On Thursday, Nov. 14, Highlands Council held a Community Safety Meeting with Issaquah Police Department Community Resource Officer Alex Helms. He highlighted various crime-related topics from the past year, including the unauthorized use of e-bikes in the area. Since summer, there have been approximately 40 reports of e-bikes speeding and not obeying traffic laws, typically involving juveniles.
Officer Helms clarified that many vehicles commonly referred to as e-bikes are technically considered motorcycles if they lack pedals and have pegs instead. These are not allowed in many areas, such as city parks. However, there are some ways these vehicles can be used legally. They are permitted on private property and streets with a speed limit of 25 miles per hour. Due to the variety of rules, it is the parents’ responsibility to educate their children on the rules of the road.
Another topic of concern is package theft, which is unfortunately on the rise as the holiday season approaches. Package thieves often come from outside Issaquah Highlands and the greater Issaquah area. Some thieves have been known to dress as Amazon employees and collect recently delivered packages. It is important to note that Amazon does not retrieve packages, so if you witness this, please report it.
Some ways to prevent package theft include:
- Scheduling deliveries when you are home
- Avoiding leaving packages out overnight
- Requiring a signature for deliveries
- Installing a security or front-door camera
- Asking a neighbor to collect or hide your package
Officer Helms also educated us on “Informed Delivery,” a useful feature offered by the United States Postal Service (USPS). This service allows you to see when your mail and packages will arrive days in advance, track your items, and view online photos of your packages upon delivery.
Regarding crime reporting, we were provided guidance on how to seek help or report incidents. For crimes in progress (happening right now), call 911. For non-urgent matters that have already occurred, use online reporting to submit concerns or photos. For example, if you witness someone speeding dangerously, call 911. If your car was broken into the previous night, use online reporting. There are also apps available for reporting issues, such as “See Click Fix,” a popular tool where the Issaquah City Council president reviews every local concern submitted.
Issaquah Highlands (and the greater Issaquah area) crime statistics:
- Property crimes are the most significant issue in Issaquah
- 523 total crimes reported in Issaquah Highlands year-to-date (YTD)
- 2,454 total crimes reported in the city of Issaquah over the past year
- 67% of all crimes in Issaquah Highlands in the last year were property crimes
- 350 property crimes reported in Issaquah Highlands YTD
- 205 reports of shoplifting in Issaquah Highlands YTD
- 47 cases of vandalism/property damage in Issaquah Highlands YTD
- 253 reports of larceny/theft in Issaquah Highlands YTD
Officer Helms noted that the average emergency response time in 2023 was 3.5 minutes, ensuring prompt assistance when needed.
Regarding traffic safety, he reminded residents that U-turns are only legal at clearly marked intersections and advised using earbuds for phone calls while driving instead of holding the phone, which is safer and complies with hands-free laws.
Despite the absence of certain serious crimes in the area this year, Officer Helms emphasized the importance of remaining vigilant and encouraged residents to report any suspicious activities. This approach to community safety helps maintain the well-being of all Issaquah Highlands residents.
Highlands Youth Advisory Board members Emmett Roughgarden and Nikhil Khatwani with IPD Community Resource Officer Alex Helms.
