Thieves are targeting boat motors -- and in one case a whole boat -- in Kennewick and police say boat owners need to take steps to protect their property.
Kennewick police have taken seven reports in August relating to thieves stealing boat-related items, with four boat motors stolen since Wednesday, said Sgt. Ken Lattin.
Two jet skis were stolen out of the American General Finance parking lot Aug. 25, and on Aug. 9 a resident reported he discovered his boat and trailer missing when he went out to put new tags on it, Lattin said.
But boat motors are the big-ticket items and are easily swiped, Lattin said.
Thieves typically just troll the streets with the necessary tools needed to quickly unbolt the motors and take off, he said.
They look for boats parked near houses, but out of view of streets.
Boat owners can protect their property by putting a lock and chain on the motor to make it more difficult to swipe, he said.
Residents also should have motion lights on their house "so somebody can't just sit up there in the dark," Lattin said. "Thieves don't like to be lit up at night."
Anyone shopping for used boat motors and accessories is asked to call police if they suspect the items may be stolen.
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Thieves steal 40-inch flat screen, GPS from cars on Black Friday
Thieves steal 40-inch flat screen, GPS from cars on Black Friday
Some Black Friday shoppers in Kennewick got an unwelcome surprise when they returned to their vehicles and found thieves had stolen their recently purchased items.
Four thefts from vehicles were reported Friday to Kennewick police, and two additional car prowl cases were reported Saturday and Sunday in residential neighborhoods, said Sgt. Ken Lattin.
Some items stolen included a 40-inch flat screen TV, a Garmin GPS unit and new clothes.
Officials caution not to leave cars running
Officials caution not to leave cars running
With temperatures in the morning dipping into the teens, drivers may be tempted to leave cars running, so it's nice and warm when they get inside.
But police are reminding motorists not to do that -- it can end up costing you a fine for leaving a vehicle unattended.
"More importantly, you are practically giving your vehicle away to a thief if you leave it running and unattended," said Kennewick police Sgt. Ken Lattin.
Thieves steal 40-inch flat screen, GPS from cars on Black Friday
Thieves steal 40-inch flat screen, GPS from cars on Black Friday
Some Black Friday shoppers in Kennewick got an unwelcome surprise when they returned to their vehicles and found thieves had stolen their recently purchased items.
Four thefts from vehicles were reported Friday to Kennewick police, and two additional car prowl cases were reported Saturday and Sunday in residential neighborhoods, said Sgt. Ken Lattin.
Some items stolen included a 40-inch flat screen TV, a Garmin GPS unit and new clothes.
Police say thieves are siphoning fuel
Police say thieves are siphoning fuel
Thieves are hitting parking lots at night and siphoning gas from cars, police said.
Kennewick police have investigated eight reports of gas thefts in the past month, with the latest happening Wednesday, Sgt. Ken Lattin said.
Advanced Overhead Doors, 7201 W. Clearwater Ave., had gas stolen from a business vehicle for the fifth time Wednesday.
Craigslist theft leads to burglary suspect
Craigslist theft leads to burglary suspect
A Kennewick man was arrested in connection with a construction site theft Monday after the victim tracked down his stolen goods online and called police.
The burglary was reported from a construction site at 5404 W. 16th Ave., said Kennewick police Sgt. Ken Lattin. A number of items were stolen, including a commercial paint sprayer.
The victim checked on Craigslist and found his paint sprayer listed for sale and made arrangements to meet the seller Monday night to check it out, Lattin said.
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