Vehicle prowls nearly double in ML

MOSES LAKE — Police report a significant increase in vehicle prowls in the last three months, at a rate that's nearly double the number of prowls during the same period last year.

The Moses Lake Police Department responded to 92 vehicle prowl incidents within the city since Jan. 1, according to Capt. Jim Jenkins.

He said most incidents involve unlocked vehicle doors.

"Often valuables are left in these vehicles, making it an easy target for criminals," he said.

The subjects are targeting purses, car stereos and anything of value.

He advises residents remove valuables from their vehicle and lock their doors.

Suspicious persons seen loitering in parking lots and residential areas should be reported, he said.

"We're making contact with people moving around at night in parking lots and neighborhoods," he said.

The problem has been citywide, he said.

John Turley, chief deputy with the Grant County Sheriff's Office, said there has does not appear to be a similar upsurge in vehicle prowls countywide.

— Staff report