BELLEVUE, Wash. — Police are searching for three girls who were involved in at least 18 car prowls in a southeast Bellevue neighborhood on Thursday night.
Residents in Bellevue’s Lake Hills neighborhood are at a loss of words after the rash of car break-ins.
"It was very shocking rather, so I was showing my wife and family looks like things are happening around here, so we need to be careful," said resident Nagesh Nayak.
Nayak has lived in this neighborhood he used to describe as quiet and safe for the past eight years. He said his cars weren't hit, but he feels for his neighbors dealing with the aftermath.
"What should be their motivation there,” said Nayak. “It costs big time for the families; people are going through hardship."
Bellevue police are looking for three girls connected to the car break-ins. Police said the suspects used hammers to smash at least 18 vehicles near 153rd Avenue Southeast late in the night of Jan. 25.
"We could have two or three,” said Captain Landon Barnwell with the Bellevue Police Department. “But to have that many in a particular neighborhood, like I said I can't think of many incidents where that's happened."
Bellevue police located the suspects the night of the crimes. But police weren't able to pursue them when the driver sped off in a vehicle, stolen out of Tacoma.
Police said they now have emphasis patrols in the Lake Hills community.
"We want them to feel safe in their community and one of our biggest goals is to reduce crime and reduce the fear of crime," said Barnwell.
Police recommend people remove everything from their cars so there's nothing that will entice thieves. Also, people are encouraged to park in secure, covered and well-lit areas and install motion-detection lights near where their cars are parked.