Renton Hill experiencing rash of car prowls

Published 4:52 pm Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Police are investigating a sharp increase in car prowls in the Renton Hill neighborhood that has residents calling a community meeting to search for answers.

According to police, the numbers are slightly up over last year, but there has been a large increase in reports there have been 12 car prowls in the historic neighborhood since Sept. 9, including nine since Sept. 25.

“It’s ramping up pretty well,” said Renton Police spokesman Commander David Leibman.

According to Leibman, there have only been 14 prowls in the neighborhood since June, so 12 in the last month is a major increase.

“Lately it’s been kind of crazy,” agreed resident and Renton Hill Neighborhood Association President Bob Benedetti, adding that traditionally his neighborhood has been very quiet and safe.

According to Leibman the locations of the crimes are spread pretty evenly over the Hill and none of the prowls are anything too unusual, but rather run-of-mill car prowls.

Benedetti said that thieves are taking laptops, bags, even toys that were left in a car.

“Anything that’s grabbable,” he said.

Residents are encouraged to remove valuable items from their vehicles at night and to always lock their car doors.

“Never leave anything in your car you wouldn’t want to get stolen,” Leibman said.

Benedetti said there has also been an increase in other thefts, such as thefts of packages from porch and warned that recently, a UPS truck was seen being “stalked” by a car full of people watching the deliveries.

Both Benedetti and Leibman encouraged residents to stay vigilant and report any unusual activity to the police.

“If you see something, say something,” Benedetti said. “Make the call.”

“You’re never bothering the police by calling 911,” Leibman agreed.

A community meeting to discuss the increase in car prowls has been scheduled for 7 p.m. Dec. 1 at the Downtown Library.

Until then, Benedetti is encouraging all Renton Hill residents to keep their eyes open and engage with their neighbors to make sure everyone is on the same page.

“If you want real change in your neighborhood, you have to be a participant,” Benedetti said. “The more people who are a part of this, the better the system works.”