Spike in Everett vehicle prowls

Published 10:19 pm Monday, May 17, 2010

EVERETT — There has been a sharp increase in vehicle prowls in the city this year.

Crime data shows a 34 percent increase in car prowls this year compared to the same period in 2009. That’s about 170 more prowls reported this year, Everett police Sgt. Robert Goetz said.

Goetz said the car prowls are occurring citywide but typically are concentrated in large parking lots.

“They appear to hit the easy targets, those vehicles with valuables left in plain sight,” Goetz said. Police believe the prowls may be the work of organized groups hitting six to eight cars a night.

The best way to prevent car prowls is to remove valuables or put them in the trunk before locking up, he said.