Kent Police sent an e-mail Friday to local businesses to warn them about a recent string of smash-and-grab commercial burglaries during the middle of the night at warehouses and offices in the north end of the Kent Valley.
Suspects are looking into office buildings and warehouses and when they see laptops or computers on desks next to windows, they break the window, reach in and take the items, according to an e-mail from Sara Wood, Kent Police public education specialist.
“We usually recommend keeping blinds open as part of our crime prevention through environmental design concepts, however, given this latest rash, we are encouraging businesses to shut blinds, especially on windows next to desks and computers,” Wood said. “Now would also be a good time to inventory your valuables and document serial numbers of any electronics in your office and business. If something is taken, if you have a serial number, it may help officers track it down.”
The recently reported burglaries included smashed windows and stolen computers May 31 from businesses in the 22400 block of 64th Avenue South and 22600 block of 66th Avenue South; and June 4 in the 20000 block of 87th Avenue South.
Kevin Axelson, police crime analyst, noticed the similar method of operation in each of the burglaries and notified police officers as well as the public education unit.
Each burglary occurred during graveyard shifts.
Police do not have any suspects at this time.
For more information about crime prevention and these burglaries, call Wood at 253-856-5851 or go to www.ci.kent.wa.us/police.
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