West Seattle Crime Watch: Two break-in reports

The West Seattle Crime Prevention Council‘s monthly meeting is coming up shortly – 7 pm at the Southwest Precinct (Delridge/Webster) — so we’ll get the newest info there about local crime trends. But first – two quick reports about car and home break-ins – read on:

From Diane:

Just wanted to report my car got broken into behind Allstar Fitness on 28th ave SW and SW Andover between 10:45am 1:00pm (Monday). They broke my passenger side front window out of my car. All that was stolen was my coach book bag which only contained my Bible and other Religious material. I filed a report with the police, and let Allstar know. They said they have not had any trouble with that.

From Tara:

I am writing to alert you to numerous break-ins in the Alaska Junction area. On my block alone there have been 4 that I know of, including mine. I have also heard talk of quite a few more over the past few months. Sounds like they’re taking the same things… CD’s, DVD’s, change, laptops, etc. This is very serious and we all need to be aware of our surroundings and make sure our homes are secure.

She didn’t want to give specifics on the location, just said she wanted to make sure everybody was aware.

CMP November 17, 2009 (8:15 pm)

All Star sucks. My car was broken into in the same spot several years ago and they were definitely aware of a problem at that time. I think thieves know some of us tend to leave stuff in the car while at the gym. Lesson learned the hard way.

Ken November 17, 2009 (8:18 pm)

It shouldn’t be hard for All Star to install some cameras in the parking lot.

Brendan November 17, 2009 (8:42 pm)

It would be nice for Allstar to install perimeter cameras on all sides of building, including “the back”; put ’em up high enough so they can’t be easily disabled.

Westie November 17, 2009 (9:49 pm)

All Star is very aware of the problem, but of course they don’t want to say so, or invest in solutions that would erode their profits. To bad to, nice place, but it’s getting the reputation of a break in hot spot.
In regards to break ins near the Junction, let’s all call the cops if we see -anything- we think is out of place. The cops need us to help them, always call when in doubt.

Eddie November 18, 2009 (6:28 am)

Why is a break in on a public street – which happens to be west of AllStar – their fault? Why not blame Nucor Steel? They’re a business on an adjoining property. Or the Storage place up the hill, that’s adjoining property as well.

Mags November 18, 2009 (8:01 am)

I came across a break behind AllStar two weeks ago. It had just happened and the police were there with the victim. Apparently the thief broke the passenger side window and grabbed the bag containing a laptop that was in the front seat. I was only inside a brief while so I have to wonder if the thieves are hanging around watching for folks who leave stuff in the car?
Anyway, I am sure Allstar is aware but since these break-ins are not in the lot but in the back on the public street, not sure what they can do other than some highly signs about high prowl area?

Donna Burns November 18, 2009 (8:26 am)

My husband’s car was broken into twice within 3 weeks at All Star. I definitely think people are watching the lot and the surrounding streets.

Doc November 18, 2009 (10:52 am)

I have to agree with Eddie. Why does it seem that people think that since it is near AllStar it is their fault? I’m sure they would love to install thousands of dollars worth of video equipment to help keep your car safe when you leave your laptop in the passenger seat. Ken, I’m sure if you paid for the cameras and the upkeep of them they would be happy to install them. And CMP, AllStar sucks because other people are breaking into cars near them? Really? By that logic I could blame September 11th on Bin Laden’s cameraman, because he was close by…

DALYDBL November 19, 2009 (1:33 pm)

All Star does attract a populus of upper class people with nice cars and nice things in their cars. I am disappointed that Allstar denied knowing about a problem with robberies, and I do not think am expensive camera system is practical but “High Prowl Area” signs are.

g bailey November 19, 2009 (3:13 pm)

Break ins *are* upsetting, but in fact, if you leave valuables in your vehicle out in plain sight for thieves to see, you are providing a temptation, and going against what police advise, which is not to have valuables visible in your vehicle at all. A camera won’t protect your car; theives are long gone by the time your window is smashed and your things grabbed. You can protect yourself and your valuables by following suggestions such as: if you must carry them in your car, hide your valuables, or leave them at home, or lock them up in the lockers at the gym. It may be a hassle to drop your work things at home before heading to the gym, but you have a better chance of keeping them. It is up to us all to practice safety and personal responsibility, and then, hope for the best.

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