A police dog, Tacoma Police Officers and the Tacoma Fire Department foiled the plans of a suspected burglar at Tacoma’s Humane Society after Sonitrol Pacific security detected a break-in November 18.

     Sonitrol Pacific Operator Kris Etheridge received sensor activations from the Humane Society’s adoption room area and heard sounds of movement when listening to real-time audio.  She determined the threatening nature of the activity and dispatched Tacoma Police within nine seconds.  The police dispatcher thought the noise might be due to animal patrol bringing in a wild dog, but sounds captured by the audio sensors were not consistent with that, according to Etheridge.

     Nine police cars raced to the Humane Society and officers found a broken window in the back of the building.  They surrounded the facility and waited for the suspect to come out.

        According to police, the suspect thought he had plenty of time since he didn’t hear an alarm and was attempting to pry open a cash drawer with a crowbar when he saw the flash of a police light.  Startled, he tried to make a break for it.  He ran out the front door and into the waiting K9 officer.  The suspect was treated for bite injuries by the Tacoma Fire Department, then taken to jail.

     The event seemed to be very upsetting to the animals housed at the Humane Society.  Sonitrol Pacific's audio sensors recorded barks, howls and mewing that steadily increased as the burglar moved through the building.

"Last evening at 1:59 I received a call from Sonitrol that they were dispatching police because our alarm system picked up intrusion with a lot of crashing sounds.  I confirmed for them that noise at this end of the building would not be normal.  The police responded and caught the intruder as he fled the building.  I believe the fact that the alarm system is silent to the intruder is key to catching criminals in the act.  Last time we were not as lucky as it was a smash and grab type of an event.  This time the individual may have been lulled into a false sense of security because he did not hear an alarm.  He believed he had time on his side, he didn’t know that we have Sonitrol on our side. I’m relieved to know that the burglar was typical and only after cash.  We have close to 100 animals to keep safe on any given day, the cash is not our priority. Previously I’d considered adding the Sonavision service from Sonitrol, after last night, I will review the budget again to see how we can upgrade out system with cameras. Thank-you Sonitrol for your efficiency and professionalism in handling this incident."  Denise McVicker, Deputy Director, The Humane Society