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

Police report increase in car thefts in north Spokane

From staff reports
Spokane police arrested a man for allegedly trying to steal vehicles this morning in an area plagued by vehicle thefts. They arrested 31-year-old Randy A. Norberg on two counts of attempted vehicle theft about 2 a.m. after someone reported seeing him prowling cars in an apartment complex at 49 E. Pine Ridge Court, according to Spokane police Officer Brian Eckersley. Norberg was armed with a large knife and a small sword, Eckersley said. Thieves and prowlers commonly carry weapons and tools that can be used to hurt anyone who tries to contact them, he said. Investigators determined Norberg had tampered with the ignitions on two vehicles in an attempt to steal them. While vehicle prowling and thefts occur throughout the city, there has been an obvious increase at large apartment complexes in north Spokane, he said. Police urge citizens report suspicious activity in their neighborhoods, but not to intervene.