BELLEVUE, Wash. — Police departments are increasing patrols after a string of residential burglaries have been committed in Bellevue and surrounding areas.
The Bellevue Police Department (BPD) believes the burglaries are being committed by suspects in an organized ring that has victimized residents from Kent to Bellingham. They are linked to more than 100 burglaries across western Washington.
The group is known to target homes on Thursdays through Sundays between 5 and 9 p.m. They are known to use surrounding trail systems to enter and leave a neighborhood and have a get-away driver and car waiting for them. They often enter homes through a back door but have used a second-story window.
“It's getting to the point where there are so many in the neighborhood and they are in the neighborhood where I live and you think if it could happen to us, and quite honestly every night you just wonder if you're going to be safe in your own home,” said Tom Granger who lives in Redmond in one of the areas King County detectives believe the suspect targeted.
According to BPD, they focus on stealing jewelry, cash, purses and safes.
The group is also known to burglarize more than one home in a neighborhood.
“This indicates a level of sophistication beyond the normal residential burglaries,” said Captain Joe Nault with BPD. “They're fairly brazen, they are not deterred by cameras but what we've noticed is they tend to be deterred by audible alarms, by people who are home, or houses that look like they are occupied,” he said.
Bellevue and Lynnwood police have said they are increasing evening patrols due to the burglaries. According to BPD, there have not been any new cases since they increased patrols.
Police have described the suspects as adult men with darker complexions, who often wear masks and dark clothing.
Here are photos of the suspects from security cameras.
Security footage of suspected Bellevue-area burglars
The group is wanted in connection to burglaries in Bellevue, Redmond, Lynnwood, Sammamish, Mukilteo, Kent and Bellingham.
Lynwood police believe the suspects are connected to burglaries dating back to 2021. The King County Sheriff’s office is said there are multiple suspects but are unsure exactly how many.
Police advise homeowners to leave lights and TVs on inside, and a car parked outside to make sure their home doesn’t look like an easy target.
They advise residents to keep doors locked, alarm systems on and valuables secured. They also recommend keeping lights on while away from home, or for a longer period of time and mounting security cameras high and out of reach.
Officials urge anyone who sees suspicious activity to call 911.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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