Ephrata business owners discuss burglaries
Crimes blamed on meth users
EPHRATA — A 30-day spike in burglaries with Ephrata businesses absorbing the brunt of the losses and related vandalism are fueled by methamphetamine addicts pursuing easy cash for their next fix.
That's the conclusion of city officials, including Ephrata Police Chief Joe Varick, who answered questions Tuesday during a special meeting at City Hall with downtown business owners who've grown increasingly alarmed by the upward trend in property crime.
Police say 16 Ephrata businesses reported burglaries in the last month. Statistics show 27 vehicle prowls in the city and seven residential burglaries during the same time period.
Burglars snatched cash and electronic equipment in the raids. Business owners in attendance said they've lost computers, cameras and mobile phones. Along with the stolen electronic equipment, they're losing sensitive data.
The Ephrata Chamber of Commerce and city officials scheduled Tuesday's meeting to discuss the trend and prevention strategies.
"In the us-against-them world, the us is losing, let's face it," Varick told the business owners.
With Ephrata being nearly 11 square miles and the city's budget able to afford two patrol officers during the night — the time most crooks are striking — it's difficult to nab the thieves in action.
City Administrator Wes Crago said a new officer was added to next year's budget, the first one in 14 years. Adding the officer, who starts in January, is a big step for the city council, Crago said during the meeting.
Still, Mayor Chris Jacobson said people need to take a proactive role and not solely rely on police. The city, Jacobson said, was criticized in the past for having too many officers.
Chief Deputy John Turley, with the Grant County Sheriff's Office was not at Tuesday's meeting, but said thefts for drug money, especially recyclable metals like copper, are a problem countywide.
"The cops are there to help, but in reality we all have to team up to watch our stuff," Turley said. "These (thieves) are constantly on the prowl."
More than 80 percent of the perpetrators are trying to satisfy a drug habit and are not usually violent, Turley said. For the others, it's a lifestyle of repeated stealing and selling, he said.
The burglars proved brazen enough to break through the front doors of businesses along Basin Street, Ephrata's main drag. They also struck on First Avenue Northwest, Division Avenue West, 12th Avenue Southwest and other streets forming the city's business core.
Varick said the crooks are targeting items left in plain view and visible through windows.
Businesses should keep the lights on during the night and install a silent alarm system, Varick said. Blinds on windows fronting Basin Street should be left open, he said, while those facing the alley ought to be closed.
To help police find and track stolen property, owners ought to mark valuables and record serial numbers, Varick said.
The majority of vehicles attacked by thieves are unlocked, Varick said. The chief recommends not leaving valuables in vehicles and locking doors.
The nexus between property crime and methamphetamine is a problem plaguing other counties in Washington.
"In Spokane County, a property crimes task force found 93 percent of about 300 felony charges it handled involved meth," Maureen Scharber, a spokeswoman with the state Attorney General's Office, said from her office in Olympia Tuesday.