Theft victims in Seattle and Bellevue can claim their property

Hundreds of items stolen in car prowls and home burglaries and recovered by police are available for viewing at three Seattle Police Department precincts.

The items were recovered, cataloged and photographed by the department's Major Crimes Task Force. The photos of the items can be seen at the South, West and North precincts between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., according to spokeswoman Renee Witt.

Witt said the task force uncovered a crime ring involving at least 11 suspects that was committing burglaries, auto thefts and car prowls and other crimes. Approximately 500 suspected stolen items, worth an estimated $1.4 million, were recovered, including medical equipment and a stolen car, Witt said in a news release.

Detectives are asking that anyone who has been the victim of a burglary or car prowl in the Seattle or Bellevue area before Dec. 11 to visit one of the three precincts, view the items and try to identify the stolen property.

In order to claim the property, victims must have filed a police report. In addition, police need documentation of ownership, such as a purchase receipt, serial number or owner applied number.

If an item is identified, citizens are asked to call a special message line at 206-684-4381. Victims should leave the following information: their name, case number, a description of the stolen item and the item number from the photo they viewed.

Witt warns that people should call the precinct before stopping by to ensure that the discs are available.

The addresses and phone numbers for the three precincts are:

South Precinct: 3001 S. Myrtle St.; 206-386-1850.

West Precinct: 810 Virginia St.; 206-684-8917.

North Precinct: 10049 College Way N.; 206-684-0850. To view a map of the areas covered by the police precincts, go to www.cityofseattle.net/police/precincts/

Christine Clarridge: 206-464-8983 or cclarridge@seattletimes.com