In brief: State truck latest in string of break-ins

A state-owned Ford pickup assigned to a Spokane police detective is the latest victim in a rash of prowlings targeting the popular line of pickups in Spokane Valley.

Someone damaged the door lock to get into the detective’s F-350 pickup in a parking lot at Trent Avenue and Argonne Road and stole his briefcase containing a laptop computer. A witness told him two men in a green Chevy broke into the truck, according to a news release from Spokane Valley police Sgt. Dave Reagan.

The truck was assigned to the detective by the Washington State Training Commission.

Police are urging Ford pickup owners to park in highly visible areas of Spokane Valley parking lots as they investigate the series of prowlings targeting the pickups.

Security footage captured a break-in at the Spokane Valley Lowe’s and showed the thief driving a green Chevrolet Suburban with no visible license plates, a store employee told police.

At least eight break-ins have been reported this week.

Anyone with information on the break-ins is asked to call Crime Check at (509) 456-2233.

Staff reports

Birthday fire closes Selkirk trails, roads

Recreation is being temporarily curtailed as firefighters get a handle on the 640-acre Birthday fire, which is burning on the crest of the Selkirk Mountains northeast of Priest Lake and about 20 miles northwest of Bonners Ferry.

The fire is centered near the subalpine region of Abandon Mountain, which is south of West Fork Lake and north of Lions Head.

The Forest Service and Idaho Department of Lands announced Wednesday that they have closed at least three roads and five trails in the area that affect access for hikers, hunters and berry-pickers.

The lightning-sparked fire has been burning since Sept. 5.

Fire and closure information is updated daily online at www.inciweb.org.

Rich Landers