By Arwyn Rice

Peninsula Daily News

PORT ANGELES — Police are looking for help to solve a spike in car break-ins in the Port Angeles area.

Five days of increased car prowling activity has been reported inside the city limit as well as in unincorporated areas around Port Angeles, Deputy Police Chief Brian Smith said.

There have been 18 reports of thefts from cars, nine of which have included broken windows, which is unusual, Smith said.

In most cases, car burglars target cars that have unlocked doors, he said.

Smith said thieves have targeted cars in which items of value are in plain sight, taking such items cash, credit cards, purses and electronic devices — items that are easily converted to cash, creating a quick reward for the thieves.

Many burglaries in cars are often the work of one or two people, said

One prowler prosecuted for his crimes admitted to more than 100 individual vehicle burglaries, Smith said.

When there is no suspect, such as in the case of the current spate, reports to police of people looking into cars or testing door handles can help lead police to perpetrators, he said.

Anyone who sees such behavior should call 9-1-1 to report it, Smith urged.

Smith said car break-ins in which nothing of value was taken should also be reported, to help detectives establish crime patterns.

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Reporter Arwyn Rice can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 5070, or at arice@peninsuladailynews.com.