Police asked residents to be careful during waste collection days after three robbers used an unlocked gate to rob an elderly Lynnwood couple this week.
“The robbers saw an easy opportunity to gain access to the property,” said police spokesperson Captain Colette Weilbach.
On Wednesday around 06:00, a 62-year-old resident unlocked the gate and door for their domestic worker.
“The domestic worker’s arrival for work was expected at around that time. The husband went back to his bedroom and his wife,” said Weilbach.
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“Shortly afterwards two armed unknown men entered their bedroom. A third followed with the domestic worker.”
She said the suspects tied the couple and domestic worker up with cable ties and ransacked the house.
“They fled with stolen items and are still at large.”
“The domestic worker did not lock the gate when she arrived for work because she still wanted to take out the refuse bin,”
“The suspects simply pushed the gate open and drove into the yard. They even closed the gate again when they left.
Weilbach said the suspects drove a new white Volkswagen Passat model with an unknown registration number.
“Criminals are opportunists and will spot an easy way to gain entry to a property. Keep gates and doors locked at all times.”
She also advised residents to make sure there are no suspicious persons or vehicles in the street before opening the gate to take out refuse bins.
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“Do not put the refuse bin out the night before. This is to prevent criminals from stealing it or using it to get over obstacles such as walls or fences.”
“Be neighbourly by looking out for one another. Always report any suspicious activity to police.
“If it is believed that a burglary to be in progress always dial 10111,” said Weilbach.
Anyone who has any information on crime are kindly requested to contact Crime Stop on 086-00-10111. Callers may remain anonymous and all information will be treated with strictest confidentiality.
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