Seattle Police: Nearly 3,000 car prowls in city so far for 2016; graphic shows repeat break-in sites
SEATTLE -- The Seattle Police Department said Tuesday that there have been nearly 3,000 car prowls so far in the city for 2016 -- up more than 500 from last year.
In a posting on its nextdoor.com website, police said they have identified repeat locations and created a graphic showing where the most car prowls have occurred.
The polices listed "some simple ways" to lower the chance of having your car broken into.
1. Remove all your valuables.
2. That gym bag full of dirty clothes from today's workout, toss it in the trunk. A bad guy just sees a bag to steal.
3. Before leaving your parked car, always remove the keys, roll up the windows and lock the car.
4. If your car is stored in a carport or parked near your house, leave your exterior lights on throughout the night.
5.If you park your car in a dark or isolated area, consider the City Light Area Lighting Program, which permits additional light fixtures to be placed on existing poles. The cost is less than $5 per month per light. Call (206) 684-3000 for more information.
"Finally, if you find yourself the victim of a car prowl either call police or report it online at: http://www.seattle.gov/Police/report/def...
Without a report we can't track crime and direct patrols into the area to stop emerging crime trends," the SPD said.