WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Restaurant burglars ‘stole from the whole community’

| Crime | West Seattle news

As if it’s not tough enough trying to keep a small independent restaurant afloat right now – Peel & Press proprietor Dan Austin is dealing with cleaning up after a burglary.

Dan told us, “They broke in and mostly caused damage trying to break through my wall in 3 different spots to get into Starbucks as well. Pic is of the person removing the glass panel of my door not to trip the door and glass-break sensor.” On social media, he had a direct message for the burglar”

To the special folks who broke into my restaurant last night, I would have helped you if you need help. We have given away 1400 meals since this pandemic started. We have donated groceries to people. I have even ran tabs for regulars who have lost their jobs but don’t want “anything for free.” Why would you do this to us? What give you the right to violate my hard work and jeopardize my ability to give back to the community? You didn’t just steal from me, you stole from the whole community!!!

If you have any info, the SPD case # is 20-153344. (Thanks to Sandy for the tip on this.)

Ann L Avery May 9, 2020 (7:36 pm)

So sorry, Dan. No one deserves this but you least of all. Fingers crossed that they are caught and prosecuted.

Pdx77 May 9, 2020 (7:54 pm)

This is heart breaking, every Monday they hand out free meals to those in need!

Beth Waldron May 9, 2020 (8:09 pm)

It very much has little to do with people in need and very much to do with people looking to take advantage of empty businesses.Dan, I’m a pastry chef if we can do a bake sale or something to help raise the funds for repairs/damages please let me know.

Js May 9, 2020 (8:47 pm)

Just stealin. Nor sure how someone thinks like that. Hope you catch them. They know there are cameras so they cover their face. I can kind of make out the eyes and some facial features.

Rabbit-infestation May 9, 2020 (9:54 pm)

Especially now with masks being common place , everyone looks like a bandit with masks gloves and hoods. Feel bad for anyone working directly with the public who has to constantly think, oh is this going to be a stick up? Sorry to hear about what happened

Batty May 9, 2020 (8:47 pm)

I hope that they get caught and that Karma comes back to get them tenfold. So terribly sorry to hear this Dan, especially given all that you’ve been doing for the West Seattle community.

S May 9, 2020 (9:15 pm)

What an idiot. Keep your eyes open for a hat with GRIZZLY across it. Not too smart to wear such a distinguishable item during a robbery, you dope.

EddieV May 10, 2020 (12:08 am)

Keeping an eye out for Grizz hats :/

Js May 10, 2020 (8:17 am)

Typical university of montana grizz. Long way from missoula.

GT May 12, 2020 (10:53 am)

I believe the GRIZZLY hat is actually from Grizzly Grip Tape, a skateboard apparel company. Could be a favored item of the person who did this. Hopefully, it leads to the person being identified, and ultimately caught. If he’s brazen enough to do this, he’s probably done things like this before.