The Snoqualmie-North Bend Police Department is investigating two overnight burglaries of occupied homes in North Bend on Sunday, September 22, 2024.
The suspect remains unidentified and at large, but there was no contact between the suspect and the residents during the incidents.
On Monday, September 23, 2024, at approximately 6:10 a.m., a burglary was reported at a home in the 1300 block of Bandara Avenue SE, located in the Tannerwood neighborhood. The homeowner discovered that the house’s first floor had been ransacked while they were asleep upstairs.
A short time later, officers were dispatched to another burglary less than a mile away, in the 13700 block of 463rd Avenue SE in the Wood River neighborhood. The second homeowner reported that their garage door had been opened at around 1:00 a.m., according to a security app notification. The garage was also rummaged through while the residents were asleep inside.
In addition to the two home burglaries, five car prowls were reported in the same area. Items stolen from the vehicles included garage door openers, which are believed to have been used to gain access to the homes, as well as a .40 caliber handgun.
Snoqualmie Police Chief Brian Lynch confirmed that the stolen garage door openers were likely used in the burglaries: “At this time, it appears the access into the garages or residences were made by utilizing the garage door openers taken from vehicles. The Police Department asks that residents check the doors of not only their vehicles but their homes to ensure they are locked.”
When asked about the area, Chief Lynch stated, “Overall, this area has a lower crime rate; however, no area is immune to crime. We ask that if anyone sees or hears something suspicious to call 911 and report it. The Snoqualmie Police Department embraces the motto of No Call Too Small.”
The police are currently reviewing video surveillance footage from a neighbor’s security camera, which shows a newer Dodge Ram full-size pickup truck in the area. However, the suspects and the vehicle’s license plate have not yet been identified.
Regarding the theft of the firearm, Chief Lynch advised, “There is no evidence at this time of an increased safety risk due to the theft of the firearm, however we take this very seriously and ask that our community members not leave firearms in their vehicles.”
In response to the recent incidents, Chief Lynch offered several security recommendations: “The Police Department recommends everyone in the community double-check their doors of both their homes and vehicles. This will help prevent access to their personal property. Residents should keep outside lights on as a deterrent and make sure trees and shrubbery are trimmed to keep visibility at its best. Investments into a security system and/or a camera system of some sort that can be monitored by a company or by your phone is always recommended. This not only provides a level of security but can provide valuable information of suspicious persons if captured on a recording device.”
To help protect the community, the Snoqualmie-North Bend Police Department has increased patrols in the area. Chief Lynch explained, “The Police Department employs a random patrol tactic, which means there are no set timeframes when officers will be in any one area of the city. This is to prevent a pattern of patrol and limits the chance of criminals’ knowledge of when an officer may be in any given area at a specific time of day or night.”
The department is asking for assistance from the public. Anyone with security camera footage from the Tannerwood or Wood River neighborhoods between 1:00 a.m. and 4:00 a.m. on September 22 or anyone with information regarding the incidents is encouraged to contact the Snoqualmie Police Department at 425-888-3333.
For residents seeking guidance on improving their home security, Chief Lynch mentioned that while they have no specific programs or resources regarding security, the police department is available to help assess potential vulnerabilities. “We will, however, come to your residence and walk around the property to assess any glaring weaknesses in security.”
The Snoqualmie-North Bend Police Department remains committed to ensuring the community’s safety. As investigations continue, Chief Lynch encourages residents to stay proactive in securing their homes and vehicles, report suspicious activity, and take advantage of available resources.
With increased patrols and community cooperation, the department aims to prevent further incidents and maintain North Bend’s reputation as a safe place to live.
