Sheriff's Office

For Immediate Release

Washoe County Sheriff’s Office deputies warn of vehicle burglaries at daycare locations

Washoe County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Deputies are investigating two vehicle burglaries which occurred in daycare parking lots in the Spanish Springs area. Both burglaries were reported yesterday, February 3, 2022.

Upon investigation, deputies learned the first burglary occurred in the evening hours on Wednesday, February 2, 2022. A mother left her purse in her vehicle while she ran inside a daycare facility located in the 200 block of Eagle Canyon Drive. By the time she and her children returned to the vehicle – her purse was gone. One of her credit cards was fraudulently used within 30 minutes of the theft at a big box store on Pyramid Way.

The second vehicle burglary occurred in the evening hours on Thursday, February 3, 2022. Again, the victim left her purse on the passenger seat of her vehicle while she ran inside a daycare facility located in the 200 block of Egyptian Drive. By the time she and her children returned to the vehicle – her purse and key fob to the vehicle were gone.

Anyone with information that leads to arrests and prosecutions in these cases is asked to call Secret Witness at (775) 322-4900. Refer to case numbers: WC22-572 and WC22-576.

Research shows more than half of property crimes, like vehicle burglaries, are not reported to law enforcement because victims “Don’t think anything will happen,” or “They won’t get their items back.” Another reason victims tend to not report past-tense burglaries is, oftentimes, banks or insurance companies replace the value of the loss.

Investigators remind residents of these vehicle burglary prevention tips:

• Do not leave any item of value in your vehicle.
  • If you have any weapons, secure them in your home
  • Do not leave your garage door opener in your vehicle
• Lock your vehicle
  • Unlocked vehicles continue to be primary targets for burglaries and theft
• If possible, park in your garage
• Install a home/business surveillance system

Victims of vehicle, residential and commercial burglaries should call the non-emergency dispatch line at (775) 785-WCSO. For burglaries in-progress, residents should call 911.

The Washoe County Sheriff's Office is dedicated to preserving a safe and secure community with professionalism, respect, integrity and the highest commitment to equality. Sheriff Darin Balaam is the 27th person elected to serve as the Sheriff of Washoe County since the Office was created in 1861. The Washoe County Sheriff's Office strives to ensure public safety by building trust and creating partnerships within the diverse communities in which we serve. We will promote the dignity of all people supported by our words and actions through open communication while fostering an environment of professionalism, integrity and mutual respect.

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