Vehicle burglars strike in Rathdrum

RATHDRUM - Rathdrum police are investigating a string of vehicle burglaries.

The latest incident was early Tuesday morning when a female opened her friend's vehicle driver's door near her home on Trestle Street and found a male suspect in the driver's seat.

"The female did not initially see the male due to the fact the vehicle's windows were iced over," a Rathdrum Police press release states. "The male suspect pushed the female out of the way and ran from the area on foot."

Nothing was reported missing.

"He probably had just gotten inside," Rathdrum Police Chief Kevin Fuhr said.

Officers followed the suspect's footprints in the snow, but they ended near tire tracks, police said. It appears the suspect had a vehicle parked in the area.

While investigating the incident, it appeared the suspect attempted to gain access to nearly 20 vehicles around the neighborhood.

Of those vehicles, the suspect only entered three unlocked vehicles and nothing appeared to be missing or damaged.

The suspect is described as about 5-foot-7 and having an average build. He was wearing a white coat and blue jeans.

"She didn't get a good look at his face because she was so startled that he was there and pushed her out of the way," Fuhr said.

There's no vehicle description as it had left before officers arrived.

Tuesday's incidents were the latest in a string of theft attempts, police said.

Last Wednesday night an unknown person walked through the Copper Valley neighborhood checking for unlocked vehicles. The suspect entered several vehicles, but nothing was reported stolen and no damage was done.

On Sunday night, an unlocked vehicle on Wright Street was entered and a purse was stolen.

"They're not doing any damage and they've taken very little so far," Fuhr said. "They're targeting unlocked cars. If one is locked, they walk to the next one."

Fuhr said there's no evidence so far that points to the same suspect in all of the cases.

Police encourage residents to remove valuables from their vehicles when they are parked overnight and to keep vehicles locked.

Those with information or who see suspicious activity are encouraged to call Rathdrum Police at 687-0711.