WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Car prowl on video; break-in; burglar-deterrent advice from your Crime Prevention Coordinator

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Two reader reports tonight, plus new crime-prevention advice:

CAR PROWL ON VIDEO: From Steve in east Admiral:

Just a quick notice about a car prowl that occurred early yesterday morning in the Belvidere district, on 37th Ave SW between Stevens & Lander. The prowl was at approximately 3:00 am and involved our Camry. Lots of stuff strewn about in the car, but the only things taken were a cheap car charger, my Ray-Ban Wayfarer (original) sunglasses and an inexpensive portable electric air compressor (tire pump) in the trunk. I’ve attached a video from our neighbor showing the van in question; you see it cruise slowly, stop by our car (through the shrubbery), then pull slightly over and turn off their lights.

I’ve filed a police report and they have a still image of the vehicle. I just wanted to get the word out to our neighbors.

CONDO BREAK-IN: Bill from Duwamish Head reports his condo building was broken into last night:

It is the same M.O. as previous break-ins here and along Harbor, Alki, and Beach condominiums. Thief or thieves cut through the metal siding to gain access.

We’re following up to ask what if anything was taken. And speaking of burglaries …

BURGLARY PREVENTION ADVICE AND MORE: Southwest Precinct Crime Prevention Coordinator Jennifer Burbridge sent her newest newsletter today:

As noted at the end of the newsletter (PDF version here), along with other bonus information, you can get onto Burbridge’s list by e-mailing her at jennifer.burbridge@seattle.gov – and you’ll get the newsletter sent directly to your inbox.

Nerdle May 30, 2017 (8:43 pm)

I just had a car prowl on Friday morning. Corner of Stevens and 38th. They stole a cheap skateboard and broke my passenger side window. I also filed a police report.

Don W May 30, 2017 (9:02 pm)

We are a block away and have HD cameras close to the street. We will be watching for this vehicle! Thanks for posting.

Barbara Armo May 30, 2017 (10:22 pm)

Sounds so noisy to break in thru the metal siding. What time did these burglaries occur?

Enid May 31, 2017 (6:33 am)

A van very similar to this one was filmed in Arbor Heights a while ago. Seems like they were doing package thefts, but it’s likely they are all-purpose scumbags. When they realized they were being filmed, two women approached the person and threatened them. Block watch captain distributed the photos, so maybe police can make a connection?

Kate May 31, 2017 (9:13 am)

My husband and I reported what appeared to be attempted car prowlings on 39th Ave between Lander and Stevens in early May. The early morning timing was the same, but the vehicle being used was a small pick up truck, not a van.

TCinthe206 May 31, 2017 (3:08 pm)

Would be interesting to know what percentage of car prowls had property in their trunk pilfered. Trying to validate something I heard…that burglars now have a point and shoot infared camera they operate from their car (at a slow roll) to determine if there is something in the trunk. Basically a tool to help improve their odds of picking a worthwhile target. I’m skeptical that such a reasonably priced tool exists, but I’m not a tech expert either and definitely not interested in losing my golf clubs…..so back to being stored next to my bed they go!

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