Riding lawnmowers and four-wheelers seem to be a hot target for thieves the past couple of months in Benton County, authorities said.
About a dozen have been swiped from yards and unsecured garages at both ends of the county -- in Prosser and Finley and parts in between, said sheriff's Lt. Joe Lusignan.
The most recent theft occurred overnight Wednesday or early Thursday morning on Boffer Canyon Road, he said. In that break-in, suspects entered an unlocked shed and took five or six motorcycles and a tractor.
Other owners have reported the following thefts: A red Craftsman lawnmower parked on the side of a shop with the key in the ignition, a Yamaha quad runner, a red Polaris ATV, a Craftsman
riding lawnmower valued at more than $3,000, a red Craftsman mower worth about $1,000, two red 2007 Baja sport motorbikes and a red 1991 Honda TRX 200 ATV.
Just last week, Kennewick police said they had four separate cases involving expensive riding lawnmowers being stolen since Sept. 26. They suspect thieves may be trying to sell the mowers for a quick buck or using them to start a lawn-care business.
Lusignan said all the cases they've investigated involved equipment that was not secured or in a locked shed or garage.
Citizens need to remember to keep their equipment locked up and call if they see something suspicious, such as somebody pushing a mower down the road or spotting someone who doesn't live in the area loading up a mower or ATV.
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On this day: Dec. 22, 1966
On this day: Dec. 22, 1966
What school district would chuck a school bus to make room for a lawn mower? "We need room for our mower, and that school bus has to go," said Al Meneely, Finley school superintendent about a 1950 9-passenger bus. The school has 15 acres of grass.
On this day: Sept. 16, 1954
On this day: Sept. 16, 1954
Horse thieves, auto thieves and just plain thieves he's heard of, but this is the first time that Judge Ray King ever ran across a gavel thief, he said. King was preparing to open court yesterday and found his gavel missing. A search of the building failed to reveal it.
Milton-Freewater man injured in ATV accident
Milton-Freewater man injured in ATV accident
Oregon State Police are continuing to investigate an ATV crash in rural Umatilla County that sent a Milton-Freewater man to the hospital.
Eric J. Roden, 41, was taken by friends to Grande Ronde Hospital, then flown to Legacy Emanual Medical Center in Portland, where he was in serious condition, said Lt. Gregg Hastings.
Troopers learned of the ATV crash on a forest service road Saturday night while at the hospital on an unrelated incident, Hastings said.
Off-road vehicle bill heads to House vote
Off-road vehicle bill heads to House vote
OLYMPIA -- State Sen. Jerome Delvin applauded the Senate's passage today of a measure aimed at producing less cumbersome and more responsible off-road vehicle (ORV) access to public roads.
Delvin worked with other legislators, representatives of the Washington State Patrol, outdoor enthusiasts and conservationists state-wide to produce Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill 5366, which passed the Senate by a vote of 41 to 5.
"Removing the barriers to using and enjoying off-road vehicles is very important to the people of the Tri-Cities," said Delvin, R-Richland.
LEGISLATURE: Off road vehicle measure passes
LEGISLATURE: Off road vehicle measure passes
Delvin bill to improve access for off-road vehicles passes Senate
OLYMPIA - State Sen. Jerome Delvin applauded the Senate’s passage today of a measure aimed at producing less cumbersome and more responsible off-road vehicle (ORV) access to public roads.
Delvin worked with other legislators, representatives of the Washington State Patrol, outdoor enthusiasts and conservationists statewide to produce Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill 5366, which passed the Senate by a vote of 41 to 5.
“Removing the barriers to using and enjoying off-road vehicles is very important to the people of the Tri-Cities,” said Delvin, R-Richland.
“I am pleased we were able to work with all stakeholders involved to reach a balance that allows access to public roads in a safe and responsible manner while also providing funds for road maintenance and safety.”
Under Delvin’s measure a person would be allowed to operate a four-wheel ATV on any roadway having a speed limit of 35 miles per hour or less, provided the operator
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