Disturbing residential burglaries on the rise in North Seattle

You have likely seen the headlines. Burglaries are on the rise in North Seattle.

But most concerning to residents and authorities is the method of these crimes.

Many are happening late at night, while the residents are home.

In the early morning hours of March 6th, three home were burglarized within a few block radius. The method in all seemed similar and was done while residents were home.

In one burglary, an adult female resident in the 4200 block of Meridian Ave North was woken by a voice yelling, “Let’s go.”  She then heard what sounded like footsteps running down the outside stair case.  After she  checked the house she realized the suspects stole car keys and personal electronics. The car was not taken.

Twenty minutes after calling 9-1-1, officers and burglary detectives responded. They discovered that the point of entry was an unlocked back door.

In another burglary a man was home with his wife and two young children while their home was burglarized.  Personal electronics, car keys and the victim's car were stolen. The vehicle is a gray 2011 Audi A4, WA license ADZ8091. (If you see the vehicle please call 9-1-1.)

On March 5th another home was burglarized in Wedgewood. A 2004 Toyota was stolen from that home.

And on March 3rd three homes were broken into. Personal electronics and a green 2005 Acura MDX, WA license AFV-9085 was also stolen. In all of these the residents were home at the time.

This trend is unnerving as eventually a homeowner will wake up and a confrontation will likely happen with the burglars.

Most of these incidents involve unlocked doors and windows. Some involve the burglars breaking windows and doors to gain entry.

To reduce the likelyhood that your home will be entered, lock all doors and windows during the day and at night. Also, keep electronics and valuables away from windows and visible areas that might invite a crime.