Sheriff's Office

For Immediate Release

PR #: 1800108
Date Issued: Oct 23, 2018 - 10:49am

Help fight crime lock your doors and take your stuff!

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

Vehicle burglaries are on the rise again in Washoe County. The Washoe County Sheriff's Office warns residents that in most cases, these burglaries involve valuables left inside unlocked vehicles.

Fight back against vehicle burglaries! Always lock your doors and remove valuables from your vehicle.

Since mid-August, the Sheriff's Office has received increased reports of vehicle burglaries in various neighborhoods from Verdi to Galena. During the month of October, the Sheriff's Office saw a spike of vehicle burglary cases in Callahan Ranch and Thomas Creek.

The Sheriff's Office has obtained surveillance video showing two suspects in a series of burglaries that took place in the Thomas Creek area sometime between October 17 and 18. A link to the video is included with this press release.

In addition to the video are three still photos. One photo of each of the suspects and a third photo showing a distinct pattern on the back of one of the suspect's hoodies that may be recognizable.

Anyone with information that can help identify the suspects is asked to contact the Washoe County Sheriff's Office Detective Division at (775) 328-3320 or Secret Witness at (775) 322-4900. Refer to case WC18-5127.

This type of criminal activity, in which would-be burglars move from car to car in residential neighborhoods deliberately searching for unlocked doors, is common in all areas of Washoe County. Criminals often look for the easiest opportunities to commit a crime. Taking preventative safety measures may prevent you from becoming their next victim:

  • Lock the door when leaving the car. Still one of the most common issues with vehicle burglaries
  • 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
  • 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
  • Install motion detector lights in your driveway
  • Always report vehicle burglaries and suspicious activity to law enforcement. The Sheriff's Office believes there are likely additional vehicle burglary victims who have not reported to law enforcement. Reporting crimes of this nature helps to make local law enforcement agencies aware of possible trends and take appropriate action.

Additional safety information is available from the "Staying Safe" page at WashoeSheriff.com.

Link to video: https://bit.ly/2POj2Ik

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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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