12/24/2009: "Rash Of Burglaries Hit San Juan Island"

There has been talk on the street for some time about a number of burglaries on San Juan Island, and the SJC Sheriff's office has sent out a warning to home owners to lock up and look about.

A number of houses have been burglarized during the last few months, but unlike normal burglaries, the thief’s’ are not just looking for your normal valuables, such as money, jewelry and electronics. They may be building or furnishing a house, and also simply “shopping” for food.

A local Realtor reported one of her unoccupied listings was broken into, and furniture and other items were removed, then later the property was hit again, and an expensive wood burning stove was hauled off.

The only good news is the Sheriff’s office has identified a person of interest, who has a $100,000 arrest warrant for the theft of an automobile from San Juan Island. He is also a suspect in the burglary of the residence where the vehicle was taken from, and is wanted for questioning on the other burglaries.

Many of the burglaries have occurred at residences that are currently for sale and have for sale signs on the property. All of the homes were unoccupied at the time. Some of the other items taken were: electronic equipment; tools; cleaning equipment; a toilet and food from refrigerators. In another case, light fixtures were taken.

Advice from Sheriff Bill Cumming is "As a precaution, please lock your doors and windows. Take note of any suspicious activity, vehicle or persons in your neighborhoods. Get to know your neighbors and communicate with each other. Let your neighbors know if your house will be unoccupied and for how long. Request that they notify the Sheriff’s Office of any suspicious activity."

Anyone with information is encouraged to call the Sheriff’s Office at 378-4151 to talk to Detective Lach Buchanan; an on duty deputy; or to Sheriff Cumming. Confidential calls can be honored