West Seattle Crime Watch: Seen this briefcase anywhere?

| Arbor Heights | Crime | West Seattle news

From the WSB inbox – Robert wonders if anyone has seen a briefcase taken when someone broke into his car:

As I walked to my driveway to go to work Tuesday morning (05/02), I saw broken glass near my car. Sure enough, someone had smashed my driver’s side rear door window during the night. The only thing missing was my briefcase. It is an old, doctor’s style black case that opens from the top. It isn’t worth much, but has sentimental value. There was nothing of real value inside, other than some personal papers and some books on education. I imagine the thief was disappointed and I wouldn’t be surprised if it was dumped nearby. If anyone runs across it, I would greatly appreciate being notified. You can email me at ne**********@***oo.com. Thanks. The theft took place near 37th and SW 98th ST in Arbor Heights.

(No “you shouldn’t have left it in there” comments, please, “blaming the victim” is against WSB rules.) Police do advise that absolutely nothing be left in vehicles, even if you think it’s nothing a thief could possibly have any interest in – here’s more information about car-prowl prevention.

olvidadiza May 7, 2011 (8:42 pm)

I am one of those who dare to leave everything in the front seat (not by choice, just careless in my case) and so far I have been lucky enough not to have anybody take anything even in an unlocked car (expensive handbags, ipad, cash).
I truly need to shape up. Just last week we left town for an out of the country vacation and made sure all windows and doors were properly locked, except we forgot to close the garage door! I almost died when three days later I read my sister’s email notifying me she had stopped by in the morning and noticed my garage door was open. My house and everything inside was up for grabs, three days and three nights.
I cannot believe I did that.

Nulu May 7, 2011 (8:55 pm)

olvidadiza,
Please share with us where you park your car!

olvidadiza May 7, 2011 (11:08 pm)

nulu, you are funny. But seriously I am trying really hard to be more careful.

C May 7, 2011 (11:12 pm)

7 years of living at my house and the only time the car was broken into was when I left it unlocked. They didn’t steal much. They did take my spare set of keys. I had to then get an after market alarm put in since that was cheaper than changing the locks on the car.

On a positive note, when we called the police at 1:30 am. They said oh yeah someone just called this in. Thank you neighbor who was watching out for us!

anonyme May 8, 2011 (8:57 am)

A case matching this description was tossed along the side of 102nd near 35th several mornings ago, right within this time frame. The contents were strewn around, including papers and some educational paperbacks. All of it was gone a few hours later.

Robert May 8, 2011 (9:41 am)

Thanks, anonyme. That is a strong lead. I’ll put up some flyers and check this out. Perhaps someone just cleaned up the mess. If you learn anything else, please let me know.

ne**********@***oo.com

A Westwood Neighbor May 8, 2011 (10:33 am)

I had my car tossed two nights ago. Parked on the street in the Fairmount/Fauntleroy area. The thieves only took my change drawer and one cd. Luckily they missed my raybans which were in the glove box!

foy boy May 8, 2011 (6:48 pm)

Just a thought just leave you doors unlock and nothing in your car. That way the crooks won’t break your windows to find nothing and you end up paying the deductible for your broken window and of course your rate hike.

DWHJ May 9, 2011 (9:36 am)

I leave stuff just to tempt stupid people and caught 2 kids once they loved waiting for the cops with my pit breathing in there face as they layed on the ground while the cops took there time to get here I must say I did not mind waiting mutch that time myself

Luckie May 9, 2011 (11:34 am)

If you leave your car doors unlocked, your windows may be safe. However, you might find yourself cleaning up after the folks who decided to have a beer, or a romantic encounter, or a bathroom break in your car. Trust me–I know.

LyndaB May 9, 2011 (1:39 pm)

Luckie, that sounds so gross. That is all that came to mind.

Kao May 10, 2011 (11:37 am)

Had my car broken into on 100th and 34th all they took was the change in my ash tray, didn’t even take my cd player.

Robert May 10, 2011 (6:12 pm)

Well, I’ve been in touch with Anonyme and I’m sure it was my briefcase and my books. If the person who picked it up sees this, please contact me

ne**********@***oo.com

Robert

David Randall May 11, 2011 (5:24 pm)

In the middle of the day on 5-3-11 Someone took my brief case out of my work van. I was two blocks behind West Seattle High School. Not much to steal but very important paper work to me and my plumbing Co. Anyone seen a Black brief case lying around with note book full of phone numbers and some pictures of me, please call me. I will offer money to get it back to me. Thanks David Randall Randall’s Plumbing at 253 686-8064

RobinR May 12, 2011 (9:38 pm)

My car was broken into as well. They took my blue tooth headset & charger, a “car wallet” that I kept my insurance and registration in and an old leather change purse my grandmother gave me (black leather, folds in half). Appreciate if anyone comes across the purse.

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