Moses Lake suffers crime spree

Multiple thefts

MOSES LAKE - A rash of theft, residential burglaries and vehicle prowls was reported in Moses Lake over the weekend.

Friday morning through Monday morning produced nine vehicle prowls, one stolen vehicle, three residential burglaries and two commercial thefts with no suspects arrested.

Some of the crimes are clustered together in various parts of the city leading police to believe they may be connected, Moses Lake Police Capt. Dave Ruffin said. There are no suspects and the incidents remain under investigation.

Traditionally in Moses Lake during the holiday vacation period, vehicle prowls and residential burglaries increase dramatically compared to different times of the year, he said. This year's increase ranks average in comparison to past years.

"A lot of people leave their vehicle unlocked believe it or not," Ruffin said.

He urges people to lock their vehicles and remove valuable items or at least keep them out of sight to deter a break-in. Vehicles should be parked in a lit area preferably in a driveway or garage rather than on the street.

Ruffin said when people go out on vacation, they should have someone watching their vacant home.

Moses Lake Police ask anyone with information about crimes to call them at 509-766-9230.

The crimes taking place during the spree were:

• A barrel of scrap wire valued at approximately $300 was stolen.

• A leather briefcase, a coin holder, coins and a checkbook from a closed bank account were stolen from a vehicle on West Ivy Avenue.

• A Moon Security van was prowled on West Cascade Avenue. The driver's side window, a back window and the door handle were broken. Several tools were stolen.

• A red 1996 Ford Windstar van was stolen from the Moses Lake Senior Center. The keys were left on the seat and the door was unlocked.

• A 1993 Mazda van was prowled. A portable DVD player was stolen.

• Multiple storage units on South Boyle Street were burglarized. Seventeen locks were missing.

• A red 30-gallon air compressor was stolen from a residence on South Grand Drive.

• Three vehicles were broken into on South A Street. One vehicle had all the windows broken and possibly a few CDs stolen. A second vehicle had two windows broken and a briefcase containing a Bible stolen. The front passenger window to a third vehicle was broken and nothing was stolen.

• Off-road vehicle gear was stolen from a utility on West Lakeside Drive.

• Candy machine keys and approximately $200 worth of quarters were stolen from a vehicle.

• Tools were stolen from a home on East Alderwood Drive. Entry was gained through an unlocked window.

• A Pioneer CD player was stolen from a vehicle on West Broadway Avenue. Entry was gained by prying open a window.

• A CD player, amplifier, checkbook and speakers were stolen from a vehicle on West Lakeside Drive.

• Change, sunglasses, vehicle registration and keys were stolen from a vehicle on East Trout Avenue.