There were 18 car prowls reported across Mercer Island between Sunday and Tuesday this week, according to Mercer Island Police Department (MIPD) Commander Leslie Burns.
Burns wrote in an online post that the pattern “looked similar to chicken pox (all over the island).”
Due to the concentration of prowls in such a short period of time, investigators believe it is likely one crew is responsible for the rash of break ins.
In some instances, windows were smashed and large items such as backpacks and laptops were stolen. In other cases, entry was made through unlocked doors and small items such as change were taken.
MIPD is warning residents about leaving valuables in their cars, as it appears items left in the vehicles were what attracted and enticed the prowler(s) to smash the windows.
To decrease your chance of being a target:
-Do not leave backpacks, bags, laptops, cell phones and other items inside the vehicle, or if you do need to leave items in your car, lock them in the trunk so they are not easily visible.
-Park your vehicle inside your garage or under a very bright light and set your alarm.
-Don’t leave your car unlocked, ever.
“We are entering the holiday season which is always a popular time for prowlers, since so many people leave gifts and other valuable items in their cars,” Burns wrote. “Please take a moment to review these easy prevention tips with your family members and make a concerted effort to lock and alarm your cars and not leave anything which could tempt a prowler in plain sight.”
