Crime Watch reader report: Same block hit twice in 3 days

| Crime | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

This time, though, arrests are reported, thanks in part to alert neighbors. The report comes from Scott, who was away from home when the burglary happened on Sunday, but says he’s just across the alley from this burglary (7300 block 35th SW) reported here 3 days earlier:

So, from what we’ve heard someone (4 of them) attempted to break into our house today.

They backed their vehicle up our driveway and went around the back to break into a door on the backside of the house, first attempting to get into the side garage window first. While this was happening -3- of our neighbors were already on the phone calling 911 !

The police caught 2 of the guys, both in their early 20s. Obviously our house is being watched!

I’m really surprised that they attempted to hit our house; it’s a lot more open than the house across the alley from us! No trees to block the view of our house, wide-open driveway, and obviously LOTS of neighbors watching!

beachdrivegirl April 28, 2008 (8:07 am)

Isnt 35th a really busy street? I cant believe that these people have the nerve to do this. I am glad to hear you have such watchful neighbors though! :)

charles April 28, 2008 (8:37 am)

they don,t care, they need money for drugs. u need to watch each others houses. now companys won,t hire druggies. not sure whom is the most undesirable, smokers, or druggies. at least smokers won,t break into to your house for a pack of ciggys

Joe April 28, 2008 (8:54 am)

Congratulations on the police for catching them in act. And special kudos to the neighbors, way to go on be watchful and proactive. That is the only way we will take back our neighborhoods is by being on the lookout and being willing and able to call the police.

Paul April 28, 2008 (8:57 am)

35th IS busy. Its the alley that is the hiding spot. Pretty bold if you ask me to come back to the area. Depending on which side of 35th, the East side has business, the fire department and the Montesory School, and the west side has the Olympic Manor Apartments and houses. From the alley, you probably would not know that a house was being broken into, unless you had people home that knew something was not right.

Rockergirl April 28, 2008 (9:13 am)

Yes, 35th is very busy but alleys provide access to houses – scary that they thought they would get away with this on a weekend when people are usually home – good work by the neighbors who were alert and glad they caught 2 suspects – must have been why there were several police vehicles in our neighborhood yesterday afternoon. Definitely way to close to home for me.

Cori April 28, 2008 (9:52 am)

This attempted break-in happened from 36th. The house backs up to an alley, but the car pulled into the front driveway. Very bold for a Sunday at dinner time.

old timer April 28, 2008 (9:56 am)

“at least smokers won’t break into to your house for a pack of ciggys”
Well, maybe it’s because the ciggie addict can get his fix at the nearest 7-11, and the cost, while for non smokers is high, for ciggie addicts is most manageable.
I’m not sure, but if cigarettes were made illegal, and relegated to the black market, a la meth, and the other addictives, we might add smokers to the crowd doing an $80 or $100 per day maintenance of their addiction.
Now, with the budget crunch looming, we are already seeing cuts in the prosecutors office, and soon, the sheriff’s budget will be reduced. Next in line will be jail and prison funding, and we will only be able to house the most violent criminals in jail.
The rest, like drug offenders and those accused of property crimes (if indeed we even find them due to the money thing), will be free to roam and pillage and get wasted.
There will be ample opportunities ahead for ‘neighbors’ to become neighbors in actuality. It’s not going to be fun.

Michael April 28, 2008 (10:39 am)

Fact #1 about burglars: by and large they are not bright.
.
And thanks for the reminder to PAY ATTENTION – two words that help us all in so many ways, but are heeded so little. Your neighbors definitely paid attention and you all benefit.

Paul April 28, 2008 (11:50 am)

Use this as a good reason to go meet your neighbor. Find out who they are, what do they look like, etc. On our block, we all know who is home during the day, which is nice because there are several houses who are either retired, work from home, or work other shifts than 8-5. Its also a good idea to get contact information for your neighbors, i.e. cell, work, etc numbers. Everyone in our area knows that if we are not home we are at our shop.

anna age 8 April 28, 2008 (8:00 pm)

my friends and I were eating dinner.I was at my friend Emily and Olivia’s house. Across the street were Jack and Sam. Then there was a weird car going in and out of the neighbor’s driveway. so Emily and Olivia’s mom called 911 and so did Jack and Sam’s mom. The police came and blocked the driveway.Then the Bad guys ran off. The end.

baba nulu April 30, 2008 (7:46 pm)

None of this happened before the proposed skate park…think about it.

Bruce (a proud Block Watch Capt) April 30, 2008 (7:47 pm)

Hats off to all of our neighbors on 36th Ave SW (and alley) who responded with full descriptions, (car, license, suspects clothing, height, features, etc) coupled with speed of follow-up to the police department. We instituted our Block Watch program on 36th Ave SW between Myrtle and Webster almost 10 years ago to the month and this is how it can work! It’s easy to start one: http://www.cityofseattle.net/police/programs/blockwatch/default.htm . Again, a big thanks to great neighbors like Mike, Cori and others who keep a watchful eye on our neighborhood. In addition, thanks to the Seattle PD for their fast response. Keep up the great work everyone. >>Have you had a talked with your neighbor this week?<<

concerned neighbor May 5, 2008 (5:29 pm)

Actually, I think it all started with the Orchard Ravine controvery. Definitely stirred things up.

poor speller May 5, 2008 (6:04 pm)

Gosh, I hate it when I do that. Controvery was what I meant. All of this drama has taken its’ toll.

vermdl May 7, 2008 (8:56 am)

Does anyone have a description of the car? My neighbors were burglarized the day before this happened with the same M.O. My husband witnessed it. 4 guys broke in their back door, off the alley.

Sorry, comment time is over.