In response to the recent rash of break-ins in downtown Langley, Langley Mayor Paul Samuelson has authorized the police chief to expand police patrols. The city is also offering crime prevention support to Langley merchants.

“When we experience a cycle of crime like we are now, we need to work together,” Samuelson said.

“We all feel more vulnerable when crime hits so close to home. The city wants to work with businesses and residents to prevent more break-ins,” he added.

Chief Bob Herzberg said there aren’t any new developments after a string of break-ins early Thursday. No arrests have been made, and police are still investigating.

Herzberg is stressing prevention. At a recent Langley Chamber of Commerce meeting,

Herzberg reviewed prevention tips and offered to conduct a “personal security inventory” for any Langley business that is interested.

“The basics are having a good lock and appropriate lighting and landscaping, with the biggest deterrent being an alarm system,” Herzberg said.

Police officers have also been identifying and talking to early morning business employees who usually are the first to notice problems.

The Langley Police Department, which arrested a 25-year-old man in connection with another downtown break-in last week, is working with the Island County Sheriff’s Office to identify other suspects in the crime spree that hit the Fish Bowl restaurant, the Chef’s Pantry, Joe’s Island Music, Cannon/Bullock distributors, All Washed Up laundromat and Karaman Custom Upholstery last week.

“Once we catch the current perpetrators, or put on enough pressure that they move on, we will still need to continue being vigilant,” Herzberg said.

“We ask that anyone who sees or hears anything suspicious to immediately call 911,” he added.