An unusually high number of malicious-mischief reports involving cars that had their windows smashed were reported to the Edmonds Police Department on Saturday, June 2.

Thirteen complaints were logged in the incident-report file as of Monday, June 4. Calls came in from all over town, from Highway 99 to near the downtown waterfront.

A rash of calls of this type is not unusual on sunny weekends when lots of people are outside, according to police office staff. Sometimes, such as on June 2, reports mainly involve damaged vehicles; if items are stolen from them, the incidents are labeled theft.

Cpl. R.L. Barker of Edmonds police said in the event of a theft, a car prowler’s target is a vehicle in which items of value or perceived value are visible. “Even a paper bag” can entice a prowler who may gamble that there’s something of value inside of it, Barker said.

In seconds, a prowler can fracture a tempered-glass window, grab valuables and take off without attracting attention, the officer said. Common glass-breaking tools are a pen-size, spring-loaded center punch used by workmen and hobbyists to mark surfaces, pellet guns and just about anything that makes a sharp and directed strike, Barker said.

Unfortunately, stolen items often are worth less than the cost of the damage to the prowled vehicle, Barker said.

Officers recommend drivers park in highly visible and well-lighted areas; make sure their vehicles are locked and alarm systems engaged; and if they must leave items in the car, lock them in the trunk.