CATALYTIC CONVERTERS – Rare Metals Attracting Thieves

Over the past several months, thieves have been stealing catalytic converters throughout the Puget Sound region. And for some reason, catalytic converter thieves are concentrating on Toyota Prius’.

Catalytic converters convert harmful gases from your car’s exhaust system into less harmful gases and are mandated by federal law to be on all new vehicles. They contain rare, precious metals that are part of the conversion process. The metals attract thieves because they can get a little more for them at metal recyclers.

Thieves can get around $100 for a catalytic converter while the replacement cost for a car owner can be up to $3,000 to $4,000.

Thieves target vehicles that are easier to crawl under such as SUV’s and trucks. Prius’ may be targeted because they are easy to lift.

Removing a catalytic converter can take less than two minutes. Catalytic converters may be bolted or welded to the car frame. Thieves need a wrench or a reciprocating saw for the easy removal.

Reports of catalytic converter thefts have been made throughout the Puget Sound region including Edmonds, Everett, Monroe, Bellingham, Auburn, and Woodinville. The thefts can take place overnight, but police have noted many reports of them occurring in broad daylight in parking lots of grocery stores or shopping areas. Sometimes the thieves wear traffic vests to look like a worker or mechanic and if asked what they are doing just say that they are working on the car.

Victims of the theft have returned to their vehicles to a noisy sounding engine when they turn it on.

Some things that you can do to prevent your catalytic converter from being stolen include,

 

·         Park your vehicle in your garage.

·         Park your vehicle in a well-lit area and close to building entrances.

·         Consider placing an aftermarket cage over your catalytic converter to deter theft.

·         Some experts recommend welding the converter to the car frame.

·         Engrave your vehicle’s VIN to the catalytic converter.

·         Adjust your car alarm to detect vibrations created by sawing.

·         When going through a public parking lot, be on the lookout for suspicious activity such as people working underneath a vehicle or someone who looks like they are acting like a lookout. Edmonds PD says that using a saw is not normal car maintenance behavior. Call 911 if you see suspicious activity.

·         At home, be sure your home surveillance cameras are working.

 

 

 

 

 

KING News:

https://www.king5.com/article/news/crime/spike-in-catalytic-converter-thefts-reported-across-western-washington/281-39bfb3fa-fe64-4df6-8589-9d0df61a68a8

 

My Edmonds News:

https://myedmondsnews.com/2020/12/edmonds-police-report-increasing-number-of-catalytic-converter-thefts/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

 

My Northwest:

https://mynorthwest.com/2177123/prius-catalytic-converter-thieves-puget-sound-region/

 

Allstate Insurance:

https://www.allstate.com/blog/catalytic-converter-theft/

 

Edmunds.com:

https://www.edmunds.com/auto-insurance/in-under-two-minutes-catalytic-converter-theft.html

 

 

 

 

 

 

LAKE STEVENS- Car Prowler Update

On Friday, November 18, I reported that Sheriff’s Office detectives were looking for Travis B. Engelen (http://ssnoccrimewatch.blogspot.com/2016/11/lake-stevens-detectives-looking-for-car.html).

In the late afternoon, yesterday November 2, Snohomish County Deputies and Marysville Police arrested Engelen for ID theft and car prowling. The Sheriff’s Office received a tip about a vehicle theft in the 600 block of Sunnyside Blvd in Lake Stevens. Apparently, a suspect tried to steal a vehicle, was confronted by a homeowner, then stole a farm truck. A short time later, after locating the truck at the Wal-Mart at SR-9 and 64^th St NE, investigating deputies were told by a citizen of a suspicious person who had possibly hidden himself in the trunk of a car in the parking lot. The deputies found the suspect in the trunk of the vehicle. The suspect turned out to be Engelen.

Q13:

http://q13fox.com/2016/11/17/i-will-never-do-it-again-theft-victim-warns-local-hikers-to-protect-valuables/

LAKE STEVENS- Detectives Looking for Car Prowler

Snohomish County detectives are looking for Travis B. Engelen for ID theft and car prowling. A truck was broken into recently at a trailhead for the Centennial Trail near Lake Stevens. Detectives believe that Engelen used credit cards from that truck.

 The truck owner said that she left her purse under a coat thinking it would be safe while she took a walk on the trail. Police warn that keeping valuables in your vehicle only invites thieves to take them. They also warn that you should keep track of your purse and wallet while in a store. According to Sgt. James Maples of the North Snohomish County Property Crimes Unit, “Even in the shopping stores, they turn their back for one moment and keep their purses open rather than leaving it on their person and people are stealing it.”

Engelen has a history of stealing cars and has felony warrants from the Department of Corrections. Police consider him armed and dangerous.

If you know where police can find Engelen call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS which is offering a reward of up to $1,000.

For more details on how he stole the credit cards go to,

Q13:
http://q13fox.com/2016/11/17/i-will-never-do-it-again-theft-victim-warns-local-hikers-to-protect-valuables/

KING/SNOHOMISH COUNTIES- Police Looking for Ca Prowler

Police are looking for Hugh “Pat” Doherty for as many as 100 car prowls in the NE King County and SE Snohomish County areas. Specific pending charges include 2 counts of Eluding, 18 counts of Vehicle Prowl, one count of Theft 1, two counts of ID Theft, one count of Resisting Arrest, and one count of Reckless Driving.

Doherty is 38, 6’1” tall, thin athletic build, and sunken cheeks. He continuously alters his facial hair.

If you can tell where he can be found call Crimes Stoppers, which offers an up to $1,000 reward at 1-800-222-TIPS or submit your information online at http://www.crimestoppers.com/.

Q13 Fox News:

http://q13fox.com/2016/11/11/hugh-pat-doherty-wanted-king-county-suspect-believed-to-be-behind-over-100-car-prowls/

SNOHOMISH- Car Prowlers Stealing at Weddings

Car prowlers look everywhere for cars with purses, wallets, tablet computers. And according to recent press reports, even weddings.

The press reports have been talking about a series of car prowls at wedding venues in the Snohomish area. In at least one of the car prowls, the thieves use stolen credit cards at a Fred Meyer, Walmart and Safeway later that night.

A Sheriff’s Office spokesman has noted that they see more car break-ins when car prowlers think a driver will be away from their vehicle for a long period of time, such as at a mall, in a residential driveway overnight, or at an event such as a wedding or even a funeral. Burglars have also been known to break into homes when they know that the owners are at a funeral.

The spokesman reminded everyone to lock doors and roll up and lock windows. Also not to have anything showing in your vehicle when you park it. You can also help reduce the risk of becoming a victim to a car prowl or burglary by being careful of what you post on social media, such as when you would be attending a wedding, funeral, or going on vacation.

Here are two pictures of a vehicle and two males associated with the stolen credit cards, courtesy of KING-TV. If you know who these suspects are or have any information about car prowls in the Snohomish area, please call the Snohomish Sheriff’s Office’s Anonymous Tip Line at (425) 388-3845.

KING-TV:

http://www.king5.com/news/local/car-prowlers-targeting-wedding-venues-in-snohomish/337977050

The Herald:

http://www.heraldnet.com/news/thieves-hit-during-weddings-at-snohomish-venue/

KIRO-TV:

http://www.kiro7.com/news/local/snohomish-wedding-venues-targeted-by-thieves/458543346

MILL CREEK- Police Looking for Car Prowlers

The Mill Creek Police Department is looking for two car prowlers who are suspected of attacking a homeowner when he interrupted them breaking into his car.

In the incident, which occurred around 3am on Friday, one of the car prowlers hit the homeowner knocking him unconscious.

One suspect is described as Hispanic and between 18 and 22. He is about 5 foot-foot-4-inches and 130 pounds. He has dark eyes and short, wavy black hair, possibly in a ponytail.

Mill Creek Police asks that if you have any information about these suspects, that you give them a call at (425) 6175. You can also call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.

The Herald:

http://www.heraldnet.com/news/mill-creek-police-seek-suspects-in-car-prowl-assault/

Q13 Fox:

http://q13fox.com/2016/10/04/mill-creek-police-searching-for-2-car-prowlers-who-brutally-beat-snohomish-county-homeowner/

CAR PROWLS- It Doesn’t Take Much

Sheriff’s Deputies and police officers have been emphasizing for some time now not to keep anything in view when you park your car. An example of how quickly a car prowler can take your possessions comes with this incident in Arlington.

Arlington police are looking for a female car prowler who stole a purse from a woman’s car. The woman was taking groceries into her daycare. Her arms were full so she left her purse in the car. When she came back to her car her purse was gone.

Police found video showing a woman trying to use the stolen credit card at a local 7-Eleven soon after the car prowl.

As the victim noted in a Q13 story, she did not do anything wrong. But car prowlers take advantage of opportunities when they see them. Don’t let a car prowler have an opportunity, take your purse or wallet with you when you leave your car. And do not leave anything showing in your car when you park it. It only takes less than 30 seconds for a car prowler to steal it.

Q13 TV:

http://q13fox.com/2016/04/08/daycare-car-prowler-i-went-for-my-purse-and-couldnt-find-it-help-identify-suspect-linked-to-bold-parking-lot-theft/

SNOHOMISH COUNTY– Property Crimes Unit Looking for Suspect

The North Snohomish County Property Crimes Unit is looking for Michael Dean Taylor who is a suspect in several vehicle thefts in North Snohomish County. Unit detectives say that he is also a prolific car prowler and ID thief.

According to the detectives, Taylor likes to hang out at casinos where he spends money and gets free coffee. He is known to spend time in Skagit County, Stanwood and Arlington.  

If you know where to find Mr. Taylor, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

 

Washington’s Most Wanted:

https://www.facebook.com/WashingtonsMostWanted/?fref=nf

SNOHOMISH COUNTY- Update: Car Prowler and ID Thief Sought by Sheriff's Office Apprehended

In March of this year I posted an alert about Shauntel Raymur. Washington’s Most Wanted reports that she has been apprehended in the Smokey Point area of northern Snohomish County. Raymur, who was nicknamed the “Birthday Cake Bandit,” was wanted for car prowling and ID theft.

WMW says that she is being held on a $7,500 bail. She also has been charged in Arizona for stealing purses and laptops from cars. There is a potential that Arizona authorities may follow through with a warrant so that she faces charges in that state.

For more on this case, go to:

Washington’s Most Wanted:

https://www.facebook.com/WashingtonsMostWanted

Previous post:

http://ssnoccrimewatch.blogspot.com/2015/03/snohomish-county-car-prowler-and-id.html

EVERETT- Car Prowlers Caught in the Act

Cameras have been become very popular to protect people’s property at home. Cameras may have paid off for one Everett family. In the early morning hours of Wednesday April 29, two car prowlers were caught on video trying to enter three vehicles parked in a driveway. One of the car prowlers was able to open the door of one of the vehicles.

Check out the video on Q13 News link below. If you know who the car prowlers are, call 911 and ask to talk to an Everett police officer.

Note: Cameras can give victims an edge against car prowlers and burglars. While they may not deter all crooks, they can provide evidence that police can use to find the thief. In cases where there is no “suspect information” police find it difficult to follow through with an investigation. If you have video of a car prowler or burglar, tell the call taker when you call 911. The responding officer or deputy will be interested in seeing it.

 

Q13 Fox News:

 http://q13fox.com/2015/04/30/family-in-everett-catches-car-prowlers-in-the-act/

 

 

SNOHOMISH- Car Prowls

The Herald published a short article concerning car prowls in the city of Snohomish. According to the article, drivers left their cars unlocked, making it easy for prowlers to gain access to the inside. In at least one case, a credit card and a signed check were stolen from one victim.

According to a posting on Facebook by the Snohomish Police Department, it has several suspects in custody and has recovered some stolen property.

The Snohomish PD encourages its citizens to lock their cars and not leave valuables showing inside parked cars.

Note: For several years local police departments and the Sheriff’s Office have been encouraging car owners to lock their doors and not have anything showing inside. It seems that if a thief sees anything that might be of value, he/she will break in and take it. It might seem like a bother, but leaving things of value in your car only give these thieves an easy opportunity to take it. Don’t give them that opportunity.

Also, if your neighborhood has been experiencing car prowls, this might be a time to talk to your neighbors and to encourage each other to call 911 for any suspicious activity. Your call could stop a car prowler from victimizing more people.

Here is a Tip Sheet from the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office that you can pass to your friends and neighbors:

http://www.snohomishcountywa.gov/DocumentCenter/Home/View/445

Also, car thefts are a problem in Puget Sound. Here some recent information about car thefts and what you can do to prevent it:

http://www.snohomishcountywa.gov/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/4115

 

The Herald:

http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20150403/NEWS01/150409673

 

Snohomish PD:

https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=376745052517762&id=266332583559010&fref=nf

 

 

 

SNOHOMISH COUNTY– Car Prowler and ID Thief Sought by Sheriff’s Office

Crime prevention professionals often talk about locking car doors and not having anything in view when you park your car. A car prowler can take your purse in a second, even if you go into a convenience store or day care for just a moment. The car prowler and ID thief that the North Snohomish County Property Crimes Unit is looking for is a prime example of how this crime works.

The property crimes unit is looking for Shauntel Raymur who targets women with kids. She will wait until the woman leaves the car and then break into it to take the woman’s purse. Then, she will go to the nearest grocery or convenience store and purchase gas, fast food, and cake. Yes, she apparently likes cake, because detectives have seen video of her purchasing cake and cake mix. Detectives call her the “Birthday Cake Bandit.”

Raymur is 5 foot 4 inches tall and weighs 200 pounds. She has brown or blonde hair. She drives a dark blue GMC Yukon SUV with license plate number AGG9261.

If you know where North Snohomish County Property Crimes Unit detectives can find her call:

Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.

Crime Prevention note- So the thing to do to avoid being victimized be the “Birthday Cake Bandit” or any other car prowler is to take your purse or wallet with you, not leaving anything showing in your car and lock your car when you leave it. No matter how short of a time that you think you will be away!

For more on this case, go to Washington’s Most Wanted:

http://catchwmw.com/2015/03/20/shauntel-raymur-birthday-cake-bandit-accused-of-scoring-sweets-with-credit-cards-she-swipes-from-unsuspecting-moms/


 

BOTHELL– Two Car Prowlers Caught

Bothell police have arrested two suspects for identity theft and possession of stolen property.

Bothell police have been investigating a series of car prowls near the LA Fitness in the 1600 block of 220^th St SE in Bothell. In these cases, the suspects would break a window, and then take a purse or wallet. They would use the victim’s credit cards to purchase gift cards from a nearby store. The suspects would make gift card purchases in amounts from $50 to $85 and would continue to use the stolen cards until the cards were deactivated.

A call to 911 from a customer of the LA Fitness alerted Bothell police of a car break in that had just occurred. Based in this timely reporting, police officers were able to find the suspects at a nearby grocery store.

Note: This is an example of why you should not have anything showing in your car when you park it. Fitness centers as well as movie house parking lots are perfect places for car prowlers to steal your purse or wallet. They know that you will probably be away from your car for a couple of hours at least. Car prowlers also have been known to get victim’s home addresses then burglarize the victim’s home while they were in movies. Be sure to remove anything that might be in view from your car. Put it in your trunk or glove box before you arrive at your destination.

KIRO TV:

http://www.kirotv.com/news/news/police-investigating-string-car-prowls-bothell/nkNww/

SNOHOMISH– Car Prowl

KIRO TV News reports a car prowler breaking into several cars in a rural area near Snohomish in the early morning hours of Thursday, around 3:15am.

The car prowler took a large amount of cash as well as cell phones, wallets and credit cards.

One homeowner traced purchases at several stores in Bellevue Square Mall in Bellevue. And she says that she has video of the car prowler making purchases with her mother’s credit card.

According to KIRO, the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office is investigating.

This incident demonstrates what car prowlers will do with whatever they will find in your car. If they find cash or credit cards they will make purchases, often very quickly. This car prowl should be a reminder that when you park your car to lock it, and remove anything of value (and things that you may think are not valuable) from your car. Keeping things in view from the outside of your car, only gives thieves an opportunity to steal from you. This is true if you park your car in a parking lot or in your driveway in a rural setting or a suburban setting.

If you recognize this person please call 911. Or the Sheriff’s Tip Line at (425) 388-3845.

To see video of this story, and a good view of the suspect’s face, go to:

KIRO TV:

http://www.kirotv.com/news/news/caught-camera-car-burglar-reportedly-uses-stolen-c/njwPg/

 

 

 

THE FALLS/SILVER FIRS/AUTUMN MEADOWS/PIONEER TRAILS/WILLOW CREEK- Car Prowls and Car Thefts

Since Thursday, September 26^th, several neighborhoods have experienced car prowls and car thefts overnight.

In Pioneer Trails, two vehicles were broken into in the vicinity of 122^nd Pl SE and 42^nd Dr. SE. during the evening/early morning hours of Thursday September 26^th. Both vehicles were in the owner’s driveway.

In Autumn Meadows, car prowlers broke into a vehicle parked on the street in the 123rd block of 45th Ave SE on the same night. One window was broken. Nothing was stolen.

In The Falls, a car prowl was broken into on Friday night, September 27/28, along Cascade Dr. SE. Nothing was taken since the car owner makes it a point not to have anything showing in the car. The car prowlers did rifle through the glove compartment.

Also, CrimeMapping.com (www.crimemapping.com ) reports the following car prowls in Silver Firs reported on since September 19:

Date	Address		Crime	Time	Case #	Comment
9/19/2013		5700 BLK 141 PL SE	Vehicle Prowl	2:42 PM	SO13165273	Silver Firs
9/28/2013		5500 BLK 152 ST SE	Vehicle Prowl	11:12 AM	SO13165158	Silver Firs
9/28/2013		15200 BLK 58 AV SE	Vehicle Prowl	7:04 AM	SO13157766	Silver Firs

CrimeMapping.com (www.crimemapping.com ) reports the following car thefts southeast of Willis Tucker Park in The Willows since September 24:

Date	Address		Crime	Time	Case #	Comment
9/27/2013		12600 BLK 46 DR SE	Vehicle Theft	6:03 AM	SO13164445	Willow Creek
9/27/2013		12500 BLK 48 DR SE	Vehicle Theft	2:07 AM	SO13164409	Willow Creek
9/24/2013		7600 BLK 153 ST SE	Vehicle Theft	6:13 PM	SO13162937	Willow Creek

Note: The 10 incidents of car prowls and car thefts may not hit the record books but they are disturbing for the victims. Even if nothing was taken, there was the potential for damage to vehicles as well as an unsettled feeling about security.

As in the above reported cases, car prowls usually occur at night when most of us are asleep. Night time darkness gives cover for car prowlers. Lighting your driveway allows passersby to potentially see car prowlers and give the impression of increased risk to the car prowlers. Security cameras placed to view your driveway also increase risk for car prowlers or car thieves.

The most important measure to prevent car theft or car prowls is to lock your car. Also, don’t have anything showing in your car. Even the most innocuous sack can spur a car prowler’s interest.

Has your neighborhood experienced car prowls or car thefts lately?

Here are two links to tip sheets from the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office that talk about how you can prevent car thefts and car prowls. Pass them to your neighbors and friends.

 

Auto Theft:

http://sheriff.snoco.org/Documents/Auto%20Theft.pdf

 

Vehicle Prowl Prevention:

http://sheriff.snoco.org/Documents/Vehicle%20Prowl.pdf

 

EDMONDS- Car Prowls at Church Leads to Burglary Suspect

The press has been reporting on the burglary suspect who broke into cars in a church parking lot in Edmonds then was seen at the home of one of the parishioners burglarizing the house. Eventually, Edmonds police found the burglar in an Edmonds motel, where they took him in custody after a short standoff. There, the police found a large cache of stolen items.

Unfortunately, this example points out that burglars/car prowlers will work anytime and anyplace, even at a church parking lot during services. After all, the burglar knows where the victims are, he can assume that he will be safe of not being discovered while he breaks into a few cars and goes to some houses while everyone is in church.

So how did the burglar know where to go to burglarize the houses? The press has not said. But a likely source could have been the registration in the cars. The registration is a good source for your home address.

From time to time, burglars will break into cars and take down the address of the owner from the registration then go to the address. We are accustomed to keeping the registration of our vehicles in the vehicles because if we are stopped by police we need to be able to produce the registration for their inspection. However, there is no law (that I am aware of) that requires us to store our registrations in our cars and trucks. One thing you can do is put the registration in your purse or wallet. Another thing you can do is to block out the address on the registration. As long as you keep the owner’s name, VIN number and license number, police can verify the information.

 

The Edmonds Police Department is looking for the owners of the stolen material. You can go to http://tinyurl.com/puyhl46 to see pictures of the stolen items. If you recognize any of the items as yours, call Detective Andy Mehl at 425-771-1780.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Herald:

http://heraldnet.com/article/20130801/NEWS01/708019857#Hundreds-of-stolen-items-found-at-Edmonds-motel

My Edmonds News:

http://myedmondsnews.com/2013/08/found-during-sunday-burglary-investigation-does-any-of-this-stolen-property-belong-to-you/

KIRO TV News:

http://www.kirotv.com/news/news/church-car-prowls-lead-home-burglaries/nZBmz/

 

 

THE FALLS- Car Prowl

On Saturday morning May 25th between 3:30 and 5:00 am a red Toyota Corolla was broken into by someone using a large rock from a rockery nearby. The Toyota was parked on the street in the vicinity of the 14600 block of Cascade Drive SE. The rock smashed the driver’s side window of the Corolla.

The car prowler took an I-Touch and charger. The total approximate loss was $700.00.

The responding deputy reminded the car owner not to leave valuables visible in the vehicle.

Wherever you park your car, be sure not to have anything showing inside your car. If you park your car in your driveway, keep your lights on at your garage. This often helps discourage car prowlers since they usually are active at night when it is dark. For additional protection many people are installing cameras in front of their houses to further discourage car prowlers and burglars.

For more information on how you can protect yourself from car prowls go to this link:

 http://sheriff.snoco.org/Documents/Vehicle%20Prowl.pdf

 

OLYMPIA- Legislature Looking into Increasing Penalties for Car Prowlers

Washington state law enforcement authorities, including Snohomish County Sheriff John Lovick, are urging the Washington State legislature to increase the penalties for car prowling. Car prowling is defined as the theft of property from a motor vehicle.

Car prowls have been on the increase statewide since the legislature cracked down on car thefts in 2007. In the city of Everett alone, 6.5 vehicles are prowled per day. Car prowlers are increasingly sophisticated and organized. Also, a car prowler can quickly gain entry to a car, often taking less than 15 seconds to break a window, take whatever is inside and run away.

Currently, car prowling is a gross misdemeanor. The legislation that the legislature is considering would make car prowling a class C felony.

For more details about this effort, go to:

            http://heraldnet.com/article/20130306/NEWS01/703069947#Bill-would-increase-penalty-for-car-prowls

 Note: The 2007 legislation cracking down on car thefts has been very successful in reducing car thefts. Sheriff Lovick and other law enforcement officials feel confident that implementation of stronger sanctions for car prowling would also be very successful.

 While stronger laws will help, we all can help keep the statistics down by:

 

• Locking our doors.
• Not keeping anything in view when we park our vehicles.
• Parking in a well-lit areas.

For more information about protecting your car from car prowls go to:

            http://sheriff.snoco.org/Documents/Vehicle%20Prowl.pdf

 

 

EDMONDS- Car Prowls

Edmonds PD is warning citizens about a car prowl spree that occurred early Monday morning. They broke into several cars in a three block area on 220^th St SW between 84^th Ave W and 87^th Ave W.

Windows were broken and the thieves took valuables that were visible in the car. Also, several cars were unlocked, making even easier for the thieves to steal from the cars. Edmonds PD notes that so far this year, three quarters of car prowls involved unlocked cars.

Note: For several years now, local police agencies have been advising their citizens to keep nothing visible in their cars and to keep their cars locked. It’s too easy for car prowlers to open an unlocked vehicle or to break a window, reach in to pick up what they see, and be gone. And the Cops mean keep nothing visible. Even an empty bag can spark the interest of a car prowler.

Sheriff’s Office Vehicle Prowl Tip Sheet:

http://sheriff.snoco.org/Documents/Vehicle%20Prowl.pdf

 

The Herald article about Edmonds car prowls:

http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20121108/NEWS01/711089906#Edmonds-police-warn-of-car-prowl-spree%0A

 

KIRO TV 7 article about Edmonds car prowls with video:

http://www.kirotv.com/news/news/prowlers-target-cars-edmonds-smash-and-grab-break-/nS2NC/

SOUTH SOUND- Car Prowls Up

According to a recent news report by KING 5 TV, car thefts and car prowls are up in the South Puget Sound region. Police agencies in Snohomish County have not made any announcements about car prowl levels recently.

In Puyallup, the car thieves and car prowlers target strip mall parking lots, gyms and apartment complexes. On bicycles and wearing backpacks, they will scope out cars, break into a promisng target, then quickly ride away. Many are not breaking windows, but are using "jiggler" keys to enter the cars. Top targets are older model Hondas and Acuras.

http://www.king5.com/news/cities/tacoma/Car-prowls--thefts-spike-in-South-Sound-143806656.html

To avoid becoming a car prowl victim remove everything from view in your car! For more information on car prowl prevention take a look at this Snohomish County Sheriff's Office Tip Sheet:

http://sheriff.snoco.org/Documents/Vehicle%20Prowl.pdf

To prevent your car from being stolen, be sure to lock your car and take your keys with you. Also, devices such as The Club on your steering wheel can help deter potential car thieves. This Tip Sheet gives more ideas to prevent your car from being stolen:

http://sheriff.snoco.org/Documents/Auto%20Theft.pdf