WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Alley arson; window warning

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Two reports in West Seattle Crime Watch tonight:

EARLY MORNING ALLEY ARSON: Thanks to Patrick for the photo and tip that an early-morning fire callout near California/Raymond was arson.

We confirmed that tonight with SFD spokesperson Kristin Tinsley, who tells WSB via an e-mail response, “Investigators confirmed two recycle bins and one garbage bin were set on fire, along with two rolls of toilet paper inside a porta potty. These all occurred in an alleyway. Total estimated loss for all bins combined is $500. Case referred to SPD for followup.” Earlier in the morning, SFD responded to a dumpster fire at Westwood Village but Tinsley says that was not believed to be related.

WINDOW WARNING: From Lindsay, reporting a burglary in the Highland Park area last night:

The burglars got in the house via a semi=open window that was accidentally left open. With the weather so hot, I thought it might be good if you could broadcast a PSA reminding folks that burglars look for open windows and doors. I would really hate for anyone else to be affected in this way.

WSNeighbor July 15, 2018 (11:41 pm)

The toilet paper being used to start the first sounds similar to the multiple arson attempts by someone at the apartment building right at CA/Raymond earlier this year – any updates there?

Erithan July 16, 2018 (12:02 am)

Interesting our garage (open in alley) recycle was lit on fire on the 4th, no one around, and sadly no alarms.

Joe Paar July 16, 2018 (12:51 pm)

One of these fires happened at my house. I have called the police (911) more than one
time due to trespassers and trespassers emptying stolen property into a garbage
can inside a building. The response from
the police has been “we have been instructed (by politicians I assume) not to
get involved with trespassers seeking shelter unless there is some other crime
taking place”. 911 would not dispatch
the police to the incident where the trespasser was inside the property emptying
stolen unwanted items into a trash can. When is Mayor Durkan going to enforce the laws
in place? It is the executives job to enforce
the laws and not to decide which laws should and should not be enforced. I feel like we need to help the homeless and
drug addicts, but allowing trespassing, petty crime and camping all over the
City is only enabling the addicts and homeless and, in my opinion, will make
the problem worse.

Joe Paar