West Seattle Crime Watch: 3 auto-theft tales

We’re hearing about auto theft a little more than usual lately, and Southwest Precinct police confirm there’s been a slight uptick lately. Tonight, three notes to share. First one, just e-mailed by Melinda:

Our black 2000 Honda Civic was stolen on Friday night/Saturday morning. It was parked across the street from our house on the 8100 block of 16th Ave SW. My 7 year old is upset because he had books in the back seat. We got a call late last night that it was recovered and is impounded but we can’t pick it up yet because the police “are not done with it yet”. So far we know that it is missing it’s front fenders and the instrument panel. No word on the books.

Another auto theft was solved – at least in terms of finding the vehicle – in the WSB Forums – you can follow the story here. But one more auto-theft victim who posted in the forums has yet to get word of a recovery – Scooter is asking you to be on the lookout for a black 1999 Honda Passport, described here. Meantime, here’s what Seattle Police advise regarding auto-theft prevention.

Melinda August 25, 2010 (9:06 am)

Our car still has not been released by the police and they aren’t returning calls as to why. Perhaps they are collecting evidence? Let’s hope someone gets caught!

Scooter August 25, 2010 (11:18 am)

We’re still on the lookout for our 1999 Honda Passport. We drive through various neighborhoods each evening in hopes of finding it. Did you find out where the police found your car? I’m so sorry to hear about your son’s books that were in the car — hopefully the books will still be there when you finally are able to retrieve your car.

Melinda August 25, 2010 (12:51 pm)

Hi Scooter – no, we haven’t been told anything yet. The impound lot where they have the car only stated that the police were still holding it and that we needed to talk to them for information. They’ve had it for 5 days now. No one will call us back. So sorry to hear about your car…I bet it will turn up eventually…hopefully in one piece!

Lucky chick August 25, 2010 (1:54 pm)

I had to pay by the day when my stolen car was in impound. You might want to pursue reimbursement (or at least document that you were willing to retrieve your car) in case you get charged for it.

Also, not to be too much of a wet towel on this, but the police didn’t seem to care at all about catching someone when my car got stolen (twice!) and my house got robbed. They had the name of the guy who robbed my house (he used my credit card) and still didn’t care!

Scooter August 25, 2010 (7:08 pm)

Hi Melinda… That seems odd that you aren’t allowed to pick-up your car. Are you certain the police are causing the delay, or is it possibly the impound lot trying to make more money? Either way, perhaps it’s time to call Jesse at King 5 or the Problem Solvers at Komo 4!
We’re disappointed to hear the various experiences people have had with the police after a theft — the policeman that met with us seemed very empathetic and sincere (I guess the key word in that sentence is seemed).
At least a neighbor turned us on to the West Seattle Blog — we’re going to be frequent flyers now!

melinda August 25, 2010 (8:03 pm)

We spoke to someone at the police station and they said it is still being held for fingerprints and it is probably because the detectives are swamped. We actually won’t start getting charged for the impound until the police release the car. Apparently they stripped the side panels, front grill and headlights, dashboard and steering column. Not much left to release. Sigh.

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