West Seattle Crime Watch: Burglar steals 84-year-old woman’s bicycle, leaves watch behind; Westwood Village police response

5:16 PM: From Michelle: A break-in early (updated) today at her condo in the 1600 block of Harbor SW, which has been hit before. Above is a security-camera screengrab of the suspect. Michelle says they’ve been hit before, and this time:

We were lucky that they only got one bike. They left several behind, including a new electric that they clearly couldn’t figure out. He did leave behind a watch that I have included. I would love it if people would keep an eye out for this really unique bike! It is going to cost $600 plus to replace and it is my 84-year-old mother’s bike. Grrrrrrrr.

She adds that “we bought it for Mom after she had her hips replaced so that she could just step over it.” The police incident # is 19-1618; if you find the bike, or know anything about the watch, also please let us know.

ADDED 7:04 PM: Thanks for the tips on a big police response near Westwood Village earlier this evening. Though it had dissipated by the time we got there, we were able to ask Southwest Precinct Lt. Steve Strand about it just now at the SW District Council meeting. He said police were after a suspected auto thief. The teenage suspect was caught. The car belonged to his parents, whose custody he’s expected to be released into.

Sam-c January 2, 2019 (5:22 pm)

In other crime news, huge police response at westwood village

WSB January 2, 2019 (6:36 pm)

Yes, Patrick went to check it out but it had dissipated, don’t know what it was, though I’m hoping to ask the SPD rep who is at the meeting I’m covering.
- WSB January 2, 2019 (7:04 pm)
  
  Update (and I’m adding this above) – It was a teen accused of stealing a car from his parents. He ran but was caught and taken into custody.
- sam-c January 2, 2019 (7:04 pm)
  
  Yeah, saw 3-4 police cars in the lot right next to Rite Aid (west side), some more police cars at the WWV the east entrance (near Starbucks). then there was one police car on Barton, driving this way, backing up, turning around, going another way, then backing up and heading another way. That one seemed lost; like they were directed to block an entrance and couldn’t figure out where they were supposed to be. Didn’t see what was going down in the Rite Aid parking lot.

Barb Vad January 2, 2019 (6:23 pm)

Do you have a picture or description of the bike?

WSB January 2, 2019 (6:35 pm)

Please click on the link. It’s a stock photo so I can’t show it full screen without having sought permission from whomever’s the copyright holder, but you can see it by clicking on it.

valvashon January 2, 2019 (6:54 pm)

What color was the bike? I thought I saw one being ridden up Admiral Way today but it was black.

nrgrocks January 3, 2019 (12:58 pm)

I wish! It is white! Thanks for looking out. We are missing it today, even, since it is not raining (now) so no bike ride for my Mom!

Kalo January 2, 2019 (7:09 pm)

There was a break in a neighboring condo in the 1600 block last week. It appears the perp was interrupted and may have taken some packages from the lobby, but nothing else.

Charlie January 2, 2019 (10:05 pm)

I for one am grateful for the huge police response. Sure beats the alternative. Thank you, Seattle PD!

Shane January 3, 2019 (8:24 am)

Please post the color of the bike and any accessories. I am quite a bike enthusiast and would notice such a ride. Speaking of which, does your mom ride it on Alki much? I have a very lovely conversation with a lady who could have been in that age group on a similar bike this fall. I approached her because it was unique.

nrgrocks January 3, 2019 (1:02 pm)

Hi Shane! She thinks it might be she. She can’t remember for sure (really? hahahaha) Yes, she does ride on Alki. And she is lovely so if you spoke with her it would be so. Hope there are more than one, however! But I haven’t seen this bike on Alki. She bought it at Alki Bike and Board on California. It doesn’t have any accessories at all. It is white. Thanks for keeping an eye out! So strange they left three others. And he took the time to pump up the tires! Jeez!

skeptic January 3, 2019 (2:27 pm)

Westwood Village has a police force? I didn’t know that. Seems like a good idea given the frequent crime reports.

WSB January 3, 2019 (2:41 pm)

If you’re referring to the headline, “Westwood Village” modifies “police response.” The response was at/near WWV.

Mj January 3, 2019 (7:24 pm)

How much lower can you go than stealing a bike from an 84 year old? I wish the City would make bike theft a real crime with real punishment.

nrgrocks January 3, 2019 (8:35 pm)

No kidding! We are spending another $3k fortifying our building. It is really sad that we have to make it into a fortress for all of the residents to feel safe in their home – more cameras, fortified doors, new tamper proof handles on all doors that are in the public space, etc. etc. They don’t want to spare any expense. $3k we could have spent on ways to make our building more environmentally friendly, etc. It is just a shame and a complete waste of time and resource. I am getting more cynical in MY old age and I am sad that this stuff makes it so! BTW, the precinct has a crime prevention coordinator who will make a site visit. Our responding officer suggested her. He was amazing. Professional and compassionate. He really owned it. My mom was super impressed.

Sorry, comment time is over.