West Seattle Crime Watch: Front-porch theft; midday burglary

| Crime | Gatewood | High Point | West Seattle news

Two West Seattle Crime Watch reports tonight – first one from John in Gatewood:

I live on California Ave near Thistle Street [map]. We had a Christmas gift stolen off our front porch that was ordered off the internet and dropped by common carrier. I’ve heard of this happening but never experienced it until today. Probably happens more frequently than one would suspect. Just be aware there are bad guys out there. If it happened to us probably more will experience it this holiday season. Might want to warn W.S. residents. I’ve heard the crooks follow the trucks. Enjoy the Lego set, is all I can say. Hopefully someone who needs it more than our kids … eventually gets it.

Also tonight, Jen wanted to get the news out about an earlier burglary:

Not sure how to get this out, but our house was broken into today. We live at 32nd and Juneau [map], near High Point. It was between 10 am and 2 pm today. They threw a rock through the window, crawled through, and helped themselves to our electronics, jewelry, gift cards, etc etc etc.

Just want to get the word out and heighten awareness. Maybe it will help someone else going through what we are now.

Karen December 3, 2010 (5:20 am)

The comment about gifts stolen from front porches made me remember a time when I diverted a guy from stealing a package from my neighbors. He was riding a bike and had a backpack to stuff the “goods” in.

Babs December 3, 2010 (6:12 am)

I live in an apartment on Avalon Way. Last week -late afternoon I was coming around the corner after taking the garbage out and surprised a guy at our locked entry door. He said he was trying to call the landlord. I had never seen him before. The timing was right around mail drop-off. He/this set off my gut instinct. OK, I said I cannot let you in. He left. I went to the gym. Coming back up the street 45 min later I saw him on the other side of the street walking another direction. Guessing he was casing apartment/condo doors looking for packages dropped in lobby’s. The lesson which I assume most know, do not let anyone into your lobby unless you know they live there.

Lucky chick December 3, 2010 (10:33 am)

After several thefts from my porch and mailbox, I got a locking mailbox and have all deliveries sent to work. In my neighborhood (Sunrise Heights), I guess people think they can just walk right up and take your stuff. It’s infuriating!

Always have packages sent to your workplace if you’re gone during the day!

mom of 3 boys December 3, 2010 (11:42 am)

Wish I could send my packages to work – but they don’t allow it. This type of theft is definitely on the rise. Especially with increasing internet-sales.

DaveG December 3, 2010 (4:28 pm)

Maybe we should start making our OWN boxes of ‘stuff’ and leaving them on our front porches. I’m pretty sure my two big dogs would LOVE to contribute to the contents.

Greenie December 3, 2010 (4:32 pm)

I live in a condo at 35th and Cambridge and this happened to me last week. I sure hope whoever stole my Nature’s Miracle Pet Deterrent Spray was really pissed off when they opened the box.

Sorry, comment time is over.