By the Numbers: Crime Trends

December 2022 to February 2023: Top offenses in Issaquah Highlands

BY MADDIE COATS Highlands Council Media Editor

The Issaquah Highlands community experiences a significantly lower rate of criminal activity than the rest of the city and surrounding areas.

Crime is an unfortunate reality that no community can entirely escape. Recently, many parts of the country—including Issaquah—have seen an uptick in criminal activities.

Over the last three months, data from Issaquah Police Department reveals that Issaquah Highlands recorded a much lower rates of crime compared to the overall city. In fact, our community represents only 21% of serious crimes and major offenses in the entire city.

Ryan Smith, IPD’s crime analyst, says the most common criminal activities in Issaquah Highlands include larceny and theft—primarily shoplifting and car prowls—as well as motor vehicle thefts, vandalism and simple assaults (meaning, threats of violence without aggravated assault).

The entire city recorded 261 larceny and theft offenses in the last three months, of which only 53 (20%) were reported from Issaquah Highlands. Of the 53 theft cases in our community, 30 were a result of shoplifting and 13 came from car prowls where something was stolen. Other cases included theft of motor vehicle parts and theft from apartment buildings.

Out of 37 motor vehicle thefts citywide, Issaquah Highlands reported 13 cases. Ryan says a majority of these thefts occurred in the lower highlands, primarily surrounding the shopping centers and neighboring residential areas. These are prime targets due to many unattended cars in parking lots and garages. In several cases, victims also left their keys in the car.

“Issaquah is generally a very safe place, but you cannot leave keys in your car while in public; whether for a quick errand, watching a movie, or otherwise,” Ryan added. “Even better, don’t leave keys in your car ever.”

IPD classifies offenses related to disorderly conduct, driving under the influence, liquor violations, voyeurism, loitering and trespass as less serious crimes. In Issaquah Highlands, these crimes represent 14% of total offenses within the city. Smith says most of these less serious crimes come from loitering and trespassing in commercial areas.

While criminal activity is certainly less prominent in Issaquah Highlands, it’s important to stay informed about trends in our community in order to take proactive measures. Make sure to stay vigilant, watch out for your neighbors and report any crime (no matter how small) to IPD at issaquahwa.gov/police.

The Top Crimes

OVER THE LAST 3 MONTHS

LARCENY

& THEFT

Shoplifting: 30

Car Prowls: 13

Other: 6

Theft of Car Parts: 4

OTHER OFFENCES

Vandalism: 12

Motor Vehicle Theft: 13

Verbal Assaults/ Threats: 13 on the first Tuesday in August. Check out the inside of a patrol vehicle, meet IPD’s wellness dog Riggs, learn about crime prevention and make connections in your community.

Shop With a Cop

An annual event occurring around the holidays where local law enforcement agencies assist with taking children shopping for Christmas presents. Anyone can request or nominate a family to partake in the event but typically the children involved are from families in need. This last Christmas, Dick’s Sporting Goods volunteered and went above and beyond for the kids.

Vacation House Checks

A local service offered for residents living within Issaquah city limits to check on their residence while away. Send your request for a house check form along with your address to IPDrequests@issaquahwa.gov or call 425-837-3200.

For a full list of programs offered by IPD, visit issaquahwa. gov/2870/programs.