Spokane vehicle thefts increase above average | Crime

Spokane Police are reporting a recent surge in vehicle thefts that borders outside of their average range for this time of year. The typical average for the week of January 8th through 14th comes out to about 37 vehicle thefts, but this year, their strategic analysis has counted 48 incidents of vehicle thefts.

“My guess is that certain people got out of jail,” Carly Cortright, strategic analyst, said. She continued, “Vehicle theft is not bonded very high. After we arrest them, they’re able to post bond and then start stealing vehicles again.”

To prevent vehicle thefts during the winter months, Spokane Police recommend not leaving your car running to warm up while unattended. 

Spokane Police will be discussing the vehicle theft increase during their operational meeting on Tuesday. These meetings cover officer reports and eventually formulate into AIM reports. Patrol goals are also created from the meetings. 

During the most recent AIM report for the week of December 25th and 31st, officers responded to 42 vehicle thefts. These reports come out about two weeks after the fact. Here’s a selection of vehicle theft and prowling related officer incidents from that time frame.

North Spokane

Car Crashes into Home - Officers attempted to stop a BMW for excessive speed and while the vehicle pulled over briefly, it then accelerated away. Officers did not pursue the vehicle, but the driver continued to speed northbound, lost control, and rolled into a house. 

Officers learned about the crash when the homeowner called 911 and reported that a car crashed into the house – upon officers’ arrival, the driver had fled on foot and a K-9 track was unsuccessful – a short time later the vehicle owner called in a burglary of their residence and theft of their vehicle – officers went to the alleged burglary scene and investigated where they located a roommate.

The investigation revealed evidence on the roommate’s body, clothing discarded, and fresh blood in the house – the roommate was eventually arrested for Eluding, Theft of a Motor Vehicle, DUI, and Hit and Run.

Man Arrested In Stolen Vehicle at Safeway - Officers took a stolen vehicle report at the Safeway on Northwest Blvd – three hours later officers arrested a male in the stolen vehicle at the Safeway on Market.

Stolen Vehicle Nearly Hits Police Officer - Officers attempted to stop a Subaru Impreza that was stolen from the airport – officers tried blocking the vehicle in when it came to a stop, but the suspect sped off in the vehicle, nearly missing an officer who was on foot – the suspect sped away and abandoned the vehicle a few blocks away, but officers tracked the suspect on foot and eventually located and arrested him for Possession of a Stolen Vehicle, Attempt to Elude, and 1st Degree Assault.

South Spokane

South Hill Vehicle Prowling - Vehicles continue to be prowled on the South Hill – a possible suspect has been identified.

Prowl Checks Continue on South Hill - Officers conducted several prowl checks of vehicle prowling hot spots during their week – several subjects were contacted in the area, and one contact yielded a fugitive arrest out of Wisconsin.

Possible Vehicle Prowlers Arrested - Two possible vehicle prowlers were contacted driving around the area dressed in coveralls and headlamps – one had an air soft pistol in his waistband and the other had drugs/paraphernalia on his person – both were arrested for driving on a suspended license and outstanding warrants.

Undisclosed

Possible Gunshots Over Drug Deal - Day shift officers responded to multiple reports of a male in the roadway shooting a handgun – two subjects were contacted leaving the area in a vehicle that was possibly involved and was reported stolen the next day – officers also identified another male as the driver of the suspect vehicle – none of the involved parties contacted by police cooperated and it was most likely over a drug deal.

Information via Spokane Police Weekly AIM Report