CAR THEFT- Ways to Prevent Your Vehicle from Being Stolen

Car theft remains a problem in Washington State. Through September 31,011 vehicles have been stolen in Washington State. That’s about 85 vehicles per day!

 KIRO TV recently broadcast a series about what you can do to prevent your vehicle from being stolen.

During their research, auto theft detectives told a KIRO reporter that most auto thefts are occurring in parking lots. The detectives recommend,

 

·         Parking in a well-lit area

·         Park near the front of businesses

·         If possible, park near a security camera

A new trend is that auto thieves are targeting vehicles within a sea of other cars, so try to avoid crowded areas.

Don’t leave anything in view. That will attract at least a break-in.

The reporter mentioned that you should not leave your car registration, with your home address on it, in your car. Thieves have been known to find the registration inside then go to your home to burglarize it. However, of late, the state Department of Licensing (DOL) has been sending out yearly car registration forms with the vehicle’s registered address at the bottom of the form and a statement giving you permission to snip the lower portion off of the form. So, you have a choice of removing your address before placing it in your vehicle or taking a picture of it on your smartphone then keeping it in a safe place.

Some people think that leaving their car unlocked will prevent their windows from being broken. However, many car thefts occur because doors are unlocked. Keeping your car doors unlocked only makes it easier for car thieves to steal your car.

Also, during the winter, some people warm up their cars in the morning before heading out to work. Or they may not turn off their car or lock the door when they run into a convenience store. Leaving a car running is an invitation for someone to steal it. Don’t leave your car running while you are away at any time.

There are items that you can purchase that will help prevent your vehicle from being stolen. One is a steering wheel lock. This is a device that you place on your steering wheel that prevents a thief from steering it. It is visible so that would-be car thieves can see them. Wheel locks are an effective deterrent. Several local law enforcement agencies have sponsored wheel lock giveaways often targeting Kia and Hyundai owners. Often, they run out within minutes. You can also purchase one online or at your local auto supply store.

Battery cutoff switches are another alternative. Also, some people have gone as far as purchasing their own parking boots.

 

  

KIRO TV-

https://www.kiro7.com/news/local/part-1-with-car-thefts-rise-ways-help-prevent-becoming-victim/KIRSID3X7BFOFO263SGOEOANGE/

https://www.kiro7.com/news/local/affordable-tools-you-can-buy-prevent-car-theft/QFGZDUWIAVGR7CHTELJMBTGPJA/

  

Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department, Charlotte, North Carolina:

https://www.bing.com/videos/riverview/relatedvideo?q=steering+wheel+lock&mid=8B20E932DDE8B72E366A8B20E932DDE8B72E366A&FORM=VIRE

 

Washington Auto theft Prevention Authority:

https://waautotheftpreventionauthority.org/resources/

  

Puget Sound Auto Theft Task Force:

https://blog.piercecountywa.gov/autothefttaskforce/2023/10/17/psattf-releases-auto-theft-stats-for-september-2023/

  

Snohomish County Auto Theft Task Force:

https://snohomishcountywa.gov/2687/Auto-Theft-SNOCAT

 

 

 

CAR THEFT- Kias and Hyundais May Need More than a Software Update

The Puget Sound Auto Theft Task Force (PSATT), which covers King and Pierce counties, has noted on its Facebook page that while Kia and Hyundai owners have been taking advantage of the software upgrades that have been offered by the manufacturers, it appears that car thieves do not realize that the upgrades have been installed in many Kias and Hyundais. The Pierce County Sheriff’s Department (PCSD) has told FOX13 News that “…motor vehicle theft attempts are starting to keep pace with actual thefts.” Car thieves do not know whether any particular Kia or Hyundai has installed the security update. They will try to steal any Kia or Hyundai and even if your Kia or Hyundai has received the update, it is still susceptible to broken windows and a damaged ignition.

The PSATT recommends that Kia/Hyundai owners use a steering wheel lock whether their vehicle has been updated or not. That would provide a visible deterrent to any potential car thief. PSATT also reminds all drivers of the following standard car theft prevention tips,

 

·         Remove or hide all valuables

·         Lock your car

·         Don’t leave keys or fobs inside

·         Don’t leave your vehicle running unattended (exhaust in cold months makes these vehicles easy to spot)

·         Use anti-theft devices (alarm, kill switch, steering wheel lock)

·         Park in well-lit areas

 

 

 

Puget Sound Auto Theft Task Force:

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=301569892379042&set=a.261059723096726

 

 

FOX13 News:

https://www.fox13seattle.com/news/updated-software-on-kias-hyundais-might-not-be-enough-to-deter-thieves

SNOHOMISH COUNTY – Sheriff’s Office Offers Steering Wheel Locks for Hyundai and Kia Owners

In response to the increased thefts of Hyundai and Kia vehicles the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office is offering free steering wheel locks to Snohomish County owners of those vehicles. Hyundai and Kia are partnering with local law enforcement agencies to offer a limited number of steering wheel locks to Hyundai and Kia vehicle owners.  

Locks are available at each of the three Sheriff’s Office precincts for pick up during normal office hours on a first come basis. Eligible car owners are those who own or lease a Hyundai or Kia.

If you are interested bring the following to your nearest Sheriff’s Office precinct:

·         Driver’s license/Identification

·         Proof of Snohomish County residency (if current address is different than ID)

·         Vehicle registration showing Hyundai or Kia ownership

The precincts are located at:

·         East Precinct (Sultan PD), M-F open 9am-5pm, closed daily for lunch 12-1 p.m.

·         North Precinct (Marysville) M-F open 9am-4pm, closed daily for lunch 12-1 p.m.

·         South Precinct (Mill Creek) M-F open 9am-4pm, closed daily for lunch 12-1 p.m.

 

 

Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office:

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=578420430978059&set=a.226070289546410

 

Seattle Times:

https://www.seattletimes.com/business/hyundai-kia-update-security-after-tiktok-challenge-thefts/

 

South Snohomish County Crime Watch:

https://ssnoccrimewatch.blogspot.com/2022/08/car-theft-threat-kiahyundai-tik-tok.html

 

 

CAR THEFT THREAT – Kia/Hyundai Tik Tok Challenge

The Puget Sound Auto Theft Task-Force (PSATT), which serves King and Pierce Counties, has issued a warning to car owners about the Kia Tik Tok Challenge. Since early July, some users of Tik Tok, the social media platform, have distributed instructions on how to hotwire a 2011 or newer Kia or 2015 or newer Hyundai using a USB cable. The instructions have been linked to an increase in Kia/Hyundai car thefts by local law enforcement agencies nationwide.

Kia’s and Hyundai’s that use traditional keys in their ignition to start are particularly vulnerable to this theft technique. Kia’s and Hyundai’s that use a push button to start are not at risk to the technique, according to PSATT.

In a recent Facebook post, PSATT made the following observations about the increase in Kia/Hyundai thefts in Pierce County:

·         Most of the thefts or attempted thefts occurred at apartment complexes.

·         In several of the attempts, the vehicle’s windows were broken out.

·         Vehicles that were locked and/or had vehicle alarms seemed to prevent some thefts from occurring.

PSATT recommends:

·         Locking your vehicle!

·         Remove all valuables from your vehicle.

·         Activate a vehicle alarm system.

·         Install a hidden GPS tracking system.

·         Install a hidden kill switch.

·         Install a steering wheel lock.

 

As mentioned earlier, PSATT covers King and Pierce Counties. The activity that they described applies to those counties. However, with Tik Tok being available just about anywhere, Snohomish County and the rest of the Puget Sound region no doubt are susceptible to this car theft threat.

 

Puget Sound Auto Theft Task-Force:

https://www.facebook.com/pugetsoundautotheft/photos/a.105522928408595/372875261673359/

https://www.facebook.com/pugetsoundautotheft/photos/a.105522928408595/373345861626299/

 

FOX13:

https://www.q13fox.com/news/kia-hyundai-owners-warned-of-viral-tiktok-explaining-how-to-steal-those-vehicles-using-usb-cables

 

Newsweek:

https://www.newsweek.com/tiktok-kia-challenge-dangerous-1728309

 

TRUCK THEFT – Ford Super Duty Trucks are Vulnerable

The Puget Sound Auto Theft Task Force (PSATT), which serves King and Pierce counties, has issued an alert to all 1999-2007 Ford Super Duty Truck (F250-F550) owners that their trucks’ ignitions and door locks are especially susceptible to manipulation causing truck thieves to get access to the trucks in seconds and without keys.

The alert does not specify any techniques being used by the truck thieves. In an email, PSATT notes that the thieves are not using high tech techniques. This implies that the locks and ignitions of the Super Duty trucks are exceptionally easy to manipulate with traditional techniques such as shaved keys. The alert focuses on 1999 to 2007 models. Older vehicles do not have the more modern security measures, such as key fobs, that newer vehicles have.

Ford pickup trucks have been on the top 10 most stolen vehicle list compiled by the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) for several years, along with Chevrolet and Dodge pickup trucks.

The reason so many Ford pickups are stolen, besides being exceptionally easy to steal, is that there is a lot of them on the streets. A stolen Ford pickup can be used to part out in addition to use as transportation to commit another crime.

PSATT recommends that owners of Super Duty trucks,

·         Lock the truck.

·         Remove all valuables from view.

·         Activate a vehicle alarm system.

In addition, PSATT recommends the following extra precautions,

·         Install a hidden GPS to track your truck if it is stolen.

·         Install a hidden kill switch so that the truck cannot be started even if the ignition is defeated.

 

 

 

 

 

Puget Sound Auto Theft Task Force:

https://www.facebook.com/pugetsoundautotheft/photos/a.105522928408595/124493909844830/?__cft__[0]=AZVlZTRjjuQnciipfREI-VHh9APVa8pp9XbqISaOmMs5Ech-pvBlxBieFP_wQcPxa0sxt0D_DB6y8D6aTQuTigY2rfC9umXT7gXWXOMl0W78CHOsYRhYwO9SqS0GLrkzItDkll7INwdzHLx_2X6r5XdH&__tn__=EH-R

 

National Insurance Crime Bureau:

https://www.nicb.org/HotWheels2019

 

Canadian Underwriter:

https://www.canadianunderwriter.ca/insurance/why-thieves-love-the-older-models-of-ford-pickup-trucks-1004171435/

 

 

SNOHOMISH COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE – Crime Prevention Newsletter, Car Theft

The Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office has published its latest issue of its crime prevention newsletter, “Partners in Crime Prevention.” This issue concentrates on car theft, catalytic converter theft, and carjacking.

To see it go to the following link,

 

Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office:

https://www.snohomishcountywa.gov/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/6644

AUTO THEFT- Task Force Catches Car Thieves

The Puget Sound region has had a serious problem with car theft for many years. The Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office has teamed up with the Marysville Police Department, Washington State Patrol and the Snohomish County Prosecutor’s Office in the form of the Snohomish County Auto Theft Task Force (SNOCAT). SNOCAT reduces vehicle theft in Snohomish County through pro-active enforcement, apprehension of car thieves, and education of the public about auto theft.

Recently, the Sheriff’s Office posted a summary of SNOCAT’s activities during 2017 on Facebook. Here is what SNOCAT did last year:

“In 2017, SNOCAT had 287 cases opened and closed 233 cases. The team recovered a total of 198 stolen vehicles worth over $1.8M in value and recovered 18 pieces of heavy equipment worth over $179K. The Snohomish County Prosecutor’s Office filed 141 SNOCAT vehicle theft cases in 2017 and received 140 vehicle theft convictions.

During one of their investigations, a detective located an Improvised Explosive Device inside the glove box of a stolen car (pictured below). Bomb techs evaluated the IED and found it had a commercial grade fuse, contained smokeless powder, 66 screws and was capable of causing a large explosion. Also, inside the vehicle, detectives located a Taurus 9mm handgun, a stolen 30.06 scoped rifle and a .357 revolver that were all loaded. The vehicle also contained a rifle bayonet, methamphetamine, suboxone, tramadol, drug paraphernalia, and several shaved keys.

The suspect was later interviewed, booked into jail and eventually posted bail. While out on bail, the suspect committed two other vehicle thefts before he was finally held. SNOCAT conducted thorough follow-up investigations and ensured each case was solid. When faced with the evidence against him, the suspect plead guilty and was sentenced to 84 months in prison.”

This issue of the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office’s crime prevention newsletter gives advice on how you can prevent your vehicle from being stolen,

Partners in Crime Prevention:

https://snohomishcountywa.gov/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/5804

SNOCAT:

https://snohomishcountywa.gov/2687/Auto-Theft-SNOCAT

Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office:

https://www.facebook.com/SnoCoSheriff/photos/a.318645198209560.75416.179360692138012/1936080109799386/?type=3

SNOCAT- Deputies Arrest Car Thief Who Stole 100 Cars for the Ride

Car theft remains a problem for drivers in Puget Sound. However, the Snohomish County Auto Theft Task Force (SNOCAT) recently arrested a prolific car thief who averaged 5 car thefts per week to go from one place to another.

According to one task force detective, it was easier for the thief to steal a car, instead of waiting for a friend for a ride or waiting for a bus.

According to an article by The Herald, the car thief was very candid with task force detectives. He used shaved keys, which he called “jigglers,” to enter Hondas. Older Hondas tend to be popular with car thieves because they are easier to steal. He only used shaved keys on Hondas; he would steal other cars because the owners would leave an extra key inside.

He also told detectives that when he was finished with the cars, he would often leave them in a visible spot so that they would be found.

While his motivation was transportation, detectives believe that he did also steal items from inside the cars to feed a heroin addiction. They do not believe that he took cars for parts.

This account shows how car thieves work and suggests how you can beat them:

·         When you park, take your keys with you, lock your car, and do not leave any spare keys in your car!

·         If you own an older vehicle such as a Honda, use an anti-theft device such as the club. Anti-theft devices often prevent car theft.

Also, don’t leave your car running when you are away from it. This is the time of year when some people warm up their cars before they go to work. Also some people keep their cars running when they dash in (just for a second!) to a convenience store. That’s a big no no!

 

 

 

The Herald:

http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20140109/NEWS01/701099952

 

CRIME PREVENTION UPDATE- Stolen Cars Down, Dog Poisoning Update, Position on 911 Outage

Here is information about the number of stolen cars in Snohomish County and some updates on stories that I covered recently:

Stolen Cars in Snohomish County. Last week, the Snohomish County Auto Theft Task Force tweeted that car theft decreased 17.7% between 2014 and 2015 with a total of 2,706 vehicles stolen. When asked why the decrease, a task force representation attributed it to putting many auto thieves in prison. This included closing several 2014 auto theft cases. Those convicted of car theft averaged sentences of about 37.5 months in prison.

Comment: This obviously is good news for Snohomish County. It shows that the task force has a positive effect in reducing the number of vehicles stolen in the county. However, there still have been over 2,700 vehicles stolen in the county last year. And those convicted car thieves will be released after their sentences are over. A percentage of them will reoffend. There still is work to do for the task force and for us the citizens. We can still help by protecting our vehicles by locking the doors, taking the keys with us, and not keeping anything in view through the windows. Hopefully, with our help, the task force can reduce the number of stolen cars some more in 2016.

SNOCAT:

https://twitter.com/SnoCoAutoTheft/status/685567075591401472

 

Reported Dog Poisonings. Last month, I reported on suspected dog poisonings in the county (http://ssnoccrimewatch.blogspot.com/2015/12/snohomish-county-dog-poisoning-alert.html). Yesterday, The Herald reported that a dog was likely poisoned at Willis Tucker Park. The dog eventually died. A park ranger has been investigating the incident. A veter      inarian determined that the dog was poisoned with rat poison. But the ranger has not been able to confirm that the dog ate the poison at the park or somewhere else.

Over the past few weeks, there have numerous reports of local dog poisonings on social media. However, the Parks Department has only been able to confirm 4 dogs dying or becoming ill. And information about those incidents is sketchy.

Note: While it can be difficult to investigate dog poisonings, if someone is going around poisoning dogs, it is important to report it in a timely manner to help local authorities conduct an investigation and apprehend any perpetrators. Snohomish County Parks and Recreation has indicated that it wants to know about any suspicious activity (presumably on park property). They can be reached at (425) 388-6600 or SCParksRec@gmail.com. For county areas other than parks, the county’s Animal Control Services division can be contacted at (425-388-3440) or online at  http://www.snohomishcountywa.gov/1940/Animal-Services.

The Herald:

http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20160115/NEWS01/160119253/Officials-confirm-1-dog-poisoning-but-information-is-scant

Snohomish County Parks and Recreation:

http://www.snohomishcountywa.gov/DocumentCenter/View/31072

 

CenturyLink 911 Failure. The Herald has issued its opinion on the potential fine against CenturyLink over the 911 failure in 2014. Spoiler alert; the paper sides with the Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson in encouraging the Utilities and Transportation Commission to levy the maximum fine. In making its argument, the editorial staff points out some facts that give insight on just how bad this problem has been and on how it has affected individuals in the county.

Note: The editorial is worth reading if only for the background that the paper gives about this issue. We heavily rely on technology for our daily lives as well as emergency situations. And Attorney General Ferguson’s emphasis on accountability is appropriate. Government and its contractors need to ensure the reliability of its emergency communications with the public. However, technology, while it can be robust, probably will never be perfect. Natural disasters can easily cut communications as well as power. As pointed out by KOMO recently (http://ssnoccrimewatch.blogspot.com/2016/01/calling-911-alternate-numbers.html) it is a good idea to know alternate ways to call your local 911 agency should you need help in an emergency and have trouble contacting 911.

The Herald:

http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20160115/OPINION01/160119369/Levy-full-fine-for-CenturyLinks-911-failure-

 

 

 

 

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

LYNNWOOD– Deputies Respond to Car Theft

On Thursday, March 19, in Everett, Snohomish County Sheriff’s deputies apprehended a car theft suspect in a car that he had stolen earlier in the day in Lynnwood. The suspect took the car from a garage in a residential area of Lynnwood. The keys were in the car and the door was unlocked.

The suspect attempted to flee, but deputies blocked the car and forcibly removed the suspect. He was booked into jail for Possession of a Stolen Vehicle, Resisting Arrest and Malicious Mischief 3. Deputies believe that the suspect has been responsible for at least three residential burglaries in the area.

Note: This incident highlights some things you can do to prevent your car from being stolen from your home. As bad as it may seem to some people, it is important to keep your doors lock (your house doors, your garage doors and your car doors) and to keep the keys to your car with you. These simple measures will easily prevent your car from being stolen.

Also, a neighbor witnessed the suspect enter the garage and drive away. While the Sheriff’s Facebook post did not mention if the witness called 911, hopefully he or she did. We don’t know when we see suspicious activity, but when we do, there is no harm in calling 911. Your call might help deputies arrest a thief.

Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office:

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

 

 

MARYSVILLE– Chop Shop Busted

Last week the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office announced that the Snohomish County Auto Theft Task Force served a search warrant at a known chop shop in the 3100 block of 897^th Avenue NE in the Marysville area. One suspect was arrested.

Cars are stolen for many reasons; one of them is for parts. Car theft remains a serious problem in our county.

Take the time to protect your car, SUV or truck from being stolen. Here is a link to some suggestions on how you can protect yourself from car theft:

http://wa-snohomishcounty.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/Home/View/429

The Herald:

http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20140918/NEWS01/140918909

Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office:

http://wa-snohomishcounty.civicplus.com/Archive.aspx?ADID=3986

EVERETT- Police Looking for Car Thief

The Everett Police Department is looking for a thief who stole a U-Haul truck and car dolly this morning from the Best Western Hotel in the vicinity of 2800 Pacific Ave in Everett.

A woman who is moving from Illinois to Alaska discovered the theft early this morning. The U-Haul truck had all of her possessions.

Video of the hotel’s parking lot showed a dark colored Jeep Commander drive up to the U-Haul. Then a person got out of the passenger side, opened the U-Haul door and drove off.

Stolen were three vehicles:

• 14 foot U-Haul box truck with Arizona license plates- AE56627
• Dolly Trailer with Virginia license plate- 15567R
• A black 1999 Chrysler Town and Country minivan (on the dolly) with Illinois license plates- R679783

If you see any of these vehicles, please call 911, the Everett Police Department TIP LINE, (425) 257-8450, or Crime Stoppers of Puget Sound, (800) 222-TIPS.

 

Everett PD:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Everett-Police/241763425873463

 

 

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

 

SNOHOMISH COUNTY- Auto Thieves Target Ford Trucks

According to this morning’s The Herald, auto thieves have been targeting 2000 to 2006 F-250 and F-350 Ford pickup trucks. In April alone, over 20 of the trucks were stolen between Everett and Arlington. One of the latest stolen trucks was an F-350 that was stolen in Marysville and finally recovered in Everett after a chase by police on Monday April 29 (http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20130429/NEWS01/704299917/0/SEARCH).

The Herald quoted a spokesman for the Snohomish County Auto Theft Task Force as pointing out that F-250 and F-350 trucks for those years do not possess enhanced security measures that newer trucks possess. The spokesman would not specify what the security measures are.

The Auto Theft Task Force spokesman recommended that owners of F-250 or F-350 pickups:

 

• Park the truck in their garage
• Consider installing immobilizer equipment
• Install a GPS based or radio based vehicle recovery system

For details, go to:

 http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20130508/NEWS01/705089961

 

CATHCART- Sheriff’s Office Discovers Major Stolen Property Stash

This morning, The Herald published an article on a Sheriff’s Office and Snohomish County Auto Theft Task Force bust near Cathcart that recovered two stolen vehicles, a number of guns, thousands of rounds of ammunition, and precious jewels.

A task force official pointed out that major stolen car investigations often lead to solving other crimes.

The article also highlights a few other points:

• The first stolen vehicle had a GPS tracking device hidden in it. This shows that tracking devices that use GPS or the radio technology that Lojack uses can be very effective in recovering stolen vehicles.
• 14 guns were discovered with 11 of them known to be stolen. Also, 3,000 rounds of ammunition were found as well as several holsters. The large number of stolen guns and ammunition points out the importance of securing weapons in a safe that is bolted to the floor of your house. Here are a couple of links with suggestions on how to secure guns:
• http://www.familyhomesecurity.com/tips-for-choosing-a-gun-safe/
•  http://www.6mmbr.com/gunsafes.html
• $50,000 of power tools were recovered as well as plastic bags holding precious jewels including diamonds, rubies and sapphires. Deputies assume that the stones were removed from rings, necklaces and bracelets before melting the gold. Keeping an inventory of your valuables, as I have mentioned before, can be an important tool to recovery any items stolen from your home. Often, when deputies recover stolen property they need help in returning them to their rightful owners. If they cannot match the property to good descriptions in their crime reports, they have to assume that the property belongs to the suspect (even if they know that the property was probably stolen). Power tools can be engraved with your own individual ID code. Pictures showing all sides of the tools can also help. You would normally not engrave jewelry, but pictures of the jewelry can help to identify it. Be sure to promptly report the theft of your jewelry since the gold in it can easily be melted down for cash.
• A small stash of methamphetamine was found. Many burglars steal to feed a drug habit.

For more detail about the bust go to “Major bust starts with stolen car:”

http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20130125/NEWS01/701259924/-1/news01#Cache-of-stolen-items-found

WASHINGTON STATE- In the Top 10 for Car Thefts

Two cities in Washington State have made the “Top 10” for number of cars thefts for 2011 in a national listing. The National Insurance Crime Bureau ranked Spokane at number 4 with 2,614 thefts. Yakima came in at number 5 with 1,308 thefts. The Seattle/Tacoma/Bellevue area was ranked number 12 with 15,604 thefts. The rankings are based on a ratio of number of thefts versus population.

For more information, go to:

http://www.kirotv.com/news/news/crime-law/washington-top-state-carjackings/nPhYj/

HILLTOP- Big Chop Shop Bust

On Thursday May 31, the Snohomish County Auto Theft Task Force served a search warrant on a house in the 19000 block of Damson Road. This bust recovered stolen vehicles and other property. Four men were taken into custody. According to a Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office press release all four will be charged with first degree theft and possession of stolen property. One will also be charged with possession of a controlled substance.

According to a local Neighborhood Watch Coordinator another bust occurred on a house a block away from the May 31 bust. A Sheriff’s official told the coordinator that authorities were working on the case for 1 ½ years.

This illustrates that local law enforcement agencies are working to put away criminals and that it can take a long time to put together a case to forward to the prosecutor.

The Herald:

 http://heraldnet.com/article/20120601/NEWS01/706019907/0/SEARCH

Sheriff’s Office Press Release:

http://sheriff.snoco.org/Press_Release/PR_Doc/2012/May/Lynwood_Chop_Shop_Search.pdf