Lt. Steven Paulsen has reported that there has been a rise of burglaries this month in the Highland Park neighborhood, which detectives suspect are being caused by Latino gang members.

Similar burglaries have also been occurring in south King County.

Items typically stolen include cash and jewelry, things that can easily be sold or traded. These incidents have commonly occurred mid-week, during the day when residents are at work.

Paulsen said arrests have been made but that they are still searching for additional suspects.

Both Paulsen and Precinct Captain Joe Kessler, advised local residents to start community a block watch to defend their homes against burglaries.

Meanwhile, many other types of crime have decreased in the past month in West Seattle. Car prowls are down 10 percent and auto thefts have decreased from 36 in March to 23 in April. Assaults also decreased by 50 percent across the community.