WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Another catalytic converter stolen; house, car vandalism

| Crime | West Seattle news

Three reader reports in West Seattle Crime Watch:

ANOTHER CATALYTIC-CONVERTER THEFT: The three reports we received over the weekend all involved Hondas, but in this one, the thief/thieves hit a 2010 Lexus 350 SUV, near the Fauntleroy ferry dock. It happened just after 3 am Sunday. The reader reports, “Same black sedan. Driver remained in car. Two others removed the converter.”

BROKEN WINDOWS: The photo shows one of two houses where windows were broken:

Two homes on SW Yancy St. had their windows broken by stones (broken concrete) thrown at them last night and today. Are there any other reports in the neighborhood?

BROKEN WINDSHIELD: Noah reports that the hammer-wielding man in this video has been “terrorizing” the 5200 block of Delridge Way SW.

Neighbors saw the man slash Noah’s tire on Friday and break the windshield of his girlfriend’s car early Sunday.

WSCurmudgeon March 28, 2022 (10:47 pm)

Had the videographer already called 911 before taking the video? When I see a likely crime in progress that’s the first thing I do.

Yeah March 29, 2022 (8:15 am)

I wouldn’t judge someone for taking the video first and handing that off to police second. I’ve experienced consistently lackluster response times from SPD over the years, even for crimes in progress, so it seems like collecting evidence to hand to them after the fact (since they’re not going to get there until after the fact anyway) would do more to catch the person than calling and risk not getting the video.

Alki Jack March 29, 2022 (8:16 am)

This has got to be stopped and I think I have the answer to these stolen catalytic converters. The most popular model that’s easiest to steal is a Honda Element. The police need to have several popular theft models and have them equipped with hidden camera’s and flash lights underneath and on outside. Park them were they are easy to see and seem like it is easy to steal the converter. Have sensors set up so they don’t go off instantly but are triggered by the reciprocating saw that most of the thieves seem to use. They had a rash of auto thefts in one city so they had vehicles that were set up specifically for this purpose. Suddenly as the thief started to take off the doors locked, engine died, lights started flashing and 911 was called. Now you may have a better idea but something has to be done!

Sasquatch March 29, 2022 (11:09 am)

A bait car is a great idea.I would love to see that, but I fear some will label it as entrapment.
- Alki Jack March 30, 2022 (9:37 am)
  
  You are right about entrapment, it would have to be thought out legally. However, I’m of the belief that if on Friday I put a big flat screen TV in my front and leave it all weekend, it should still be there Monday morning. Seriously, would you just take something from another just because it was just sitting there. Parents, the school system, the legal system and law enforcement must be failing “some” children. I can just hear a thief say, “well if they were stupid enough to just leave it there, it’s their fault. Getting to be a creepy world we are living in.

Bean March 29, 2022 (9:38 am)

my catalytic converter was stolen from my Lexus RX 330 year 2006 in the Alki area. Video shows two guys both wearing hats. Drove off in black sedan. Police report filed with photos and videos included.

WSREZ March 29, 2022 (12:27 pm)

I live in a townhome off California and the other night I heard a number of people walking in the alley and merely looked out.. it was a group of 6 teenagers and I barely made eye contact with one of the teen males and he sort of did a flinch flex at me, which was weird in itself, but then they continue walking for a few steps and one of the other teenage males grabbed a rock from the alley and attempted to throw it at my neighbors house, though I believe he missed. I know where the teenage girls live who were with the boys and got it all on our ring camera.

Sorry, comment time is over.