Watchful neighbors could stop rise in Shoreline burglaries

Block Watch captains in Shoreline recently received an e-mail asking them to be more aware of suspicious cars or people in their neighborhoods.

The request was due to an increase in residential burglaries. At least seven burglaries have occurred within the city since Jan. 1, according to Shoreline police sergeant Katie Larson.

“We’re calling them kick and pry bar burglaries,” Larson said. “We think it’s a common suspect or suspects. If neighbors are paying attention they will see something and call the police.”

The burglaries have occurred in both day and night time at residences located on cul-de-sacs and long driveways. Suspects either kick in or use a pry tool to enter the residence in order to steal TVs, computers, jewelry and cash. The suspects spend approximately 10 to 15 minutes inside each residence allowing enough time for people to notice suspicious activity, Larson added.

“We made an arrest two weeks ago in the Richmond Beach neighborhood because the neighbors were watching and saw the suspects breaking in and called police right away,” she said. “The majority of arrests are made because a neighbor called police.”

Possible suspect vehicles in the most recent burglaries include a white or tan work type van and a gray midsize sedan, similar to a Toyota Camry, officer Leona Obstler wrote in the bulletin to Block Watch captains.

“Our e-mail to Block Watches was a call for help to citizens,” Obstler said. “It is part of our ongoing partnerships with citizens involved in Block Watch. We strive to keep the Block Watch program effective and neighbors can continue looking out for neighbors.”

Police officers are available to assist residents with free home security checks to help lessen their chances of becoming a target of a burglary. Further information about starting a Block Watch is available on the police page of the City Web site at www.shorelinewa.gov/index.aspx?page=183.

“We urge people to start a Block Watch and be proactive in their efforts to curtail crime,” Obstler said. “Awareness goes a long way in deterring crime and catching criminals.”