Commercial burglaries increase in Bothell

Since mid-April, the Bothell Police Department (BPD) has seen an increase in commercial burglaries. Several of these burglaries have occurred at retail businesses that sell scratch lottery tickets, cigarettes and energy drinks/pills.

Entry into the businesses was most commonly made by breaking door or window glass, sometimes using nearby rocks. While inside, the burglars have also targeted cash registers and safes. All of the reported burglaries have occurred while the businesses were closed, with most occurring in the early morning hours between midnight and 6 a.m.

Anyone who has information related to the case is encouraged to contact the BPD at 425-486-1254. The police are also encouraging anyone who sees suspicious behavior to contact them as well.

According to a BPD release, many cases are solved quickly when employees call 911 either while they are seeing suspicious activity or immediately after they observe suspicious activity. The BPD advises people to not confront suspicious subjects, but instead get a good physical description of the suspicious subject(s) and any vehicles they’re associated with, including the make/model, color and license plate number if possible.

To assist local businesses from becoming a victim, the BPD is offering these crime prevention suggestions:

  • Remove all cash from tills and secure safes to floors.
  • Secure doors, windows, skylights and other openings with high quality locks.
  • Double cylinder, dead-bolt locks with one-inch throw bolts are preferred for doors.
  • Install cylinder guards and strike plates to slow down forced entry and prevent “jimmying.”
  • Use heavy-duty solid construction for rear doors with bars and u-brackets secured to the structure for added strength.
  • Ensure all windows are closed and locked at the end of the business day.
  • Remove small, hard objects from the areas near exterior entry doors and windows.
  • Light is one of the best crime deterrents. Use low-wattage lights on the inside and bright lights outside.
  • Illuminate all entry points and exterior sides of your business. Include alley and parking lot lighting.
  • Alarms are an entry detection and notification tool — not a physical barrier. Research alarm companies and request a system that best fits your needs.
  • Hire a professional to install your alarm and have clearly visible alarm signage.