Issaquah Saw A Spike In Car Prowls In September: Police

ISSAQUAH, WA — Issaquah police are flagging a recent surge in car prowls in the city and urging residents to be mindful of leaving any items behind in their vehicles.

Aside from the obvious, like removing wallets, purses, backpacks and cash, police said even a cellphone cable can be a target for thieves. Officers recommend leaving car consoles open and empty and placing anything that absolutely must be left behind either in the trunk or spare tire compartment.

Here are a few more tips:

• Park under streetlights or leave exterior and motion-sensing lights on at night when parked outside your home.
• Trim trees, overgrown bushes, and anything else which could create cover for a thief.
• Alarms and anti-theft devices can also be effective deterrents.

The department flagged a September spike in car prowls just hours after an incident where a man confronted suspected prowlers and fired his gun at them. Police do not recommend such confrontations and urge people to call 911 instead. The police department also believes some thefts have gone unreported, and asks victims to contact police or file a report online.

The police department is also boosting patrols in the neighborhoods that have been recent targets, officials said.