A West Valley home was left a blackened mess, but that didn't stop looters from taking their cut.

After arriving at the Englewood Crest home, it was easy to see that there isn't one piece of furniture that wasn't charred or destroyed by the fire. It's hard to imagine there was anything left to steal. But this is definitely a crime of opportunity.

Burglaries are happening more often. Yakima Assistant Fire Marshall, Jim Fuehrer said, " Crimes like this are always up when times are tough."

And Yakima is no different. Unemployment is just under ten percent. And criminals are doing whatever they can to make a dime. Even stealing from a fire ravaged home. " Looks like some individuals broke in through the front door, went inside and were able to, according to the victims, grab and steal a few items," said Yakima Police Detective, Gonzalo Deloza.

The house caught fire the end of June. Thieves hit it a day later, taking expensive tools and stereo equipment. Then a second time, crooks left behind a bag full of financial paperwork belonging to the family as they made a break for it. Now they're having to make sure the thieves don't also steal their identities. Luckily a neighbor spotted a license plate number on a possible get-away car. It could be just the lead detectives need. " The investigation of that vehicle, the license plate that was given to us, the vehicle was not stolen," said Deloza.

Fire Investigators say it's important to make sure a burned home is boarded up. And that's always done before the last firefighter leaves the scene. But in this case, it didn't stop the criminals. And that may be the case again, as the unemployment line continues to grow. And people become more desperate.

The family's insurance will cover the fire and the stolen items. But there's no giving them back the trust and security. They're also letting their bank and creditors know someone may have stolen their personal info, hoping to stop any new crimes before they happen.
Westside Baptist Church also stepped in to help the family. It has collected furniture donations and household items to help the family rebuild and restock.