Crime Alert: Police Identify Trend in Eastside Vehicle/Home Break-ins

City of Sammamish detectives have issued an alert, saying they have identified an emerging crime trend on the Eastside in which thieves break into vehicles at large stores, then immediately target the vehicle owner's home for a burglary based on the address listed on the vehicle registration.

So far, one Sammamish family has been affected, and police in Woodinville and Kirkland have also had cases in the last few days, says Sammamish Police Sgt. Jessica Sullivan. Though it's just beginning here, Sullivan says the police have seen this kind of targeting become a large problem in the past.

"We'd like to get the word out to people," Sullivan said, though thus far there have only been a handful of recent cases. 

Police urge people to report vehicle break-ins while shopping immediately, and to consider making a call to a friend or neighbor to keep an eye on your home.

She said police, as always, advise people not to leave valuables in their vehicles, and if you have a locking glove box or other way to keep the vehicle's registration from being found by thieves, take advantage of it. It is important to ensure that the registration is in the car whenever driving, however.

Police ask that if you see anything suspicious, call your local police department. If it is urgent, dial 9-1-1. The Kirkland Police non-emergency number is 425-577-5656.

Kirkland Patch has a call into the Kirkland Police Department seeking details on any local cases and will update this story as warranted.