String of car break-ins reported

WASHINGTON — Police say a series of four vehicle break-ins on Fifth Street in Washington Dec. 26 and 27 occurred within a block of one another on the northeast side of town.

As of Wednesday afternoon, no arrest had been made.

“So far, it doesn't appear that anything of significant value has been reported missing, but yes, we would remind residents the importance of making sure their vehicles are locked,” Washington Police Chief Jim Lester said in an email. “Officers will be doing some follow-up and checking on video surveillance in the area.”

In summer of 2021, a separate string of car burglaries in the city lasted for several months. At that time, Lester said private surveillance footage could help law enforcement.

“When we have a rash of thefts and things like that, we’ll go through that list, and say, ‘OK, we have maybe three cameras in that area, let’s ask folks to check back and see if they have any recordings of people in the area that may be suspicious,’” he said. “They can share that with us and we can use it as a tool as part of our investigation.”

Comments: Kalen.McCain@southeastiowaunion.com