Spate of Olympia car prowls occurred over the weekend

As many as 18 cars were broken into in west Olympia over the weekend, according to Olympia police Lt. Paul Lower.

The break-ins occurred between midnight and 5 a.m. every night over the long holiday weekend, Lower said. Most were in northwest Olympia, with some also along Columbia Street toward Capitol Way in downtown.

The break-ins continue a trend of increasing car prowls since the beginning of the year, Lower said. “We might have a little group of folks involved,” he said.

Items taken include small electronic devices such as cellphones and laptops.

Police advise removing or concealing electronic devices and making sure vehicles are locked.

This story was originally published February 16, 2016 at 10:49 AM with the headline "Spate of Olympia car prowls occurred over the weekend."