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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Sirens & Gavels

Theft suspects walk into surveillance trap

Two burglars' alleged plan to return for a stash of stolen goods backfired today when they walked into a surveillance trap by Spokane police, officers say.

Starla R. Dillard, 26, and Michael W. Withey, 31, were arrested for residential burglary after Withey dropped Dillard off in the 2600 block of West Rockwell Avenue and she went to a home that had been burglarized twice this week.

Officer Bill Hager and members of the Patrol Anti-Crime Team were watching the home hoping the burglars would return for more stolen goods.

A neighbor had reported seeing a "small statured" woman around the home when the burglary occurred. Dillard matches that description, police say. She was arrested after exiting the home.

Withey was arrested after police pulled him over. Police seized his Subaru pending a search warrant and recovered stolen property. The investigation is ongoing.

"Police want to remind everyone that most residential burglaries happen during the early morning hours or during the day when  people are working.  If you see anyone out of the norm in your neighborhood or around your neighbor's house, please call police," according to a news release by the Spokane Police Department. "We would much rather come out before someone is victimized.  It should also be noted that patrol officers do follow up on theft and burglary incidents when time permits."



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