Burglary Ring Linked to Crimes in Unincorporated Pierce County

Written by Patch Editor Caitlin Moran.

Police in Sammamish have linked a widespread burglary ring to crimes in unincorporated Pierce County and throughout the Puget Sound region.

Sgt. Jessica Sullivan of the Sammamish Police Department said Monday that police have now attributed 59 break-ins to a Pierce County couple. Working with the Bellevue Police Department, Sammamish Police brought the man and woman—both 26—into custody after the male suspect was identified using video surveillance from a Bellevue victim's home.

Police issued a news release last Friday saying detectives in Sammamish had recovered 66 bags, bins, safes and suitcases full of stolen property from a storage facility in the Puyallup area. Stolen items included jewelry, silver, sports memorabilia, personal documents, photographs and military medals—including Purple Heart and Bronze Star awards.

At least seven firearms from the burglaries are still missing, police said.

As of Monday, police have identified victims in the following areas: Kenmore, Woodinville, Newcastle, Maple Valley, unincorporated King County, Bellevue, Bothell, unincorporated Snohomish County, Kirkland, Redmond, Mill Creek, unincorporated Pierce County, Tacoma, Thurston County, Fircrest and Olympia, as well as Portland, Tigard and Beaverton, Ore.

Police said they expect to file numerous charges against the couple, including residential burglary, theft and possession of stolen property. Patch typically does not name people who have been arrested until they are formally charged with a crime.

The earliest burglary linked to the case so far took place in June 2012. If you think you may have been a victim, contact Sammamish Police at 425-295-0770.