West Seattle Crime Watch reader reports: 2 car break-ins

| Crime | Highland Park | West Seattle news

Both out of the WSB inbox. First, from Gretchen:

I just wanted to give a heads up about a car break-in that happened in the 1700 block of Thistle. I usually park my car in the driveway but it was left on the street for the past 5 days, since Wednesday. When we went to move it up into the driveway this evening we saw that the driver side door was open and the glove box had been torn apart. Nothing of value in the car, but filed a police report and placed a fraud report on our credit just in case. The door worked fine, no windows broken, so I think I left it unlocked. So…a reminder to not become complacent like I did! Lock those doors!

From Jennifer:

Just wanted to let you know my car was broken into at the West Seattle Allstar Fitness 2629 SW Andover St. on 9/20/08. According to the staff this seems to happen often.

Here’s the official Seattle Police advice for preventing “car prowls” (the term for crimes like these).

enforcement nulu September 22, 2008 (8:41 am)

Gretchen,
After 72 hours your vehicle was in violation and considered an “Abandoned Vehicle” by SPD Parking Enforcement. Maybe the car prowlers also perceived it as abandoned and took advantage.

KM September 22, 2008 (10:53 am)

Thanks for the heads-up Jennifer. I work out there and had no idea the prevalence of break-ins in their parking lot. Maybe they should post something at the front desk.

Shell Marr September 22, 2008 (11:14 am)

I know of two others at Allstar in the last month or so….. took GPS’s (don’t leave them out people…even the holders on your windows, just tells them it’s in there somewhere). I know one was in the middle of the day on a Sunday (smash glass & grab)

CMP September 22, 2008 (11:30 am)

My car was broken into at All Star a year and a half ago, but they were kind enough to use a slim jim so no window damage. I left some stuff on the floor of the passenger side, thinking it was dark outside and no one could see in. Since I don’t think like a criminal, it didn’t cross my mind they use these weird things called flashlights to peak into your car. Anyway, I was parked on the street behind the pool, not in one of their lots so be careful. And I’m sure the staff doesn’t care, although I do remember them posting a sign about break-ins, surprisingly enough!

CMP September 22, 2008 (11:30 am)

oops, I meant “peek”. poor grammar usage today.

average joe September 22, 2008 (1:33 pm)

jennifer…were you parked on the adjacent streets or in the All-star parking lot?

Jennifer September 23, 2008 (6:08 am)

Hello Average Joe-

This was Saturday 9/20 between 10am and noon while I was in the gym and when I got there it was crowded and there was no parking left in their parking lot or the garage so I had to park on the street (SW Andover) in front of that fence that runs along that recycle place. You could see my car from the parking lot but I was parked next to a tree so the drivers side was hidden from view so to say.

They smashed the drivers side window and stole my stereo (my amp was bolted to the floor so they left that, tried to pull out the satelite radio but it was attached to the dash somehow and they couldn’t seem to get it out completely so left it), popped the trunk and stole my subwoofer and I had my purse in the trunk (I know shame on me) so I have been running around frantically cancelling cards, calling gas stations where my cards were used seeing if they have anything on survellance cameras. I was originally told by police that I could look into it further if I wanted to and get back to them if I found anything out. Yesterday when I went to get a copy of the police report to take to the gas station they informed me that the detective assigned to the case would handle all of that…so I have stopped playing detective, lol. I was running out of options!

I have also sent an email to the West Seattle All Star Fitness Manager about the break-in and asked him why they do not inform members or post fliers and what they plan to do to increase security. They have cameras but break-ins seem to still be happening even in the garage according to the staff I talked to Saturday. I have not received a reply as of today. I also sent an email to the police asking if they thought about using a bait car at that location as a way to get some good pictures when the theives break in. Or maybe they need an hourly patrol through the area.

I have cancelled my membershp there but would like to see something done for current and new memebers. I figure if All Star doesn’t respond I might have to “Get Jesse” :).

Sorry, comment time is over.