Increasing accounts of robberies and attempted robberies on the Palouse region south of Spokane, Wash., have been circulating since last summer among residents of the area's small towns.
Vivian Plank, Branch Manager of Banner Bank in Rockford, Wash., is in contact daily with a broad cross-section of area residents. Today she emailed recent reports to The North Palouse Washington e-Newscast.
"I learned from a gentleman in the area that there are thieves among us."
When she emailed an alert to Hangman Creek Chamber and Fairfield Community Center, she received the following reply:
"Thieves in different vehicles are prowling our countryside in South Spokane County, all the way over to Plummer/Worley and beyond.
"Sunday morning, some farmers from north of Rockford chased a white van and a pick up truck all the way to Worley and out on Cave Bay Rd.
"ISP, WSP [Washington State Police], the Spokane County Sheriff and the Tribal Police were also in on it. Thieves stole a bunch of stuff from outlying areas. They didn't go into barns that were close to houses. Check your buildings that are away from your house.
"Watch out for a white van pulling a trailer, a Blue pickup with a hoist in the back and a brown pick up with a light brown canopy on it (this one has been impounded in Worley). Call 9-1-1 if you see these vehicles. They all have Washington State Licenses."
At Fairfield, Wash., Derek Knecht, Director of Public Works, received a copy of the email. He joined the thread, and wrote,
"Vivian, I got a copy of your e-mail about prowlers around here, I want to add one to your list! My son & I chased some prowlers out of my garage!
"Male and a female driving a white Saturn 4 door, Washington license plate # AEE6147 with a beat up front end. The female has long darker colored hair, the male was wearing black sweatshirt/hoodie, gloves. Chased them down through Latah and over to Plummer rd. until they tried to run me off the road in Idaho!
"They broke into a couple cars also in Fairfield and some garages. This took place at about 3:00 a.m. A report has been filed with the Sheriff and Crime check. Have a great day! Keep an eye out!" Derek @ Town of Fairfield.
