WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Car prowler’s puzzling take

| Crime | West Seattle news

From Angela via email:

My car was broken into last night. I live on 38th Ave SW, cross street SW Hanford st. They got away with my car charger and cord, the manual to my car, a few pairs of sunglasses, and a tube of hand lotion. Nothing super valuable, just very annoying. I must have left my car unlocked (though i swear i locked it…. but thankful for no damage). I did the online reporting of this incident for statistics purposes. If anyone sees a Subaru Forester manual while out walking, pick it up for me!!!! I can’t imagine the thief/thieves keeping that….

AG February 25, 2020 (12:21 pm)

We experienced something similar. We’re at Brandon/California. Our car was entered without any windows being broken, so we must have left it unlocked. The car was searched. About $5 in change and a pair of prescription bifocals was taken. I have no idea what they’ll do with the glasses.

Jim P. February 25, 2020 (12:28 pm)

I’d guess either a whacked out junkie who is only tenuously connected to Earth or kids daring each other to take something or practicing for the real thing..

Check the pawn shops to see if anyone really glazed looking was trying to see what they could get for the manual. :)

Mary February 25, 2020 (1:00 pm)

I also recently had my car broken into (accidentally left unlocked) and the phone charger and manual were stolen among other small, insignificant items. If anyone finds a Ford Escape manual, I’d love to get it back. Are these valuable in some way? Why would someone take it?

AdmiralNeighbor February 25, 2020 (1:36 pm)

I live a few houses away from that intersection on 38th and just checked my camera. Not great resolution, but it was 3:48am this morning when a tall (6’3ish) male wearing a baseball cap walked by our car. He checked several cars. He was walking South on 38th Ave mostly on the Eastern side. 4 minutes prior to that individual showing up a very low riding truck had driven slowly Northbound with a large (long), low, flatbed trailer. I think he parked it and had a look around.

Angela February 26, 2020 (8:54 am)

admiralneighbor – OMG!!! This whole thing has made me want to set up cameras on our house. Also I may check if any of our immediate neighbors have cameras. Not that it would do any good in catching the person who stole maybe $10 worth of stuff out of my car, but just for curiosity to see if it was unlocked or if they used another way to get in. Thank you for checking your cameras. We have such an awesome neighborhood!! :)

heartless February 25, 2020 (1:43 pm)

I always thought manuals were harder to steal–something about thieves never learning how to drive stick. Oh well.

Sorry about the break-ins, I’ll keep my eyes peeled for the missing items.

Graciano February 25, 2020 (2:47 pm)

Manual meaning the book that came with the vehicle. LOL!

Andrea February 25, 2020 (2:05 pm)

We had a similar thing happen last week, 44th around Dakota. No damage to the car — and I am sure I locked it…but they went through the glove box, took the phone charger and cords, dumped the trash, and took the trash can. We had coats, blankets, yoga mat, etc. in the car but they didn’t touch them. Very odd.

Angela February 26, 2020 (8:51 am)

So weird! We had a pretty nice stroller in the back that they didn’t take. That was the only thing of value in there really. They also left behind my yoga mat.

RLW February 25, 2020 (2:14 pm)

My only thought is that perhaps the manual, when wrapped in the black plastic case that they always seem to come in, may look like a tablet or other small computer at first glance.

justme February 25, 2020 (2:33 pm)

I wonder if there’s some kind of information in the manuals on how to steal them, specifics about their ignition, locks, parts, or some other bit of information specific to that model. Then they are sold to fencers. I’ve read a few articles that explain why theives take them, and they return with a key made to drive them away. Beware!

justme February 25, 2020 (2:35 pm)

a video explaining it:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LxoZcP9EOXw

Mkl February 25, 2020 (3:08 pm)

Thanks justme, that’s helpful. For anyone who didn’t see the link, theives will take the car manuals because some have the VIN number and a pin you can use to order a spare key from the manufacturer. Might be best to check your manuals and pull those pages out to store inside the house.

IvorH February 25, 2020 (3:08 pm)

There are all sorts of devices sold on the internet that can unlock locked newer cars. Locking them is futile. In the old day’s you could buy a “slim jim” that would get you into locked cars. They even provided a guide on how to use it!. Also note:my friend who lives on 49th at Admiral, after the 2nd break in left his car unlocked-glove box open to show nothing in it. The scum didn’t check-just smashed the window 1st.

youdontgnomeme February 25, 2020 (4:02 pm)

Ivorh….. I’ve once had my car broken into with the front windows half rolled down. The thief still broke a window to get in.
- CAM February 25, 2020 (4:29 pm)
  
  Breaking a window is far preferable to cutting into a soft top convertible roof. $10k and a month long backorder will make you think the 2 hours waiting for the window guy to show up is not such a biggie.

PNW Motors February 26, 2020 (12:41 am)

OP – I have an auto repair shop that specializes in Subarus. We have a few manuals and probably have one for your (most any) year that I’m happy to give to you. Feel free to Google us or search on FB and send a message. PNW Motors