Growing amidst the perennial shrubs and flowers in the horticulture complex at Lake Washington Technical College (LWTC) is concern that a burglar could hit again.
The most recent theft in a string of burglaries at the complex — and one causing the most damages — happened overnight Nov. 25.
Between 11 p.m. and 4 a.m., an unknown suspect forced entry through the east gate of the horticulture perimeter and entered four buildings, two greenhouses, two steel containers and a storage unit, according to the police report.
Using two wheelbarrows to transport stolen property to and from the horticulture area, the suspect stole two chain saws, a blower, three large silver grow lights and dozens of plants. The total loss was approximately $2,500.
An investigation found no fingerprints, however Mark Brown, the responding Kirkland Police officer, found fresh tire tracks near the gate.
In the past two months, the horticulture complex has been broken in to three times, said Jen Boardman, technical aid for the Environmental Horticulture Department at the college, in a Dec. 1 e-mail to the campus community.
Most of the plants stolen during the latest theft were the property of the Northwest Flower and Garden Show designers. During the fall and winter quarters, LWTC students care for many of the plants used during the annual February show.
“We believe that the crimes were committed by the same person (or) group of people and believe they (could) hit us again,” Boardman said, calling on the campus community’s vigilance to keep the area secure.
Bill Thomas, vice president for administrative services at LWTC, said though the burglaries were not “devastating to the horticulture program, this is an unfortunate incident and we hope to catch the culprit.”
He also said the campus is taking proactive measures to secure the area and deter any more burglaries, including the implementation of more lighting, locks and installing digital security cameras at the horticulture site and across campus. The campus is also considering the installation of motion activated alarms in the horticulture area.
