Auto burglaries reported in Post Falls

By BRIAN WALKER

Staff Writer

POST FALLS — Post Falls Police are investigating a rash of auto burglaries that occurred late Sunday night or early Monday morning in the same vicinity in the north part of the city.

At least eight vehicles north of Poleline Avenue and east of Idaho were targeted between 11 p.m. Sunday and 8 a.m. on Monday.

Detective Dave Beck said all of the vehicles were left unlocked.

"A large percentage of vehicle burglaries occur when the vehicles are unlocked," Beck said. "Many burglars don't want to attract noise or attention so they won't break windows. Locking your vehicles goes a long way toward preventing burglaries."

The burglaries occurred on Ivy Lane, Alfalfa Loop and Coolwater Drive.

At one of the residences on Coolwater, a 9mm Smith & Wesson pistol was stolen. Other items that were reported stolen included cash, a Target gift card and other loose items.

In at least two of the cases, the owners weren't sure if anything had been stolen, but it was obvious their vehicles had been rummaged through.

"Some valuable items, including coats, were left behind," Beck said.

Beck said the cases are another example that the holidays aren't immune to thefts.

"They occur year-round hit and miss," he said. "All it takes is one person to give you a rash of vehicle thefts."

Those with information about the thefts or any suspicious activity in that area around the time frame of the burglaries are encouraged to contact Post Falls Police at 773-3517, or leave an anonymous tip at www.postfallspolice.com.