A 32-year-old Everett man is in a King County jail for at least one of about nine burglaries that took place several weeks ago in the Rose Hill neighborhood near the Redmond-Kirkland border.
The neighborhood was hit with a string of burglaries in a 10-day span about a month and a half ago and in one situation, the burglar came face to face with a young girl who had been home alone at the time. The Redmond Police Department (RPD) cannot confirm whether the suspect is connected to these other burglaries, though signs lead police officials to believe he is, said RPD spokesperson Jim Bove.
“Right now we only have him for one burglary,” he said.
Bove said the suspect was arrested by the Seattle Police Department earlier this week for a similar crime — he had knocked on the door and entered a home when no one answered the door. A woman was inside, but was on the phone and had ignored the knocking.
Any type of contact or communication may sometimes be enough to deter a burglar, Bove said.
“Normally, they’re not looking for a confrontation,” he said. “They’re looking for a quick and easy target.”
Redmond detectives questioned the suspect on Wednesday and asked the suspect what he would tell families who are concerned about leaving their children home alone. Bove said the suspect suggested that the child speak through the door and tell the person that their mom or dad is home, but in the shower or otherwise busy.
Homes on both the Redmond and Kirkland sides of 132nd Avenue Northeast were targeted during the Rose Hill burglary spree in April. Electronics, jewelry and money were among the most common items taken, which is why Bove said people should log their valuables. He suggested people take photos of their jewelry and write down the serial numbers when it comes to electronics. He said this makes it easier to track down items.
Bove also encouraged people to look out for their neighbors and to report any suspicious behavior they may witness in their neighborhoods.
In addition, he said residents should remember to lock all their doors and windows and make sure they have good locks.
“A lot of them can be pretty flimsy,” he said.
