The Sheriff’s Office has received an increase in reports of
thefts in recent months. Lt. Palmer attributed the increase to the rise in
heroin usage. Over the past few years, heroin has become the drug of choice locally
(as well as nationally). Heroin is cheaper than many other drugs such as
prescription drugs (oxycodone) and is also readily available.
Heroin addicts can pick up some relatively inexpensive items
in a sweep of a neighborhood. According to Lt. Palmer, “They really only need
to come up with $25 worth of property today, and then tomorrow, they’ll go out
and get $25 to $50 worth of property and get their drugs because it’s so cheap.”
During the ride-a-long, which aired tonight on KIRO-TV, Lt
Palmer pointed out equipment left in the front yards of homes and a garage, with
the door open, full of possessions ready for the taking. Also, a resident
talked about the theft of his small outboard motor. Outboards are easy for one
person to take. Now, he locks his outboard motor to his boat.
Key items that thieves look for include:
- Yard equipment such as
weed eaters and power tools.
- Propane tanks left with
gas grills.
- Valuables in unlocked cars
including electronics, wallets or garage door openers.
- Keep your yard around your
home clean and uncluttered. Pick up tools and equipment when you are
finished with projects for the day. Store your children’s bicycles and
toys in your house or closed garage.
- Keep landscaping trimmed
so that your house is easily seen from the street.
- Lock your garage door even
while you are home and even when you are working in the yard. A thief can
take something out of your garage without you knowing it, especially if
you are working in your back yard.
- When you park your car in
your driveway or in front of your house, do not store anything in view
through the windows. If a thief can see it, he will take it.
- Be on the lookout for any suspicious
person or activity. If you see anything suspicious, report it right away
to 911. Many burglaries and thefts in residential areas occur during the
day when few people are at home. Encourage your neighbors who are retired
or work from home to be on the lookout for suspicious activity.
Note: On February 18, I posted that the North County
Property Crime Unit was looking for Joseph Nasby and Sarah Dreben. The Sheriff’s
Office reports that both have been apprehended. The Property Crime Unit alleges
that they would look for homes with open garages, sheds, and out buildings to
steal chainsaws, weed trimmers, leaf blowers and weapons.
Take a look at the video of the report, it shows good
examples of property at risk.
KIRO TV:
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