Thieves hit Redmond in car break-in spree

A southwest Redmond neighborhood was hit by thieves early Sunday morning.

Police said more than a dozen people around Glacier Avenue and Fissure Loop had their cars broken into and items stolen before sunrise.

Well, “broken into” might not be technically accurate. Police said every one of them had been parked outside with their doors unlocked. Others, with the doors locked, were not hit.

In addition to several car stereos, car seats and other personal items, a tan 1992 Ford Explorer, tan and brown 1997 Glasstron bass boat and trailer also were stolen.

However, the boat was found abandoned — without its trailer — a few hours later in the parking lot at the Missing Link Family Golf Center, across town on NE Maple Avenue.

Police say the thieves only stole from cars that were left unlocked; locked ones were left intact.

Stolen boat and SUV owner Eric Davenport said he left his Explorer unlocked with the keys in the ignition.

But Davenport said he learned a huge lesson on Sunday: Never leave your vehicles unlocked.

The thieves also broke into Davenport’s wife’s van and stole her stereo.

“My wife and I work hard for what we have,” Davenport said, “and try to have fun with our family. We like going out and having a nice outing, going fishing on the boat or just having an outing. This really put a real big damper on it.”

The SUV, Oregon license plate STC 234, was taken between 5 and 7 a.m. Sunday. Anyone with information is asked to call Redmond police. You can also call the Crime Stoppers Tip Line at 1-877-876-TIPS, or use the form on KTVZ.COM’s Crime Stoppers page. You can remain anonymous, and could be eligible for a cash reward.

Police said the incident is another reminder that people should always properly store equipment and make sure their vehicles are locked.