Lake Ketchum Neighborhood Watch meeting

Lake Ketchum area residents are through being victims.

A

rash of burglaries in the

past few months culminated on Oct. 31 with arrests resulting from neighbors interrupting an apparent robbery.

An official Neighborhood Watch group for the area is forming. The first meeting will be held Wednesday, Oct. 18, 6:30 p.m. at Cedarhome Baptist Church, 29000 68th Ave. N.W., Stanwood.

“Block watch patrols have already been organized and are active in the area,” said a spokesperson for the group.

A patrol will be in the Lake Ketchum area during the meeting.

According to Rebecca Hover, public information officer for the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office, a series of arrests in the burglaries have been made, but not all the suspects are connected.

“There doesn’t appear to be any rhyme or reason as to why that particular area is being targeted by these groups of burglars lately,” she said. “It appears to be random.”

Still, if a homeowner believes a suspect is in their home, the sheriff’s office suggests not going inside and not trying to apprehend the individual(s). Stay in a locked car and keep distance. Call 9-1-1 from a cell phone or go to a safe place, such as a neighbor’s house, to place the call, said Hover.

If a strange, unfamiliar vehicle is spotted in a neighborhood, write down a description and the license plate number. The same goes for any individuals suspected in a crime.

“Above all,” she said, “keep yourself safe and don’t confront potential suspects.”

Staff Reporter Adam Stewart: 629-8066 ext. 115 or astewart@scnews.com.