Sheriff's Office

For Immediate Release

PR #: 1800009
Date Issued: Jan 19, 2018 - 4:29pm

Sheriff's Office asks for help identifying vehicle burglary suspect

CONTACT: Bob Harmon
Washoe County Sheriff's Office
Office 775-785-6235
Cell 775-722-5517

Washoe County Sheriff's Office Detectives are asking for the public's help with identifying a suspect in a vehicle break-in that occurred in the parking area of a trail head off Mt. Rose Highway on January 1, 2018.

The suspect broke through the window of the vehicle and stole a number of credit cards along with identification and keys. Subsequent investigation discovered that the credit cards had been used at multiple locations in Kings Beach and at several locations in Reno, including Walmarts.

Surveillance photos of the suspect were obtained from Walmart and are attached to this press release.

Anyone with information about the suspect in this investigation is asked to contact the Washoe County Sheriff's Office Detective Division at (775) 328-3320 or Secret Witness at (775) 322-4900.

Trailheads are always vulnerable to potential vehicle burglars. Suggested vehicle burglary prevention tips for park and trail users include:

  • Don't leave valuables in the car. If you don't need to take valuables with you for an outing, leave them safely at home. If valuables must be left in a vehicle, be sure to lock them in the trunk or glove compartment not under jackets or blankets behind the seat as that is one of the first places criminals look
  • Leave no trace. Don't leave any sign that there might be valuables hidden in a vehicle by leaving items such as docking stations or connector cables visible. Leave nothing in plain sight that might make the vehicle a target for thieves, not even loose coins
  • Be sure to set the car alarm or anti-theft devices. These are still effective deterrents against criminals who are looking for the easiest target
  • Keep windows completely closed. Partially open windows may make your vehicle an easier target for thieves
  • Lock the door when leaving the car. Still one of the most common issues with vehicle burglaries
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The Washoe County Sheriff's Office is dedicated to preserving a safe and secure community with professionalism, respect, integrity and the highest commitment to equality. Sheriff Darin Balaam is the 27th person elected to serve as the Sheriff of Washoe County since the Office was created in 1861. The Washoe County Sheriff's Office strives to ensure public safety by building trust and creating partnerships within the diverse communities in which we serve. We will promote the dignity of all people supported by our words and actions through open communication while fostering an environment of professionalism, integrity and mutual respect.

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