WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen custom bicycles; car prowler sought; auto-theft alert

| Crime | West Seattle news

9:15 AM: Two more stolen bicycles to watch for:

Amy sent the photos, reporting that they were stolen near 41st/Findlay: “My husband’s beloved custom bikes were stolen out of our garage (Tuesday) after an automatic-garage-door malfunction; the garage door was likely left open all day. These are custom and unique bikes, brand is Speedvagen. So I’m hoping someone can help if they are seen.” Police report # 20-292752.

9:49 AM: Just in from the Southwest Precinct, two alerts – first, a request to help find this car prowler:
The precinct says that on October 6th around 10 pm, this person tried to break into three vehicles in the 7700 block of 20th SW. “After realizing all the vehicle doors were locked, the suspect left on foot. The reporting party stated this suspect has successfully prowled vehicles in the past.” If you have information on who this person is, call the precinct at 206-733-9800.

Also from the precinct, this alert that auto theft is on the rise in West Seattle/South Park:

Specifically:

*The precinct is up 10% in the last 28 days
*Mostly during third watch (between 1900-2100), and mostly in the Morgan Junction area
*The Morgan Junction community is up 138% year to date (+28 cars), 60% in the last 28 days

*In an effort to decrease these incidents, we would like to remind our community members about the following prevention strategies:

*Check on your vehicle regularly, especially if you aren’t driving it frequently
*Never leave your car running or the keys in the ignition when you’re away, even for ‘just a minute’, please remember this is illegal in Seattle and in Washington (SMC 11.70.160, RCW 46.61.600)
*Remove remote garage door openers from vehicle
*Always lock doors and roll up windows, even if the car is parked in front of your home
*Never leave valuables in plain view, even if your car is locked
*If possible, park vehicle in a busy, locked, monitored and/or well-lit area
*Utilize anti-theft devices such as the Club (please contact Crime Prevention Coordinator Jennifer Danner for more information about this)
*If possible, activate alarm

Feel free to reach out to Jennifer (Jennifer.Danner@seattle.gov) if you have questions about these prevention suggestions, and/or if you are interested in a free safety/security assessment.

bolo October 14, 2020 (11:07 am)

In that third photo of the car prowler, is that a striking weapon or steel bar in his hand that is opening the door handle?

LP October 14, 2020 (11:29 am)

My guess is it’s a Flashlight

Flynmac October 14, 2020 (11:29 am)

It’s the flashlight he’s using to look in windows. I can’t believe he won’t be recognized.

Alex S. October 14, 2020 (12:28 pm)

Kind of lame nobody bothered to tell the folks with the stolen bikes that their garage was open all day. Back in the day neighbors used to look out for each other in Seattle. Thieves drive around all day looking for opportunities like this.

Seatown October 14, 2020 (2:03 pm)

Wonder if it is the same car prowler. Two nights ago on the 5900 block in Fairmount Park someone broke into one of our cars. Didn’t take anything just ransacked the glove box. However they only broke into the car that was unlocked so remember to lock your car doors.

poultine October 14, 2020 (4:47 pm)

Oof — those are some fine looking bikes. I can’t imagine that there are a lot of Speedvagen OGs in circulation. Best of luck on recovering them.

(I’m definitely entertained by the fact that the cranks were properly aligned for the photos)

Brian October 14, 2020 (10:21 pm)

Those are beautiful and unique bicycles. I hope the universe brings them back to their rightful home.

Squirrel October 14, 2020 (10:32 pm)

https://bikeindex.org/

sad October 15, 2020 (5:42 pm)

Yes, they are posted on bikeindex, 529garage, and seattle area stolen bikes, etc.

Neighbor October 15, 2020 (7:57 am)

I live on 20th and I’ve seen this person walking up and down 20th from this block down to Henderson/Barton from time to time, usually peering into people’s yards. I’ve never actually seen him acting on anything until these photos. I’ll continue to keep an eye out.

Amy October 22, 2020 (5:24 pm)

Good news! We have word that Washington State Patrol has recovered both of the stolen Speedvagen bikes. We will be reunited tomorrow! Found in a truck with other stolen goods and other high end bikes.

face less October 30, 2020 (7:45 am)

folks with the bike- are these bikes registered on http://www.bikeindex.org. Is there a police report with a description of the components and markings?