Seattle car prowl problem reaching unlikely neighborhoods
May 31, 2016, 6:24 AM
Neighbors say car prowlers are hitting their neighborhood almost nightly amidst an increase in Seattle car prowls so far in 2016. (KIRO 7)
(KIRO 7)
Neighbors say car prowlers are hitting their neighborhood almost nightly amidst an increase in Seattle car prowls so far in 2016.
Ann Vandervelde sees broken glass each day as she walks her dog near in and around NW 56th Street. Last weekend, one of her neighbors had her car window smashed.
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“I came down the other day and swept it up, but I am a bit concerned,” Vandervelde told KIRO 7. “This is a nice neighborhood, and we’d like to keep it that way.”
Dick Ogaard said crooks come at night looking for unlocked doors.
“Couple of nights ago we were in bed, and we heard a ‘beep beep,’ like someone was trying to open our car door,” he said.
In mid-May, Seattle Police released information that showed there had been 5,127 car prowls city-wide so far in 2016. During the same time last year, there were only 4,334. That is an 18.3 percent increase.
Phinney Ridge is not among the hardest hit neighborhoods, but the numbers make little difference when car prowlers seem to be around nightly.
“It’s disconcerting, and I’m not sure why it’s happening,” Vandervelde said.
Seattle police are increasing patrols in the neighborhoods where the most prowls are happening; however, a spokesman recommended not leaving anything in your vehicles. At the very least it is suggested that items be well hidden in the trunk.
