Crime Watch: Another business burglary, this time at Zippy’s

Zippy’s Giant Burgers proprietor Blaine Cook was expecting today to be one last full day of business before an early closure Tuesday for the staff party, and then a long holiday break. Instead, Zippy’s will be opening a bit later than usual today because he has to buy a new cash register – to replace one stolen by burglar(s) who broke a door to get in. He told WSB he’s not sure what time it happened; a family member who comes in to clean around 4 am discovered the broken glass and missing register.

The cash register is the only thing taken, according to Cook (update – Zippy’s Facebook post says, a safe too) – the burglar(s) didn’t even take the champagne that was awaiting the staff party. No surveillance video – no camera – but that, he says, will have to change. Since Zippy’s is in the unincorporated area (9614 14th SW), the King County Sheriff’s Office is investigating; deputies were just leaving as we arrived. You’ll recall the Greenbridge area had a spate of business burglaries last month; Zippy’s is several blocks west of there.

21 Replies to "Crime Watch: Another business burglary, this time at Zippy's"

  • Brian December 22, 2014 (6:37 am)

    Ugh, seriously disgusting and reprehensible behavior. Zippy’s deserves so much better.

  • Rcl December 22, 2014 (8:14 am)

    White Center…..

  • Dribbler December 22, 2014 (8:25 am)

    Is nothing sacred?

  • w.s.maverick December 22, 2014 (8:37 am)

    damn white center. alarms and cameras would help. anyone that lives and has a business in the area should have a security system. home owners get a gun. crime will slow down, just saying

  • WSEd December 22, 2014 (9:19 am)

    Rcl,

    It has nothing to do with white center. Did you see all of the breakins in Westwood? Also cars are getting broken into at an alarming rate right now. 5 on my street alone and I don’t live in white center. The thugs are out hitting any easy target for holiday cash. Zippys is unfortunately just one more on the list in this case. This year seems especially bad for some reason.

  • Enviromaven December 22, 2014 (9:52 am)

    Agreed – West Seattle, Capitol Hill, Ballard, etc. Sorry to hear that Zippy’s got hit. Wishing them a much happier holiday season going forward.

  • Curiouser December 22, 2014 (10:16 am)

    Poor Zippy’s! First the stupid contractor with the ventilation fan problem and now this!! So sorry to hear this. The landlord should also provide cameras for the exterior that covers the businesses and the parking lot.

  • westsidemegan December 22, 2014 (10:43 am)

    Such a heartbreaking thing to hear the Monday before Christmas. Zippy’s is a fantastic establishment in this community and Blaine gives so much to those in this community. I hope they find the responsible party and that Zippy’s and the crew don’t let their holiday spirit wane!

  • miws December 22, 2014 (11:04 am)

    This Neighborhood Bashing became very tiresome a long time ago. A beloved, Local Business has been affected, and it is sad and maddening at the same time.

    .

    I agree with Curiouser. My first thought this morning when it showed up on my Facebook Page, was how closely this happened to their recent week-ish long closure, due to the exhaust fan issue.

    .

    Mike

  • datamuse December 22, 2014 (11:12 am)

    If anything I’d guess it has more to do with the lack of eyes on that block. I think only one other storefront in that shopping center is occupied, and across the street is the back of Bartell’s and a parking lot. Not a great chance anyone would notice someone breaking in. Cameras sound like a great investment.
    .
    We will make sure to stop in for a burger sometime this week.

  • wakeflood December 22, 2014 (11:20 am)

    Small businesses that deal with volumes of cash vs. credit are targets in ANY neighborhood – especially in areas without dedicated police on the beat – but even then…

    And a certain amount of the preventative measures (cameras/lighting, etc.) will help reduce the odds a bit but it’s a bit of a numbers game. Sad as it is.

    Sorry to hear it guys. I’ll be back again to Zippy’s soon for my usual. :-)

  • 2 Much Whine December 22, 2014 (12:23 pm)

    The thief (or thieves) were obviously not too bright. They took a safe and cash register but left the Mama Lil’s Peppers? That’s just poor planning on their part.

  • Wallace Brown December 22, 2014 (1:46 pm)

    Sad to hear, just went in and ate. Wonderful as always. Good luck Zippys.

  • Wallace Brown December 22, 2014 (1:48 pm)

    Also just saying “White Center is the problem” is dumb.

  • Love Zippy's December 22, 2014 (3:29 pm)

    Oh, Zippy’s, so sorry to hear that.

    Not a tough commitment on my part, but I’ll double my business in January just to show how much we love you! :)

    Anyone else want to join me?

  • MrsMarty December 22, 2014 (5:26 pm)

    Blaine>>>>so sorry to hear this happened to you! We’ll be in, in support for all your hard work and try and enjoy the holiday as much as you can.

  • G December 22, 2014 (5:51 pm)

    Security cameras, barred doors, a gun behind the counter….is this what is is coming to? Feel terrible for any small business owner that gets violated like this.

  • Farrah December 22, 2014 (7:02 pm)

    THIS is why we can’t have nice things!

  • Lori December 23, 2014 (1:18 am)

    Sercurity cameras at White Center Library were stolen, I doubt they would be much more help than more money in the thieves wallets.

  • PaulaB December 23, 2014 (10:59 am)

    So sorry Zippy’s. Perhaps a kickstarter campaign to get you some cameras?! Then wire the safe and cash register to a 220 line when you lock up at night.

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