Cops arrest two more suspects in giant King Co. crime ring - KOMO News

Police arrested two more people Thursday in connection with a giant theft ring that targets cars and gyms across King County. KOMO photo.

KING COUNTY, Wash. - Police arrested two more people Thursday they believe to be connected to a giant theft ring that targets cars and gyms across King County.

The latest arrests occurred at a home in West Seattle. Police say the arrests bring the total number of people behind bars up to 13.

Officers tell KOMO News that the ring is complicated and say all of the suspects are part of an organized group of criminals that have been breaking into cars at parks and fitness centers across Seattle and the Eastside.

Police say the suspects usually work in teams of two of three people and prowl cars near walking trails.

The suspects wait for victims to leave, smash their windows and use the victim's credit cards to buy things at area stores. Police say the criminals are all somehow connected through family, friend ships or social media.

The crime ring started to unravel after the death of a Seattle Police officer's son this past January, officials say. Moises Radcliffe was run over when he confronted car prowl suspects at Beaver Lake Park in Sammamish.

Agencies started sharing information about other cases as the thieves spread their crimes to cities like Bellingham, Spokane and areas on the Peninsula.

Police say the case highlights the importance of not leaving any valuables out in plain sight inside your car.

In Bellevue alone, police say victims have lost at least $200,000 in valuables.

Now that police have started piecing the case together, they estimate that the number of arrests could top 50 or more.

Let's block ads! (Why?)