The Puget Sound Auto Theft Task Force (PSATTF) recovered several stolen vehicles and arrested three vehicle theft suspects in the Federal Way area Nov. 17. In total, eight vehicles were recovered and three arrests were made.
During the operation, law enforcement recovered three unoccupied vehicles stolen from the Federal Way area including a Honda Accord, a Ford Ranger and a Toyota Yaris.
Am unoccupied Kia Rio, stolen from the Seattle area and an occupied Cadillac CTS were also recovered. The Cadillac was reported stolen from unincorporated King County. It was recovered at a Federal Way apartment complex near 1st Avenue South and SW Campus Drive, according to PSATTF. The driver was arrested and booked into jail for warrants and for possession of a stolen vehicle.
A detective located a Ford Ranger and a GeoPro travel trailer in a parking lot in the 35000 block of Enchanted Parkway South. The truck had been stolen from the Puyallup area and the travel trailer had been stolen from the Tacoma area.
A man and a woman were seen entering and exiting the trailer. The woman left in a Kia Forte and a detective followed her to the 34800 block of State Route 99. The Kia had switched plates and was stolen. Both the man and the woman were arrested and booked into jail for three counts of possession of a stolen vehicle, in addition to warrants. A handgun was also found inside the truck.
The PSATT is funded through a grant from the Washington Auto Theft Prevention Authority (WATPA). The Federal Way Police Department and Washington State Patrol also participated in the operation.
Tips to protect your vehicle:
- Remove or hide all valuables
- Lock your car
- Don’t leave keys or fobs inside
- Don’t leave your vehicle running unattended
- Use anti-theft devices (alarm, kill switch, steering wheel lock
- Park in well-lit areas
