WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: 2 thefts – wheelchair-accessible van; fat-tire bike

Two thefts in West Seattle Crime Watch:

WHEELCHAIR-ACCESSIBLE VAN STOLEN: Brian‘s sister needs this van to get around; it was taken in Admiral:

Our wheelchair-accessible van was stolen from in front of our house on 9/22 around 5:22 am. We live on SW Stevens in between 46th and 47th. Someone got dropped off by someone else who appears to be driving a pickup truck. They immediately go into the van and drive away. We also noticed afterward that we are missing one of two keys, and we realize this is probably not a coincidence. However, the bottom line is that the van is missing and it’s the only way my sister, who has Cerebral Palsy, can get around. We have no suspects. We can’t imagine knowing anyone that would do this to us. I can’t even imagine a stranger stealing a wheelchair van. It’s just so wrong. It’s a black 2017 Dodge Grand Caravan with a side ramp on the passenger side. The back has a row of seats taken out so you can roll a person in a wheelchair into it and strap the chair down. I can see how it would be tempting for a lot of people to steal as you could use it to haul stuff or even sleep in it. We just want the van back.

The van was last seen heading east on Stevens. Plate number (as shown in the photo) BMA7685. Call 911 if you see it.

BIKE STOLEN: Joe‘s 2009 Surly Rat Ride bike was taken Friday near 35th and Morgan:

Here’s the specs:
Make: Surly
Model: Rat Ride 1×1=11 (see non-ebike version photo)
Color: All black
E-bike conversion kit: CYC (see photo)
Battery: Frame mounted
Seatpost: Thompson Masterpiece
Saddle: Brooks

Joe is offering a reward. If you find it, let us know and we’ll connect you.

5 Replies to "WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: 2 thefts - wheelchair-accessible van; fat-tire bike"

  • Gill & Alex September 25, 2021 (11:35 am)

    Sorry to hear about the stolen van.  Was it taken this morning or on “9/22 around 5:22 am”?  Hope it shows up soon.

    • WSB September 25, 2021 (11:46 am)

      Sorry, adding “this morning” was my error.

  • WSCurmudgeon September 25, 2021 (12:22 pm)

    There’s no SPD incident number.  That # helps accelerate police response when we call to report we’ve seen the vehicle.

    Was the missing key left with the van while it was out being serviced?  Are you certain it was returned?  Did you call the management of the servicer?

    Make a list of everyone who has had access to that key since you last saw it.  Pay attention to people you know less well, of course, and friends whose daily routines you don’t know in detail.

     Drugs are likely involved as motivator.   To sell the van/parts for cash to buy drugs and/or use the van for transport to steal other stuff to sell.  Also addicts make bad decisions, like theft to support their addiction.  Alas, younger people are more likely to engage in these behaviors. You should focus on “friends of friends” who your young family/friends may have forgotten (or don’t want to admit) were on your premises. Wishing you a quick return of the undamaged vehicle!

  • briantang September 25, 2021 (1:22 pm)

    Incident 21-250066. Key was last seen at home.

  • Scubafrog September 25, 2021 (3:25 pm)

    Unconscionable.  Absolutely unconscionable.  I’m so sorry this happened, obviously I’ll keep my eyes peeled.  Thanks for posting a reference number in case anyone sees the aforementioned vehicle.

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