Deputies look for Valley car prowler | News

Spokane County Sheriff's Deputies are warning the public about a big increase in car prowling in the East Valley.

According to a crime report, in the summer of 2011 the neighborhoods east of Sullivan Road saw 97 break-ins. In 2012 there have been 141 car burglaries.

Deputies said they are continuing to see car break-ins.

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In the case of a woman who stopped at a garage sale at 11th Street and Bowdish Road, she only left her car for a moment. But deputies say that gave a man enough to steal her purse.

Just hours later, he was at two local hardware stores using her stolen credit card to buy almost $1,000 worth of supplies for a possible marijuana growing operation.

Sheriff's deputies said they are now looking for the man and think no matter where you live in the region, the public makes it easy for crooks to decide which cars they should hit.

"For the criminal element, that is an invitation to them. They are going to take advantage of you if you do that, if you leave your vehicle unlocked and leave those valuables right in plain sight," said Deputy Craig Chamberlin.

Deputies said the suspect was wearing a white tank top-style shirt at the time of the burglary.

He also has a tattoo on his left shoulder and may live in the Spokane Valley.