The Kent Police Department has identified a crime trend mostly targeting east hill businesses, and the Kent Downtown Partnership is offering more details as well as crime prevention tips:
Since Oct. 1, 2021 there have been at least 41 commercial burglaries on the East Hill.
The suspect breaks glass doors or windows to enter and targets the cash register and/or safe. Tablet PC’s or iPad’s near the register have also been taken.
On several occasions, the cash register was found outside nearby, missing any cash.
In some cases, pics and/or video was obtained; however, it’s difficult to tell if the suspect is the same person; in general height and build of the suspect appears to be consistent.
Burglaries are generally occurring between 2:00 – 6:00 a.m.
In some cases, the suspect is seen approaching and leaving on foot; in one scenario a vehicle is seen leaving the area.
The cases first started occurring in the 104th/256th area, but soon spread to the other areas on the East Hill including 104th/240th, 108th/208th, 132nd/240th and 132nd/Kent Kangley area.
Please be sure to call 911 to report any suspicious activity or behavior. Ensure your cameras are operational and focused on the area to include your register and/or front door areas.
If possible, remove all cash and leave cash registers open at closing time.
If you are using a tablet, iPad, or PC, securing is advisable.
Leave lights ON at closing time and be sure inventory or signage does not block visibility into your store from the outside. Installing glass coating that prevents windows from smashing is also an option.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to KPD.
“You are our eyes and ears in downtown, so please look out for yourself and your neighbors!”
For more info, please contact:
Sara Wood
Community Education Unit
253-856-5856
[email protected]
