Bellevue Police: 38 Burglary Arrests in Past Six Months

The Bellevue Police Department says that at least 38 people have been arrested on suspicion of burglary in the past six months -- and 24 of those arrests were made after a burglary was interrupted.

Bellevue Police said that interruptions to the burglaries can be credited to witnesses and victims who call 9-1-1 when they see something out of the ordinary.

"Our alert community members calling when they see someone/something suspicious, providing good descriptions and the quick response from our police officers have led to the apprehension of several burglary suspects. This is what community policing is all about! I am proud of our community's commitment to watch out for each other and of our officer's commitment to provide exceptional law enforcement" said Bellevue Police Chief Linda Pillo in a prepared statement.

Property Crimes Lieutenant David Sellers said in a prepared statement: "The highest praise should go to our victims and witnesses of these crimes and their collaborative efforts. Without their attentiveness and commitment, these arrests would not have happened. We are proud and fortunate to be a part of this great community."

According to the Bellevue Police press release, patrol and motorcycle officers flood the area when the 9-1-1 call comes in and many times the burglar is caught running out of the house with stolen items in hand. Officers in the area are able to quickly capture the suspect and any accomplices that are lingering in the area.

Last year during the same time frame 36 burglars were captured, according to the Bellevue Police Department press release.