Outbreak of car prowls Thursday night in Cd’A

Burglars had a bash Thursday night, breaking into several unlocked cars in Coeur d’Alene and stealing residents’ possessions, according to the Coeur d’Alene Police Department.

Despite early, unsubstantiated reports of belongings missing from between 12 and 15 cars, Capt. Dave Hagar told The Coeur d’Alene Press that a burglar or burglars broke into eight cars over the evening, adding that the term “break-in” is misleading.

“All eight cars were unsecured,” Hagar said. “None of them were locked. Nobody had to break a window. They apparently just opened the car doors and took what they wanted.”

The spree took place in the neighborhood between Hanley and Dalton to the north and south, and between Highway 95 and Ramsey to the east and west. Police are canvassing the area for doorbell cameras and other surveillance systems in the hope of capturing video footage of a suspect. He added that Cd’A PD does have leads they are investigating.

“The bottom line is,” Hagar said, “lock it or lose it. If you don’t secure your vehicle, you make it that much easier for someone to take your belongings.”

Hagar stressed that, to minimize the risk of becoming a victim, try to — if at all possible — secure your belongings elsewhere.

“Don’t leave valuables in your car,” he said. “People have had their guns stolen. They’ve had computers stolen. If you do have to leave something in your car, at the very least, hide it.”

Hagar concluded the interview by saying one of the most effective tools we can use as neighbors is the simple act of being neighborly toward one another.

"If you see something, say something," he said. "If you see something suspicious in your neighborhood, call us."