SPOKANE, Wash. — The website, Neighborhood Scout did a report using FBI data and found that your chance of becoming a victim of property crime in Spokane is one in 14.
So there's a decent chance you'll actually witness a theft.
KREM 2 asked Spokane Police Officer John O'Brien what you should do if that's ever the case.
"From a safe distance you can take a picture of them on your smartphone," O'Brien said. "Then, call crime check or 911."
He said calling and making a report helps law enforcement establish where a pattern of crimes is happening.
"We may even have an officer right around the corner who can arrive in seconds or minutes to make that arrest," O'Brien said.
He adds that you should never approach someone if you think they are actively committing a crime.
"The best thing you can do is be a great witness," O'Brien said. "Capturing a photo of them, documenting their direction of travel is immensely helpful to us."
If in doubt, O'Brien said it's ok to call crime check at 509-456-2233, and let them know what you're seeing so officers can at least look into it.
"Doing nothing is probably not the best route," O'Brien said. "Give us a call. We'd be happy to help."