Crime Watch: Car owner’s been down this road before

| Crime | Genesee Hill | West Seattle news

Out of the WSB inbox, from Karen:

I wanted to report that our car was broken into overnight near the corner of 46th and Genesee (map). They took the change, emergency road kit and tire chains. This is the 6th time that car has been broken into at that location over the past few years. Nothing of much value has every been stolen but it is a nuisance and, just like tagging, increases if left unchecked. I would remind everyone to report any crime no matter how small. It allows the police to track activity and will increase patrols in effected areas.

Creighton October 4, 2008 (12:12 pm)

“6th time in the last few years”? Really? So is that like 2 times a year for the last 3 years? Thought about parking somewhere else? Do you have the resources for a car alarm, or to install a porch or yard light (assuming the car is somewhere dark)? Maybe even a web cam pointed at the car to see who is repeatedly doing this? I’m betting it’s the same person if it’s happened 6 times. Have you asked for finger prints to be taken and checked? Sorry to hear about it, it must be a pain in the side. Agreed that reporting everything is the right thing to do.

Eddie October 4, 2008 (2:26 pm)

Ever try to report what what looks like a dumped stolen car to the police? Royal pain in the tail! They don’t really want to hear about it. non-emergency number sends you through voice mail hell (press 2 for this, choose from one of the following 9 options, etc……). Abandoned vehicle hotline isn’t so hot – not open except during weekday work hours, and car must sit there for at least 72 hours. 911 isn’t the right place – they shuffle you back to the abandoned car number. SW precint number rings through to message saying they are busy or not answering.

Finally went online to the abandoned vehicle reporting page, fibbed and said it had been there 3 months – just to get the license number into their system so that the owner could be reconnected with their vehcile.

There ought to be a better way.

Dark colored honda accord 4 door, WA plate 694 URB, parked nearly blocking near the corner of 47th SW and SW Oregon. (just down the street from the breakin mentioned above).

amused October 4, 2008 (2:50 pm)

The cops have been complaining for year they are critically short staffed…don’t you believe them?

Karen October 4, 2008 (3:22 pm)

The car sits on a Block Watch street under the street light. Other cars on the street are also frequently targeted. So far no cars have been stolen just contents. I think the proximity to Glenn Way and to the Junction makes our street an easy mark. I know I’ll be spending the rest of the weekend cleaning out the garage and putting the car away.

HTL October 4, 2008 (7:45 pm)

The car sits on a Block Watch street under the street light.

Did you ever think that perhaps your “Block Watch” is not as effective as it might be? Perhaps if it was an actual program, as opposed to a slogan…

Take some responsiblity, people.

Also, what ever happened to car alarms?

WSB October 4, 2008 (11:28 pm)

It is an actual program:
http://www.seattle.gov/police/programs/Blockwatch/default.htm
Obviously neighbors have to watch out for each other. We’ve had a lot of successes here in West Seattle in recent months with watchful neighbors spotting and reporting crimes in progress.
As for parking on the street – what if you have no option? Tons of old houses around here built with no garages; many multifamily buildings old and new, built or being built with less parking than needed for all the residents’ vehicles (we cover development hearings and development plans and that’s simply a fact). We park on the street at our house, with what is theoretically a basement garage but doesn’t even have room for our subcompact (weird considering it was dug out in the ’50s, when cars were much bigger). – TR

BC October 5, 2008 (11:21 am)

6 times really? Sounds like you need to build yourself a garage.

CMP October 6, 2008 (7:58 am)

What’s with the condescending remarks about not parking your car in a safe place? Some of us don’t have garages and are stuck parking on the street, wherever we can find a spot.

Sorry, comment time is over.