Published August 22 2016
Suspect interviews reveal criminal tactics, crime prevention tips
After a lengthy investigation, investigators with the Bellevue Police Special Enforcement Team on Aug. 17 arrested three people suspected in a series of vehicle break-ins and auto thefts throughout the region.
Charged Monday in King County Superior Court were: Amado Murphy, 24, possession of a stolen vehicle, attempting to elude police and second-degree identity theft; Alexandra Geiger, 23, first-degree identity theft and possession of a stolen vehicle; and Daniel Mark Gormley-Bell, 25, possession of a stolen vehicle. Additional charges are likely as police continue to investigate.
After their arrest, the suspects gave detailed interviews about the techniques of their criminal activity, providing investigators with interesting points that vehicle owners may find helpful in terms of preventing such crimes from occurring in the future.
- One suspect told investigators that he would prowl vehicles by checking every car door handle in every neighborhood he went into. This highlights the importance locking your vehicle when it is parked in your driveway, and installing motion sensitive lighting on your home.
- The suspects only went in driveways with no visible cameras or open windows and avoided busier apartment complex parking lots. Home surveillance systems and signs indicating "video surveillance" can be a deterrent to thieves.
- One suspect told investigators that he specifically avoided neighborhoods where there appeared to be a neighborhood watch, more alert citizens or heavier police presence. This is an important note for residents to be alert, and call 911 to report suspicious persons or vehicles in your neighborhood.
- The suspects primarily stole cars by first breaking into them, then finding spare keys in the glove boxes or center console. Never leave keys in your vehicle, as it makes your car much easier to steal.
Police Chief Steve Mylett, speaking of the arrests, stated: "Through the hard work of our patrol officers and Special Enforcement Team investigators, three suspected thieves are now in jail, and are no longer victimizing the residents of our communities. These individuals provided valuable insight into criminal tactics and techniques that they have been using to victimize area residents.
"We would be remiss if we did not share this helpful information with the public in an effort to reduce crime. From their own mouths, theses suspected criminals provided exceptional crime prevention measures residents can apply to reduce the likelihood of victimization."
The Special Enforcement Team addresses specific types of repeat crimes with an innovative, proactive approach. The team targets prolific, active criminals in an effort to lower the overall rate of reported crime. The team conducts plain-clothes surveillance of targeted areas and surveillance of known active criminals and then coordinates with the King County Prosecutor's Office to ensure that arrested suspects remain in custody. Additionally, SET works frequently with the investigative units of other agencies to help address multijurisdictional offenders.