Every week the MI Reporter details the list of increasingly frequent car prowls in our community. Last week no fewer than fifteen car prowls were recorded in the Reporter. What is not recorded is any arrests by the Mercer Island Police Department for these offenses. I would like to know what is being done to address these crimes. These crimes are not being done by kids opening unlocked cars. These are criminals who are breaking windows and stealing property, including personal documents, which can be used to steal a person’s identity. This should be of concern to anyone who has had their car broken into and nothing appeared to have been taken. Information on the vehicle’s registration and other documents can be photographed and then put back so as not to raise suspicion that an identity theft is occurring.

We as a community can all help by locking our cars and not leaving valuables in view but that is not sufficient to deter the type of criminals that are currently plying their trade in our community.

I would like to know if the Mercer Island police are utilizing any active targeting of this crime by means of a “bait car”, a car prowl task force or any other means.  This is a very serious problem which needs to be addressed and resolved by our police department.

Tim McGuire

Editor’s note: After receiving Mr. McGuire’s letter, we contacted the Mercer Island Police Department to allow them to respond.