Police Warn About Break-Ins After Weekend Crime Spree

Between a home invasion and an armed robbery, a slew of crimes over the weekend has Pocatello Police warning people to keep their doors and windows locked.

Community Services Specialist Dianne Brush said the nice weather might mean people are opening their windows and doors, but that doesn’t mean it’s time to let your guard down.

Elizabeth Peck moved from California to her house on Randolph Avenue five years ago. She thought she was getting some Idaho peace and quiet, but this weekend, she and her granddaughter were in for a surprise.

“I sit on my porch, and if I see something wrong I get the police on it,” Peck said.

Chubbuck Police were chasing Grant Wayne Ward after an alleged Walmart burglary. Ward made it to 435 Randolph Avenue and broke into the basement to hide. He asked the homeowner, whom he didn’t know, not to call the police. But, Ward took off.

It was just down the street from Peck’s house.

“You’ve got to lock up your doors. I mean, you didn’t think you had to do this in Idaho. In California, you lock up everything, and it’s starting to get the same around here,” Peck said.

Police eventually caught up with Ward on Park Avenue, but that wasn’t the only problem this weekend.

A man was walking at the corner of Center Street and South Union Pacific Avenue when two male suspects jumped out, held a knife to the victim’s neck and took his money.

Police weren’t able to make an arrest in that armed robbery, but Brush said that people walking at night should try to have a walking partner. If that’s not possible, talking on a cell phone can actually help keep predators away.

“So just remember to lock up before you go to bed. We’d like to encourage people to keep their front doors locked at all times even if you are in the house. Even though we like to think our community is safe, let’s not invite any trouble,” Brush said.

There was also a string of car break-ins over the weekend. Brush said people should lock their car doors, take all of their valuables out of the car and into the house so people aren’t tempted to break in.

Brush also said that if someone knocks on the door late at night looking for help, people don’t have to open the door. If they really need help, call the police and ask for patrol to handle the situation.