Spokane Valley Police: Vehicle Prowling/Garage Burglary Update - Spokane, North Idaho News & Weather KHQ.com

Spokane Valley Police: Vehicle Prowling/Garage Burglary Update

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FROM THE SPOKANE VALLEY POLICE DEPT: In November 2012, Spokane Valley Property Crimes Detectives and Spokane Valley Patrol Deputies began an emphasis to combat the rise in vehicle prowlings and garage burglaries in the eastern part of the City of Spokane Valley.
 
Monthly statistics had shown an increase in vehicle prowlings and garage burglaries in these areas from August 2012 through October 2012.  As an example, the total garage burglaries in that area jumped from an average of 12.7 over the previous three months to 30 in the month of October 2012. 
There was an increase in vehicle prowlings from an average of 17.3 per month to a total of 65 vehicle prowlings in the month of August alone.  The average from August to October 2012 was 44.3 prowlings.
 
Sheriff Knezovich authorized the formation of a task force composed of four patrolmen and two detectives from the Spokane Valley Property Crimes Unit.
 
There were originally over 30 people identified as being involved in these crimes or associated with those involved in the crimes. In the first four weeks over 20 of those people had been arrested on over 22 felony charges, 22 misdemeanor charges, 10 felony warrants, and 17 misdemeanor warrants.
 
As investigation into several of these cases continue, dozens of felony charges will be added to those already charged and several more individuals will be charged with new felony crimes. 

The charges include Vehicle Prowling, Possession of Burglary Tools, Possession of Vehicle Theft Tools, Possession of Controlled Substances, Identity Theft, Forgery, and Possession of Stolen Property. Charges of Theft and 2nd Degree Burglary are also forthcoming on several individuals.
 
In one search warrant alone over 57 items of stolen property were recovered from one target address. More than 10 garage burglaries were solved in that instance. Detectives have posted pictures of stolen property recovered from the residence on the Sheriff's Office Facebook page and Spokane Valley Police Department's website in hopes of identifying more victims.
 
The Sheriff's Office continues to urge the community to report suspicious people, vehicles and activity as these tips have been vital in combating these and other types of criminal activity in Spokane County.

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