West Seattle crime watch: Relatively quiet New Year’s

handcuffs_2.jpgGood news from our latest review of Seattle Police reports at the Southwest Precinct — no major crimes reported in West Seattle over the New Year’s holiday. Not to say things were completely quiet, of course – here are four incidents of note:

GRAPE GETAWAY: Just 3 hours into 2008, a shoplifter made off with six bottles of wine from an Admiral-area mini-market, in the 2300 block of California. Though he got away on foot, the store believes it’s got him caught in the act on surveillance video.

METH NEAR THE MALL: After 11 pm on New Year’s Day night, police arrested a man who they say was trying to sell meth in the Westwood Village parking lot. They reported finding more meth at the suspect’s house in the 9400 block of 12th SW.

ASSAULT ARREST: Police arrested a man for assault during a New Year’s celebration in the 6500 block of 24th SW. A Mountlake Terrace girl visiting the family who lives there complained that the man tried to force her to kiss him around 3 am New Year’s Day morning, then grabbed her when she tried to push him away.

CLOSE CALL: Around 8 o’clock New Year’s Day night, a resident in the 5000 block of SW Dawson heard somebody break through the front door. The resident ran to a neighbor’s house and got police; the burglar got away in the meantime, and it’s not yet clear what, if anything, was taken.

As we always remind you – don’t hesitate to call police when you see or hear something suspicious, and of course when you believe a crime has been (or is being) committed. In addition to 911, there’s a non-emergency line at 206/625-5011. A big collection of Seattle Police crime-prevention resources is available online here. And previous WSB crime coverage is archived here.

5 Replies to "West Seattle crime watch: Relatively quiet New Year's"

  • erin January 3, 2008 (10:28 am)

    There is a lot of vandalism going on in the junction. Please keep an eye out and report any activity you see. Thanks

  • Meg January 3, 2008 (3:15 pm)

    Speaking of vandalism. There is a ton down on Beach Drive down by the water @ the park. And then last night (4:30am)I saw 5 I believe teenage boys in dark sweatshirts leaving the park w/backpacks on. I did call the non-emergency line and reported it maybe they will keep an eye out on everything

  • Tonya January 3, 2008 (4:27 pm)

    I live on Beach Dr and heard two seperate police cars fly down the street with their sirens on, maybe they were after those 5 boys.

  • Justin January 4, 2008 (11:53 pm)

    while I as a homeowner appreciate vigilant and observant neighbors, I STRONGLY caution people making mountains out of mole hills.

    teenagers in hooded sweatshirts with backpacks shouldn’t be singled out as menaces or dare I say “profiled” based simply on attire.

    this type of posting is the stuff that hysteria is made of.

    posters should be careful to not try to spread any panic or worry unless they have specifics… ie; if you actually saw any crimes commited and then some more accurate descriptions of said perpetraitors.

    look, i’m not trying to play devils advocate but my parents were hippies. and right or wrong, they taught me some very important fundamental ideals that I adhere to.
    My father was blasted with a fire-hosed during a peaceful protest… BASED on the sign he was carrying and the LONG HAIR he sported at the time.

    this is what I am getting at. my fathers long hair in 68 was part of his “uniform” as much as kids sportin hoodies with backpacks and/or skateboards or whatever, are their “uniforms” TODAY… it’s who they are. it’s what they wear to find their niche… click… their comfortable place…

    I went through my faze and I had hair every color of the rainbow. I moved on to more important aspects of life, as well as society. get to know your neighbors. go out and say hi to the kids you see hanging out on your block. they’re pobably not as bad as they may appear. but they’ll also get to know who’s block they’re hanging out on and probably respect it a little bit more.

    anyways…

    just a thought.

  • meg January 5, 2008 (7:16 am)

    Justin,
    I did not call the non-emergency police line b/c there were teenagers outside with backpacks on; hell, i think that might be a little over the top myself. I called the line because we have had an on-going graffiti problem at Me-Kwa-Mooks Park over here on Beach Drive. And I would like to see the vandalism stopped. It was 4:30 in the morning (which I think is a little later/early for any teenager to be out), and they were leaving the park with back-packs on. Sorry if you think that is being over the top. I don’t.

Sorry, comment time is over.