It’s business as usual for criminals during COVID-19 pandemic, Lacey police say
Lacey police reminded residents Tuesday to lock doors and to keep valuable items out of sight because even during the COVID-19 pandemic, car thefts and prowls continue to happen.
A Honda CRV was stolen from the Fred Meyer parking lot Tuesday morning, Lacey Det. Jon Mason said. Then those thieves found the car registration, and a garage door opener, and burglarized the car owner’s residence.
Olympia police Lt. Paul Lower and Thurston County Sheriff’s Office Lt. Ray Brady said these types of crimes are still being reported.
Between April 2-8, Olympia police data showed five auto thefts, five residential burglaries and 12 vehicle prowls.
Property stolen included backpacks, wallets, purses, work supplies, tools, electronics and money, according to Olympia police.
Lower said the department is continuing to see the same number of auto thefts and vehicle prowls.
“It hasn’t gone down,” he said.
Brady acknowledged that with more people at home, the Sheriff’s Office is seeing fewer residential burglaries. He, too, though, reminded residents to lock their car doors.
He said car prowl suspects will pull on car doors until they find one unlocked.
“You would be amazed at how many people leave their doors unlocked,” Brady said.
Anyone who witnesses a crime is asked to call South Sound Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477.
This story was originally published April 15, 2020 at 5:45 AM.
