Local

Brazen burglary in Maple Valley as 2 storage units hit in apartment complex in as many months

MAPLE VALLEY, Wash. — Maple Valley Police are investigating a break-in at a storage unit/garage inside the Maple Crossing Apartments.

It happened some time early Saturday morning.

The victim, Chris Iribe, said the thieves got in through an empty garage next door to his that  once belonged to his girlfriend. It had been sitting empty and unlocked because it was also broken into last month!

"I lost about $40,000 worth of stuff," said Iribe. "I am angry and sad at the same time."
Iribe said among the stuff taken was a duffel bag filled with important documents including his birth certificate and Social Security card.

The King County Sheriff's Office confirmed to KIRO 7 detectives are investigating this case, along with another burglary in Maple Valley over the weekend.

In that case, a woman was caught on surveillance camera entering a home through an open garage door -- before running off with a purse.

Authorities don't believe the two incidents are related.

Iribe said he hopes the thieves are tracked down soon and he and his girlfriend are considering storing their belongings off-site.

“To target somebody at work while they are trying to provide for their family, that’s about as low as it gets,” said Iribe.

KIRO 7 reached out to the company that owns Maple Cross Apartments.

They sent us the following statement:

While we have owned the property for less than a year, there are several improvements already underway to bolster on-site security beyond what the prior property owner had in place.

For example, there are security cameras on-site, and we are in the process of upgrading those cameras for improved surveillance.

We are also in the process of a comprehensive overhaul of the property's lighting, through which every patio and garage is being converted to LED lights, which will provide greater coverage and visibility, as well as energy efficiency.

Finally, we launched an official search for an on-site professional security company early this year, and are reviewing terms to identify the company we will be partnering with moving forward.

Each of these endeavors reflects our deep commitment to the well-being and security of our community. While these improvements are not a requirement, we are making these investments to ensure that Maple Crossing remains an excellent place to live."

--Nick Dunlap, Director of Property Management for Maple Crossing