WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Tool Library burglarized

6:59 PM: The nonprofit, volunteer-powered West Seattle Tool Library, on the northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center in North Delridge, has been hit by burglary. They think it happened between 3:30 and 4:30 this morning. They were still going through the inventory when we talked to them earlier today, but were missing a lot of small tools for starters; they think the burglar(s) filled up a yard-waste bin with what they could grab. Whqt you see on the door in our photo above is true – they have video surveillance – but didn’t get a clear image of the burglar. If you have any information, the incident number is 21-269299.

ADDED EARLY TUESDAY: We now have an update from Micheal at the WSTL:

All in all, we got off pretty light. As it stands, it appears the following was taken: a laptop computer, ~$60 cash, a 1/2″ impact driver, a floor nailer, circular saw, plunge router, trim router, jigsaw, a long-handled cordless hedge trimmer, two 18ga brad nailers, two coil nailers, three framing nailers, and a pneumatic stapler. The biggest pain for us is the damage to the doors– both doors need new hasps, and as you saw, the damage to the workshop door is extensive. We’re not sure yet if the doors will need to be replaced.

Library operations should be relatively unaffected, and we plan to be open (Tuesday) for our usual hours– though nail guns will be slim pickings for a while until we can get some new ones in.

Tuesday hours are 5 pm-8 pm.

Felix October 11, 2021 (7:16 pm)

The tool library is a great resource for west seattle – thanks to the volunteers that provide this service to our community. Hope that they recover some of the stolen tools.

Mando#2 October 11, 2021 (8:03 pm)

That’s Pretty LOW

Auntie October 11, 2021 (8:47 pm)

Once they can determine what was lost, perhaps you could publish a list. I’m sure a lot of people would be happy to donate to replace those tools. Who doesn’t have duplicates in their toolboxes?

WSB October 11, 2021 (8:57 pm)

Yes, we’ve been expecting followup info from them since going there after hearing about this earlier today but decided to just go ahead and publish, and hope to hear from them later. (Trivia point … the WSTL started with an inventory including donations collected during West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day 2010 – founders encouraged people to buy tools that were being sold at WSCGSD sales and donate them.)

1994 October 11, 2021 (11:08 pm)

Looks like they need a more robust lock for the door.

Elton October 12, 2021 (11:32 am)

There’s no such thing as an un-beatable lock IMHO – anyone motivated enough can break in. It’s just sad that someone would steal from a non-profit. Theft is always a bad thing, but this is a real community service, particularly for those who cannot afford to buy such tools and need them.
bolo October 12, 2021 (12:03 pm)

IIRC that was a lock upgrade from the last time they were burglarized.

wssz October 11, 2021 (11:20 pm)

I really hope they do a fundraiser. I’d be more than happy to participate. And it looks like they need a more secure locking system. Maybe a skilled locksmith would be willing to donate their time, or the community can raise the funds to pay for it. Alki Lock and Key is my top choice if Stan is interested in helping out.

Peel and Press October 11, 2021 (11:27 pm)

West Seattle Tool Library:Let me know what you lost! I will see what I have and will put out a request on my businesses social media channels to see what we as a community can replace.

WSB October 12, 2021 (12:59 am)

We received some followup info late tonight and it’s been added above. – TR

Carson October 12, 2021 (7:51 am)

Sad. I have rented tools there. A great local resource.

Salal October 12, 2021 (9:05 am)

Are these tools marked with anything denoting there from the west seattle tool library?

BluHorizon October 12, 2021 (7:49 pm)

Ugh! So sorry to hear this happened, – WS Tool Library is a fantastic resource for the WS community at large, is a good neighbor and helps us all be better neighbors by renting us tools for cheap so we can keep our yards and homes up! As per a fundraiser; that’s a great idea, but meanwhile that door, frame, & new stronger locking system is gonna COST to repair and has to be done- literally yesterday. So you don’t have to wait for a fundraiser- you can go here https://www.wstools.org/donate to donate now. The Tool library is run completely by dedicated volunteers. If you can pitch in $5 or $500 – or anything in between it ALL helps since the TL is run on a shoestring. And ultimately, it all funnels directly back into our community. A two for one (!) for every dollar donated.

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