark colored SUV that may have been driven by a witness or witnesses.

If you have any information about this incident please call the Sheriff’s Tip Line at (425) 388-3845 or Detective John Cummings at 425-388-5432.


The Herald:

http://heraldnet.com/article/20100728/NEWS01/707289688&news01ad=1#Police.ask.for.help.in.hit-and-run.death

KIRO 7 News:

http://www.kirotv.com/news/24430394/detail.html

SHERIFF’S OFFICE- Partners in Crime Prevention

The latest issue of the Sheriff’s Office crime prevention newsletter, “Partners in Crime Prevention" is now available. This issue talks about Animal Control. Animal Control officers have 4 times more contact with the public than other law enforcement officers. Find out about barking dogs and leash laws:

http://sheriff.snoco.org/Documents/JulAug10.pdf

EVERETT- Sheriff's Office Looking for Hit & Run Driver

The Snohomish County Sheriff's Office is looking for a dark-blue 2005 Ford Ranger with a Washington license plate B35457F that may have been involved in a hit and run crash in the vicinity of the 1100 block of 128th St SW south of Everett.

At 12:30am on July 25, 2010, a deceased man was found in the middle of 128th St SW. A witness told deputies that a dark colored pickup truck was involved in the hit and run. The description matched a stolen pickup that was involved in another earlier hit and run in the vicinity of 148th Street SW and Highway 99 near Lynnwood.

If you see this truck or know it's whereabouts call 911 or the Sheriff's Office Tip Line- 425-388-3845.

For more information:

The Herald: http://bit.ly/cM7pq8

KING5.com: http://bit.ly/dp5NHu

WINDSOR ESTATES- Burglary

Around noon on Wednesday July 21, 2010, in Windsor Estates (vicinity of 39th
Ave SE and 212th St SE), a home was burglarized with the female homeowner gardening in the back yard.

A man knocked on the door and asked the male owner of the house if they needed any work done to the house. The owner said no.

A short time later the owner drove out of Windsor while the wife was working in the backyard. Immediately the home was broken into and burglarized.

A neighbor's video recorder filmed a white 4 door Chevy Silverado pickup truck with a bed liner cover with chrome wheels as the culprit. The burglars evidently parked down the street (on 209th Place SE) and pulled right into the driveway of the house immediately after the homeowner left in his car.

Anybody who might have any information about this Silverado or who owns it should call 911 or the Sheriff’s Tip Line at (425) 388-3845 or leave a message at the Sheriff’s Office online Tip Line at:

http://sheriff.snoco.org/Sheriff_Services/SCSO_Tip_Line.htm

Note: Burglars often use some sort of ruse, such as selling magazines or offering to work to check to see if anyone is home. Be especially suspicious if you open the door and the person(s) on the other side stumble through an explanation or question (ahh, is ah John Smith here?).

Also, this is the reason police often recommend that when you are gardening/working in the back yard that you lock your front doors and close your garage doors. The bad guys can be in your house without you even knowing about it. It might sound silly when you first hear it, but this stuff does happen.

SNOHOMISH COUNTY – National Night Out

National Night Out, on August 3, 2010, is coming up fast. The purpose of National Night Out is to bring neighbors and police together to fight crime.

Snohomish County is hosting its annual National Night Out event at McCollum Park, 600 128th St. SE, Everett between 5 to 9pm on August 3rd.

Come learn how to prevent crime in your neighborhood.

For more about this event go to:

http://www.co.snohomish.wa.us/documents/Departments/Executive/News/NR_NNO_7.13.10.pdf


Or if you prefer, use National Night Out to get to know your neighbors with a block party in your neighborhood on August 3. Consider having a barbecue, an ice cream social, or some other type of neighborhood party. If you let the Sheriff’s Office know in advance, they will schedule a deputy to drop by your event. For more information and ideas about National Night Out, go to www.natw.org/nno/about.htlml. If you would like a deputy to drop by your event email Ann Gifford at neighborhoodwatch@snoco.org

SNOHOMISH COUNTY- Burn Ban

The Snohomish County Fire Marshal has issued a modified outdoor burn ban for all areas of unincorporated Snohomish County. The ban is in effect until further notice.

The ban prohibits outdoor burning except for recreational fires. Recreational fires are less than 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet high and are for cooking and pleasure only.

The ban has been issued due to expected hot and dry weather in the Puget Sound region.

To read the full text of the Fire Marshal’s press release, go to:

http://www.co.snohomish.wa.us/documents/Departments/Executive/News/NR_BurnBan_7.16.10.pdf

THE FALLS- Car Prowls

In the last few weeks, several car windows have been smashed and at least one car was broken into in the vicinity of the cul de sacs at 142nd Pl SE and 143rd Pl SE. The car prowls occurred on two separate occasions.

MILL CREEK- Serial Robber

Mill Creek police want the public’s help to find a suspected serial robber. The individual is believed to have conducted seven robberies in Mill Creek area since May.

The latest robbery occurred on Thursday at the Subway at the Thomas Lake Center (35th Ave SE and 132nd St SE) where the robber took $142.

The suspect is described as a white man with a thin build between 5 feet 6 inches to 6 feet tall.

If you know where Mill Creek Police can find this person please call 425-745-6175.

The Herald article: http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20100717/NEWS01/707179943/-1/news01#Police.seek.Mill.Creek.serial.robber

PIONEER TRAILS- Attempted Burglary

On the night of July 14/15 someone went into an open garage on 42nd Dr SE and removed property into a stash pile in the green belt. Law enforcement caught them before the owners knew what happened. Reminder: when you shut your garage door, watch it go all the way down.

AUTUMN MEADOWS- Kid Out at Night

A homeowner left their home (near 122nd Pl SE and 43rd Dr) at 3:30 am and encountered a teen dressed all in black on a skate board going down the newly paved black road. Please watch out for any similar occurrences and remind your children to dress in bright clothing when out after dark.

Note: One might wonder what a teen is doing out at that hour, but the advice to wear light colored clothing when it is dark is good advice, especially in the winter.

GRAFFITI- “Remover Magic”

Thanks to David Croutworst for pointing out a graffiti removing product at the July Partnership meeting last week.

Called “Remover Magic”, this product is biodegradable and is made with natural solvents. Its manufacturer, Certol International, says that it will only remove the undesirable marks on most surfaces. It will work on smooth surfaces such as painted surfaces, glazed brick, metals, baked enamels, granite, tiles, aluminum, ceramics, glass, and most plastics. And porous surfaces such as bricks, stone, cinder block, concrete, fabric, wood, etc.

It safely removes oil base, latex and enamel paints, lipstick, crayon marks, and wax, shoe dye and scuff marks, all types of markers, including sharpies, gum and adhesives, and tire marks.

Meant to be sold in 55 gallon drums, it is also available in 2 oz, 16 oz, 1 and 5 gallon containers for a limited time.

For more information about this product, go to:

http://www.certol.com/RM%20Header.aspx


You can contact Certol International at:

6120 East 58th Ave
Commerce City, CO 80022
Toll free phone number: (800) 843-3343


Are there any other products that you have used that you have found to be successful in removing graffiti? Let your neighbors know. They will appreciate your tip.

COPPER CREEK- Car Prowls

In the early morning hours of July 15, 2010, between 2am and 6am, at least 7 vehicles were broken into in Copper Creek (vicinity of 12th/13th Dr SE and 186th St SE). The car prowlers took what they could see such as an iPod, iPod charger, bank statements, keys, etc.

AUTUMN MEADOWS - Burglary

An Autumn Meadows home (vicinity of 43rd Drive SE and 122nd Pl SE) was broken into and burglarized Monday, July 5 between 8:30 and 10:30 AM.

The resident had left the house at 8:30 AM. A neighbor noticed a silver blue sedan in the driveway sometime after they left. Thieves completely destroyed the front door and jam with a crow bar. Jewelry and personal items were stolen- watches, rings, necklaces, etc.

A Sheriff’s deputy was able to take fingerprints.

This may be a team of 3 that will case a house, knock on the door, leave for a few minutes, then come back, and knock again. If there is no answer, they enter the house and take property that is easy to sell, fence or pawn.

As usual, if you see any unusual or suspicious activity on your neighbor’s property call 911.

GRAFFITI- Where Did It Go?

Friday I noticed some graffiti on a fence that has had graffiti before in my neighborhood. I was going to report it in the blog as a reminder that graffiti is still a problem.

This morning, I saw that the graffiti was gone. Painted over.

Now those of you who have been following the emails that we exchange know that the rule of thumb is to remove graffiti within 24 to 48 hours from its discovery. So, someone took the initiative to paint over the graffiti to discourage future taggers from spreading their "artwork." Good show!

Remember, to report graffiti, call (425) 388-3311 or go online to http://www.snoco.org/app/pds/graffiti/

Has graffiti been a problem in your neighborhood? Please let us know.

Steve Moller

BURGLARY PREVENTION- Making Burglaries More Difficult

Follow this link to a real good video from Seattle PD on how you can protect yourself from burglaries. Summer is a time of year when burglaries increase, so take heed.

http://bit.ly/cTY9ow

The comments on how to secure back doors are good for any door to the outside. Many of us have sliding glass doors in the back of the house. Secure them with a "Charley Bar."

If you are in unincorporated Snohomish County, go to the Snohomish County Sheriff's Office for more burglary prevention information:

Burglary Prevention:

http://sheriff.snoco.org/Documents/MayJun05.pdf

Burglar Alarms:

http://sheriff.snoco.org/Documents/MarApr06.pdf

More prevention information:

http://sheriff.snoco.org/Sheriff_Services/CrimePrevention/CommunityPolicingNewsletter.htm


Thanks to www.SeattleCrime.com

EDMONDS- Burglary Suspect

On June 26, in the early evening a homeowner left their home for about 1 hour. While gone, a burglar entered the house and stole 2 computers, a camera, plus other items.

The burglar entered the house through the garage, cut a hole in the sheet rock, and then entered the master bath.

Indoor video shows the suspect to be a white male, 18-25 years old, 5’8″ to 5’10″ with brown hair. The video shows the suspect taking items, putting them into a backpack, and then leaving the residence. The total time that the suspect was in the house was about three minutes.

If you know who this burglar is please contact the Edmonds Police Department at 425-771-0200.

Note: This incident demonstrates that most burglars try not to stay too long in a house when they are stealing from it. In fact, 3 minutes might be long for some burglars.

Picture thanks to My Edmonds News (www.MyEdmondsNews.com).

For more information:

My Edmonds News:

http://myedmondsnews.com/2010/07/can-you-help-police-identify-this-burglary-suspect/

The Seattle Times:

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/theblotter/2012258382_burglars_takes_just_3_minutes.html

SOUTH SNOHOMISH COUNTY- Big Drug Bust

Last night’s major media covered a large drug bust conducted in Edmonds, Lynnwood, Mill Creek, Everett, Bothell and Mukilteo. A total of 26 locations were served with search warrants. At least 30 suspects were taken into custody who ranged in age from 25 to 75 years old.

The drug operation involved a sophisticated marijuana grow organization made up of primarily Vietnamese. The marijuana was grown in houses, many rented, in quiet neighborhoods. Sophisticated measures were taken to suppress the smell of the marijuana and the suspects bypassed electrical meters to steal electricity and to avoid suspicion of increased electricity use.

Note: Marijuana indoor grows have been around for a long time now. The latest trend seems to be that Vietnamese or Asians have become increasingly involved.

Typically, an indoor marijuana grow is in a quiet neighborhood, as revealed in yesterdays reporting. Signs of its activity might be more subtle than with a typical “drug” house. Neighbors may not see anyone going in or out of the house. They may not have any contact with the “residents.” Entry and exit may occur at odd hours of the night and for short periods.

Obviously, if you observe little activity around a house a call to 911 might be in order for suspicious activity. Sometimes no activity can be suspicious.

For more information about yesterday’s activity and for video of the inside some of the houses go to:

The Herald:

http://bit.ly/aojyxq

KING 5 TV News:

http://bit.ly/dcJyAP

KIRO TV News:

http://bit.ly/9YmVnW

SHAUNESSY - Indecent Exposure

On Wednesday June 30, 2010, around 8am a black male in his mid 20's exposed his genitals to a pedestrian in Shaunessy (south of 148th St SE and east of 35th Ave SE). The male was in his 20's with a shaved head or tight hair cut. He was driving a gold 4-door Honda Accord with WA plates (partial number includes H1). After exposing himself he drove away and did not say anything.

SHERIFF’S OFFICE- Crime Prevention Newsletter

The Sheriff’s Office has posted its crime prevention newsletter, Partner’s in Crime Prevention. Subjects in this issue include:

• Calling 911
• Containment- Catching the Bad Guys
• Prosecutor’s Office- Holding Criminals Accountable
• Sheriff’s Office Volunteers


You can find the newsletter at:

http://sheriff.snoco.org/Documents/MayJun10.pdf


Note the new format for the newsletter.

SAFEWAY- Kids are Hanging Out

Over the past few weeks there has been concern about teens hanging out at the shopping center with the Safeway at 134th Pl SE and Puget Park Dr SE. The teens vandalize property; make a mess in parts of the shopping center, etc. Recently, at least one car was broken into.

Comment: The Sheriff’s Office is working with shopping center vendors and residents of the surrounding neighborhoods to try to resolve this situation. Retailers, neighborhood residents and the Sheriff’s Office need to communication together to develop creative solutions and effective action.

Note: Summer is a time of year when crimes seem to be on the increase. Not all teens are out to cause trouble. But, there will be those who hang out overnight unsupervised, and will do stuff that vandalizes the community and will take the opportunity to steal what is easy. Many people park their cars outside of their homes. Also, they may go to the store late at night. When you park your car, be sure not to keep anything in view, cash, wallet, cell phone, packages, etc. Seeing something in your car will give a potential thief the opportunity to steal.

THE FALLS- Kids Out Late at Night

Recently, underage kids have been heard loudly walking parts of The Falls after midnight. This has especially been bad overnight on June 23 and 24. Apparently, if you ask them to be quiet they tell you to “take a hike.” There is also activity by kids at night at Totem Falls Elementary School.

If you hear loud noises at night, call 911.

CORRECTION- Fireworks

The posting dated June 26, said that fireworks stands would start selling on Tuesday, June 29. Many fireworks stands started selling today June 28. Fireworks stands can sell their fireworks starting at 12:00 noon to 11:00pm on June 28. Sales can continue until 9:00pm on July 5. During the sales period June 28 through July 3 stands can be open from 9:00am to 11:00pm. On July 4, stands can be open from 9:00am to 12:00 midnight. (WAC 212-17-21505 (7))

SNOHOMISH COUNTY- 4th of July Fireworks

The 4th of July is coming. Along with BBQ's in the back yard with family and friends comes fireworks to celebrate our freedom.

Fire departments and police have a warning though. Be careful and be legal with fireworks. The July 4, 2009 season saw property damage amounting to $4 million including fire damage to several houses and at least three people seriously injured in Snohomish County. Also, be sure to use legal fireworks at times that they can be set off.

The days around July 4 are also an extremely busy time for the Sheriff's Office and fire districts with numerous calls for help with injuries, complaints about illegal fireworks and disputes among neighbors. The Marysville Fire District points out that the number of calls doubles during the holiday.

Fireworks stands will start selling on Tuesday. But, in unincorporated Snohomish County you can only legally set off fireworks on July 4 between 9am and 11:59pm.

Make this a safe July 4 for you and your family:

- Have a bucket of water ready for emergencies and to douse used fireworks.

- Never build or experiment with homemade fireworks.

- Never let children handle or light fireworks, including sparklers.

- Never ignite fireworks while holding them.

- Make sure you have enough space away from potential hazards, including buildings, vehicles and flammable materials.

- Never light fireworks inside a house or structure, including a garage.

- Don’t wear loose clothing that can catch on fire while handling fireworks.

- Never try to reignite fireworks that have malfunctioned. Soak them in water, and then throw them away.

- Alcohol and fireworks don’t mix.


Information from The Herald:
http://bit.ly/apOkmo

For more information go to:

Snohomish County Fire Marshall's Office:
http://bit.ly/c3R5Oe

Fireworks Safety:
http://bit.ly/do1JAe

Illegal Fireworks:
http://bit.ly/b3z7s3

Fireworks-Related Injuries:
http://www.cdc.gov/ncipc/factsheets/fworks.htm

JULY 4 & DUI's

July 4th is a time for rejoicing for the freedoms that we have, visiting family and friends, outdoor BBQ's, and partying. This also can mean drinking. Drinking and driving can by a dangerous combination.

Snohomish County law enforcement is trying to extend a record- another year with no DUI traffic fatalities. Snohomish County has not had a DUI traffic death on this holiday since 1997.

To continue the record, law enforcement agencies will have extra patrols looking for drunken drivers. See the following press release:


http://www.co.snohomish.wa.us/documents/Departments/Executive/News/NR_DUIPatrols6.24.10.pdf

Remember, if you drink, don't drive. If your friend is drinking, offer to take him/her a ride home. And you have heard this before, a designated driver is always in order.


DUI– You Can Help

Nationwide, drunk and drugged driving leads to one death every 33 minutes, one injury every two minutes and 1.5 million arrests every year. Local law enforcement agencies frequently conduct emphasis patrols looking for drunk drivers during the holidays, St Patrick’s day, New Years Eve and other periods when people often may drink too much then try to drive.

You can help by being alert for drunk drivers and reporting them to 911.

Look for erratic driving- weaving on the road, inability to stay in the lane, alternately speeding then slowing down.

When you call, give:
• Vehicle description
• License #
• Nearest cross street
• Direction of travel

Be careful when using your cell phone and driving. Be sure to use a handsfree device. If the driver is speeding, don’t speed with them! It doesn’t do any good to endanger other lives in a chase. Leave chasing bad guys to the cops.


Your best defense against a drunk driver on the road is:
• To wear your safety belt, make sure any children in the car are in child safety seats.
• Never ride in a car operated by someone who has been drinking- call a cab or ask a friend to drive you home.
• Report drunk drivers to law enforcement from a cell phone or pay phone.
• Keep a safe distance from anyone driving erratically.

LOAN MODIFICATION- Stay Away from Up Front Fees

The Washington State Attorney General's Office recently released a press release about scammers who prey on homeowners who need or want a modification of their home loan. A key feature of the scam is the requirement to pay hefty up front fees before the scammers say that they will perform their service. Their promise is to save you big dollars in reduced mortgage payments.

Watch out for companies that:

Contact you.
Demand large fees upfront.
Claim ridiculously high success rates.
Ask for bank account information in order to withdraw funds.

If you are having trouble paying your mortgage or are in danger of foreclosure you do not need to turn to scammers for help. You can go to the Washington State Homeownership Information Hotline for free help at 1-877-894-HOME or online at www.homeownership.wa.gov.

Go to http://www.atg.wa.gov/BlogPost.aspx?id=25870 for more information and an interview of a recent victim.

ELECTRONICS SCAM- Price Too Good to be True

According to komonews.com, there have been scammers trying to sell electronic equipment cheap in the Puget Sound region including Lynnwood.

During the summer months, scammers frequently hang around shopping mall parking lots, strip malls and busy gas stations offering electronics at ridicuoulsy cheap prices. The reason given for the low price is usually that the scammer needs to get rid of excess inventory. Most victims are young men who think they are getting a good deal. More than likely the electronics are cheap knockoffs that are not worth the cheap price.

If you are approached by someone with an offer like this just walk away.

For more information about this scam go to http://www.komonews.com/news/consumer/96701234.html

DRIVING & CELL PHONES- Soon to be Illegal Without Handsfree Device

The much publicized law to ban talking and texting with a cell phone while driving will become effective on Thursday June 10, 2010. Here are a few links about this new law:

The Seattle Times:

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2012048900_cellphones07m.html

Web site from the State of Washington:

http://bit.ly/d9wO1t

Article from KING 5 News:

http://bit.ly/8YF9CN

DRUG OVERDOSE- 911 Good Samaritan Law

A new law will go into effect on Thursday (June 10, 2010) that will give immunity from prosecution for people who seek medical assistance from a drug overdose. The immunity is extended to both the overdose victim and any witnesses.

For information about this new law go to:

Washington State Attorney General's Office:

http://bit.ly/a64ueT

Article in The Herald:

http://bit.ly/b0QusN

PREVENTING CAR PROWLS- A Strategy

The recent car prowl activity in Crystal Hills has led to some thoughts about how we can prevent car prowls. During the early morning hours of Sunday, May 30 at least three vehicles were broken into in Crystal Hills.

The current recommendation by police to prevent a car prowl is to not have anything visible in your vehicle. That way a potential car prowler will move on to another target. Car prowlers are opportunists. They look for the easiest targets.

The easiest way for all of us to prevent crime (especially property crime) is to take away a criminal's opportunity to steal (think the Crime Triangle- Crime = Opportunity + Motivation + Knowledge). I don't know how many folks take this simple advice. Obviously, not everyone. But you could still be victimized if a car prowler breaks your car window because he/she thought they saw something. You might not have had anything stolen, but you're still out the cost of replacing your window.

If a car prowler goes through a community, he/she can still do property damage as well as steal from those who keep valuables in their car. Our natural tendancy is to want to catch the crook.

Catching car prowlers might seem to be difficult though. In residential areas they work at night when most of us are asleep. Night or day, the Sheriff's Office deputies can't be everywhere. So what can citizens do to help the Sheriff's Office?

Well, an additional activity that local communities can do is encourage their neighbors who are night owls (those that stay up late at night or who go to and from work at night or early morning) to keep an eye out and report any suspicious activity to 911 that they see. We can also park our cars in our locked garage. Some folks may not have enought room in their garages, so another step that they can take is to mount a camera on their garages. At least with a camera, that is hooked up to a computer hard drive, if you are victimized, you can show a deputy the images that will hopefully show the car prowler in the act. In this way, you and your neighbors make your neighborhood difficult for car prowlers to work in.

The Herald recently reported that Everett has had a spike in car prowls. I don't know if that is the case in the rest of the county but it is likely that we may be having an increase in car prowls also. This might be a good time to:

1. Encourage your neighbors not to store anything in their cars or trucks.

2. Encourage your neighbors to report any suspicious activity to 911, day or night.

3. Think about installing a camera on your garage.


Steve Moller