Police: Reports of attempted pet thefts in Hough neighborhood

Vancouver police have received reports of attempted pet thefts in the Hough neighborhood and surrounding area, echoing a similar incident earlier this month that resulted in potential misdemeanor charges against a 14-year-old boy accused of stealing a still-missing cat.

The cat, named Jack, was taken at 8:18 p.m. June 5 from the back porch of his home near Columbia and 20th streets, his owner Nora Syverson said in a Facebook post, which included surveillance video of the incident. The video appears to show a boy following Jack to the porch and petting him, before picking him up and walking away.

After speaking with Jack’s owners, police located and interviewed the boy, who matched the description of the person in the video, Vancouver Police Department spokeswoman Kim Kapp said. The boy told police Jack looked friendly, prompting him to pick up the cat and carry him a few blocks before setting him down, Kapp said.

Police referred charges of third-degree theft and second-degree criminal trespass to the Clark County Juvenile Justice Center.

Clark County Prosecuting Attorney Tony Golik said the court for juvenile defendants handles misdemeanor cases, but his office is involved in deciding whether cases will go to trial or if accused children will enter into a diversion program. He declined to discuss the pending case involving the 14-year-old boy.

Jack was still missing as of Friday. Concerned residents started the Facebook page Justice for Jack the Cat and a fundraiser for a cash reward for information leading to Jack’s whereabouts. The fund has raised more than $3,500.

Late Friday afternoon, Vancouver police reported the possible attempted thefts of other pets in the same area as Jack’s disappearance.

“Information received by the (police department) includes descriptions of juvenile males unlawfully entering the property of victims in an attempt to steal animals,” a police news release said.

Police encouraged residents to call 911, or 311 when appropriate, to report suspicious behavior, and to take reasonable measures to secure their pets.