Increased patrols following burglaries

Officers are increasing patrols following a series of home burglaries in Bellevue and surrounding areas.  Detectives are investigating at least 16 Bellevue burglaries that they believe are being committed by the same crew of suspects.

Most Bellevue burglaries have occurred in the Lakemont area and typically happen in the evening between 5:00-9:00 pm when residents are less likely to be home. The suspects are known to use the trail systems to enter and leave a neighborhood and have a get-away driver and car waiting for them. They often enter the home through the back door but have used a second-story window. The burglars target jewelry, cash, purses and safes, and they tend to burglarize more than one home in a neighborhood.

The suspected crew travels in groups of three; they are dark-complected and wear dark clothing and masks to conceal their identity. Investigators believe this is an organized ring that is victimizing people from Kent to Bellingham.

Bellevue police officers and detectives are increasing patrols in the neighborhoods and are regularly sharing information with other law enforcement agencies to track and identify these suspects. Investigators say the suspects usually leave when an audible alarm is sounded and have been scared away from yelling over a home surveillance system.

Homeowners are encouraged to always activate their house alarm system and monitor the motion activation, if possible. Lock your doors and windows and secure your valuables. Turn on exterior lights and consider motion flood lights. If you plan to be away, leave some lights and the TV or radio on to make it look like you are at home. If you have ladders or other materials for climbing, please bring them inside or lock them, so a burglar doesn’t have easy access to second-story windows. Please call 911 if you see any suspicious behavior.

For more crime prevention information, check our crime prevention tips.