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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Crash-and-grab burglars hit Menashe and Sons Jewelers

December 24, 2022 8:33 am
|      84 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

8:33 AM: The business run by the local family that’s almost synonymous with Christmas in West Seattle has been hit by crime on Christmas Eve. Crash-and-grab burglars hit the Menashe and Sons Jewelers store at 4532 California SW in The Junction early this morning. The store’s been run for decades by the family that’s well-known for West Seattle’s brightest display of Christmas lights. We just talked to members of the family at the store, as police investigated. Josh Menashe says they think it happened around 5 am. The gated front of the store is bashed in and vehicle debris is visible:

The Menashes believe the burglar(s) also used a mallet to try to get in by breaking a window. What if anything was taken is still being determined, but the store won’t be open today. We’re still on scene and will add whatever more we find out. This is at least the third crash-and-grab in West Seattle in the past three weeks, after Westwood Village Big 5 on December 5th and El Quetzal at Arrowhead Gardens on December 10th.

8:50 AM: We’ve also talked with Jack Menashe, who says so far they don’t believe the burglars got in or took anything, but they’re reviewing video to be sure – so what they primarily have to do is clean up the damage and secure the store.

Police have recovered more of what the burglar(s) left behind, including the aforementioned mallet:

10:57 AM: As a comment points out, the Menashes have announced the store will be open today after all, 11 am-4 pm – go to the back door off the alley and ring the bell.

11:16 AM: We’ve seen video from a nearby security camera that has not yet been released but does show what happened, in a corner of its field of view. The burglars were in a light-colored pickup truck. At 5:02 they backed into the front of the door three times, took off, came back a couple minutes later, pulled up in front of the store and someone got out (too distant to describe), then took off again, and came back a third time within a few minutes, backing into the storefront again twice, then took off. Here’s the clearest screenshot of the pickup:

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84 Replies to "WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Crash-and-grab burglars hit Menashe and Sons Jewelers"

  • Eddie December 24, 2022 (8:50 am)

    Ho Ho Haul ’em off to the clink for a good long time.Terrible.

  • star 55 December 24, 2022 (8:50 am)

    This just breaks my heart. So sorry to the entire family.

  • Judy McCollum December 24, 2022 (8:52 am)

    This is sickening. The Menashe family has been a pillar of this community for decades. My heart goes out to Jack, Josh and their employees as they deal with this assault on their place of business and community. 

  • WW Resident December 24, 2022 (8:54 am)

    Worthless POS. Period. 

    • Agree December 24, 2022 (2:14 pm)

      Agree 100%!

  • Dave December 24, 2022 (8:57 am)

    The Menashes have given so much to West Seattle, I suggest if you are able, stop by and pick something up for someone you love or yourself once they are open again. 

  • Findlay December 24, 2022 (8:59 am)

    Hope they can find clues/video to identify these folks. Incredibly brazen attempt surely means some dangerous potential thieves. Sad for them to experience this during an important Holiday shopping season.

  • Martin Crowley December 24, 2022 (9:02 am)

    All junction businesses who have security cameras. Please review and let the police know if you see anything that could help. These criminals need to be caught! 

  • HTB December 24, 2022 (9:07 am)

    Sorry, but how are the police not catching stuff like this? Crashing a car into a storefront would seemingly make a ton of noise and cause a lot of attention- this isn’t exactly subtle. Plus, I would think areas like the main retail areas would have consistent patrol surveillance.i Know headcount is down, but this feels like a layup to me.

    • Buddsmom December 24, 2022 (10:10 am)

      HTB….. I heard a loud banging around 6 AM woke me up. I thought it was just a gabage truck in the alley, which is a commom daily occurence that time of day.

    • Anne December 24, 2022 (11:09 am)

      A layup really that’s your take away?? What a ridiculous comment! 

    • Seattlite December 24, 2022 (3:17 pm)

      Doesn’t someone need to call 911 and report a burglary in progress for the police to be notified?   Seattle’s police officers do the best they can without being fully staffed.  If you want a fully staffed police department contact the city council or mayor.

      • Mark December 25, 2022 (12:34 pm)

        Or vote accordingly

        • rick_ws December 25, 2022 (3:46 pm)

          Precisely.      

  • Jes_i December 24, 2022 (9:11 am)

    What sad pieces of trash..smh. This is so sickening. 

  • dhg December 24, 2022 (9:11 am)

    We have enhanced sentences for use of a gun in a crime, perhaps we need enhanced sentences for use of a vehicle in a burglary     

    • Gerry December 26, 2022 (9:03 am)

      Good argument for  this;  increased danger and invariably means ripped off somebody’s vehicle to do it.

  • Eileen Wurst December 24, 2022 (9:16 am)

    I am so sorry to hear about this.  It seems like crash and grab also happened to Big 5 in Westwood recently.  What a shame.  My thoughts are with the Menashe family.

    • WSB December 24, 2022 (11:39 am)

      As mentioned in the story, Big 5 and El Quetzal were both hit with crash-and-grabs earlier this month (links to our coverage are in the story too).

  • Gay December 24, 2022 (9:20 am)

    Sad, scary and disgusting.  

  • DRW December 24, 2022 (9:30 am)

    Disgusting and appalling. All I want for Christmas is for these scumbags get caught.

  • Naomi December 24, 2022 (9:32 am)

    This is outrageous and our hearts go out to the Menashe family and their employees. 

  • Mj December 24, 2022 (9:38 am)

    This really sucks, these perps need to be caught and held accountable.  

  • Glenda December 24, 2022 (9:40 am)

    This is terrible! If any members of the Menashe family reads this – we so appreciate what your  light display brings to the community each year.  I’m sorry this happened to you, especially this time of year, and glad they didn’t seem to get anything.  The repairs will be extensive it looks like.  Please don’t let this dampen your spirits too much on Christmas Eve. I’m just sorry this happened. 

  • Alki resident December 24, 2022 (9:43 am)

    This makes me so sick. The family that does so much for our community and this is such a blow. The truck they used was likely stolen. I hope they catch these thugs. 

  • Junction Lady December 24, 2022 (9:48 am)

    Dear Menashes Family,I am so sorry about this happening to your beautiful, well kept, mainstay in the Junction.

  • Chelle December 24, 2022 (9:58 am)

    Terrible. Nobody deserves this. They are such a wonderful family and pillar in our community. Praying for the menashe’s. 

  • Pamela Allyn December 24, 2022 (10:10 am)

    I am heartbroken to hear this… Not only is this the kindest family and sweetest business,but are just a pillar to West Seattle, and bring so much joy to everyone each holiday season. My Christmas wish is they catch whoever did this, put them in the clinker, and throw away the key. 

  • Higginshere December 24, 2022 (10:13 am)

    God bless the Menashe family.  Please know that your neighbors wish you peace and justice.

  • 1994 December 24, 2022 (10:17 am)

    The smash and crashers deserve a lump of coal, no wishes coming true for them.  Robust security measures can work! An iced over entry way could be a good deterrent. Cover it with a carpet during business hours and then uncover for the would be robbers after hours! 

  • Eliza Webb December 24, 2022 (10:38 am)

    The store will be open today from 11-4 according to their instagram page. Please use the backdoor entrance (there is a bell). Head on in for your small and big gifts and support this community minded business! 

    • WSB December 24, 2022 (10:52 am)

      OK, that’s an update from when we talked to them in person at the store a couple hours ago. We were planning on going back to check in anyway.

  • Ruckus December 24, 2022 (10:50 am)

    The city has many traffic cams leading in and out of West Seattle, including one facing north high above California and Alaska. SPD might be able to follow the trail via the cams.

  • Lisa December 24, 2022 (10:50 am)

    This makes me incredibly sad. We so appreciate what the Menashe family does for the community and our hearts go out to them at a time which should be one of celebration.

  • Ruckus December 24, 2022 (10:54 am)

    The city has a traffic cam high above California and Alaska facing north. Among many other cams in and out of WS. Might be some images there.

  • Bah Humbug! December 24, 2022 (11:00 am)

    My son and I got an early start on our Christmas Eve shopping only to find our favorite West Seattle family storefront in pieces.  My heart goes out to the Menashe family. 

  • John December 24, 2022 (11:06 am)

    Might be time to bring back curfews!!

    • Jethro Marx December 24, 2022 (12:09 pm)

      No.

    • Lauren December 24, 2022 (12:27 pm)

      How would a curfew— which impacts everyone in our community— have prevented this incident? If you’re ok with breaking one law…

    • Rhonda December 24, 2022 (5:32 pm)

      Curfews don’t affect criminals under (or over) age 18. They only cause havoc for teens walking, driving, cycling, or taking transit home from their part-time jobs, babysitting, studying at a friend’s house, etc.

    • Olred December 26, 2022 (12:31 am)

      Curfews?!!?! Um no.. punish all the tax payers for a few bad apples..  hmm. I won’t tell u what that sounds like to me…

    • Ol Red December 26, 2022 (12:35 am)

      Curfews? I won’t say what that sounds like. Punish everyone for a few bad apples…no thanks 

  • Kim December 24, 2022 (11:09 am)

    Very saddened by this event. So appreciate the family is opening there store – that’s the spirit! Take care of each other there, neighbors! 🙏❤️🎄

  • AlkiResident December 24, 2022 (11:16 am)

    This makes me so sad! We love the Menashe family. I hope they catch these awful people, put them in jail, and throw away the key. But let’s be honest, if they do catch them the judge in charge of the case will likely give them a slap on the wrist, little to no bail, and the criminals will just skip their court date and nothing will happen,  just like all the rest of the criminals in our revolving door system we have here in Seattle. 

  • RH December 24, 2022 (11:17 am)

    Sorry to hear this, my heart goes out to the Menashe family.  My family-owned mom owned pop stores while I was growing up in the 60’s and the 70’s and the feeling we had after someone broke in was pure violation of our space, it is the same feeling a homeowner feels when someone breaks into their homes.  When does this end?  People need to feel safe in their homes and businesses.

  • PJ December 24, 2022 (11:23 am)

    Why do so many bad things happen to good people?  And the Menashe’s are definitely Good People.I am so sorry this happened to your store.    I’m also praying for the Menashe’s family.PJ

  • Barb Joseph December 24, 2022 (11:45 am)

    Awww Jeeze. So sorry to the Menashe’s. Not the way to start Christmas Eve day. So glad the gates kept the people from gettin inside the store. Time to get cement bulkheads in front of businesses. Hopefully the people that rammed the store will be caught and actually be locked up for more than a few hours.  Jack, Jake, Josh, West Seattle appreciates you and the things you do for the community. Don’t let this ruin your Christmas with family. Celebrate that they were not able to steal anything, no one was hurt and there is enough evidence they will be caught. Merry Christmas to you all. 

  • Craig December 24, 2022 (11:46 am)

    So sad to hear this. We love the lights display and the reindeer this year were particularly lovely. The problem here is the criminals likely aren’t using their own truck. It’s stolen of sure. The cops now need to find out from where and by who to get leads – if any leads exist as the vehicle could have passed through many hands. Next identification of the suspects. Even with faces on camera that’s hard to connect to an individual’s address and then find them waiting there to chat with a cop. The detectives have a hard job. Best bet is loose lips. Someone knows something and heard something about planning or night of the event saw something in their neighborhood. They need to come forward to cops, and feel safe reporting. Defund the police? Naw, we need a lot of them, lots of resources and lots of support of them. That’ll help weed out the bad ones too, but more is better. 

    • Taylor December 26, 2022 (8:32 am)

      Lol, Craig, you’re halfway to solving this crime you should apply!

  • Insertname December 24, 2022 (11:53 am)

    I’m sure the vehicle used in this was stolen of course. These thieves never take a day off. So sorry to hear this happened. 

    • East Coast Cynic December 24, 2022 (4:54 pm)

      And if stolen, the plates likely removed prior to the crash and enter.

  • just wondering December 24, 2022 (12:42 pm)

    My ring finger was swollen and I needed to get my wedding and engagement ring off.  Went to the Bartell’s medical office but they could not remove it.  Went to Menashe’s and showed them my hand and immediately the staff took care of removing the rings.  I was most grateful for their quick help!

  • Also John December 24, 2022 (2:13 pm)

    This again is another reason why we need to double the funding for police and 10x funding for one way only prisons.

    • rick_ws December 25, 2022 (3:49 pm)

      I second that.

    • Ol Red December 26, 2022 (12:36 am)

      I third this!!

  • Lisa in Arbor Heights December 24, 2022 (2:27 pm)

    Am sooooo sad to hear this. I’m feeling very protective because no one messes with our Menashes—-they’re a staple of our West Seattle community. So upset!

  • Patrick December 24, 2022 (3:15 pm)

    Looks to me like a silver 2007 thru 2012 Toyota Tundra “Double Cab” (extended cab, not crew cab) 4×4 with the 6.5ft box and possibly TRD decal on the back corner of the bed.  It’s possibly but IMO not probably a newer year (14-21).

    I’d guess sure it’s stolen, but maybe the above is helpful (didn’t notice anyone else post it).

    • Patrick December 24, 2022 (3:22 pm)

      • JT December 25, 2022 (9:05 am)

    • Dawson December 25, 2022 (1:33 pm)

      Definitely up to a 2012, maybe 2013. After that the grill, hood and lights are very different. 

  • Seattlite December 24, 2022 (3:21 pm)

    I have been a customer of the Menashe’s for as long as they have owned the store.  All of the family and their employees are super nice, helpful when either having jewelry designed or purchasing a piece from their display showcases.  They certainly do not deserve this.  There were robbed once before hence all of the gates, etcs.  I bet the perps’ truck was stolen too.

  • Sue H December 24, 2022 (4:05 pm)

    I am sorry – and horrified – to hear this.  A small part of me hoped that it was “just” an out of control car that hit the store and ran off, but not with that security footage. Disgraceful. Can’t even imagine the cost (and hassle) of fixing this. It’s hard enough being in business these days without all these attacks on our small businesses by scummy people. 

  • David December 24, 2022 (4:14 pm)

    SO sorry that happened, esp this time of year.  The important thing is no one was hurt. It even appears they got nothing, just damage.So glass half full.

  • Win Win? December 24, 2022 (5:13 pm)

    This is sad, infuriating, and frightening in that the frequency of such destructive – and in other cases like our seemingly nightly shootings truly becoming dangerous if not deadly.The British in cities like London have for years now embraced extensive use of networks of high resolution, controllable video surveillance cameras, monitored 24 hours a day. A single police monitor can cover and operate dozens or more cameras covering multiple of the most trouble prone public areas and immediately dispatch units (such as our dwindled police force) to crimes often IN PROGRESS, to let police do what they do best and are here for.I for one am ready to accept (& frankly anymore would WELCOME) this into our community to try to get a handle on the crime and resulting feeling of community deterioration it’s bringing.I know the cries of “Police State!” will be raised once again (who remembers the mass freakout several years ago of trying to put up ONE set of cameras on Alki???).  But it seems we need to try a new, more effective and economical approach. And times have changed; surveillance cameras from Ring doorbells, private businesses etc are already everywhere, yet not in an organized enough fashion to truly help us all out of this sad situation we are slipping into.

    • Scarlett December 26, 2022 (7:43 am)

      I don’t think we want to go down the road of mass surveillance.  The UK gave us the surveillance state, but they also gave us authors warning us of dystopian hellscrapes.  

  • Jim P. December 24, 2022 (5:45 pm)

    Looks like they chose a good brand of security gate.  Wow.Would love to have a recording of their mounting frustration.

  • Speechless in Seattle December 24, 2022 (6:51 pm)

    Such a horrible thing to happen to such a given and caring business. After reading this story I’m very curious to know more about the gate on the the front of the store. Considering it withstood 5 hits from a truck and still kept thieves I want one! I think every business should invest in one as well

  • Carter December 24, 2022 (7:52 pm)

      We had the Draft in 1968   Let our DI’s helpthem to see the light

  • Mercea December 24, 2022 (10:55 pm)

    This is so sad. The Menashe family do and mean so much to this community. This needs to stop.

  • Ryan Caple December 25, 2022 (7:09 am)

    Today, let’s celebrate Christmas. Tomorrow let’s get these pieces of ^%#*. The Menashe family has been in my life for over 34 years! From all the Caple’s, we love you guys! 

  • Joyce Maund December 25, 2022 (7:30 am)

    This is just terrible!!! The Menashes are such nice people. Thoughts and prayers to you. ❤️🙏🏻🙏🏻

  • Ian December 25, 2022 (8:20 am)

    I was driving thru junction about same time and I actually saw that vehicle with front end smashed up and what looked like two really stressed out individuals fighting in truck swerving all over road running red light headed down California towards thriftway I couldn’t make out a license plate it was all crumbled up but it was roughly 5:15 to 530 am when I saw them flying down California Ave literally all over the road like from one side to other 

    • flimflam December 25, 2022 (10:42 am)

      Jeez. Imagine spending your time doing stuff like that? What a depressing existence it must be.

    • Joe Finelli December 26, 2022 (1:05 pm)

      I hope you let the police know so if possible they will know what direction these jerks went and maybe the police or someone can review cameras for additional clues.

  • Grits December 25, 2022 (11:56 am)

    The police will find them.  These would be burglar dufuses should be nominated for a Darwin award.

  • admyrl byrd December 25, 2022 (2:09 pm)

    So zero empathy for the criminals here but the WS Runner break-in generated a whole bunch?  Just because they “looked” like kids?   This is all bad, unacceptable, and needs to be stopped with strengthened criminal justice system in King County.

    • rick_ws December 25, 2022 (3:57 pm)

      Don’t vote for incumbents. And don’t vote fot existing office holders pursuing higher office.  Experience seems to be a negative quality in our politicans.  Also,  let’s get the too lenient judges replaced .  Bye, bye.

  • RW December 25, 2022 (3:30 pm)

    These acts are becoming more brazen and frequent. The West Seattle Junction and the City of Seattle may have to consider lining California Ave. with curbside bollards in front of businesses to prevent vehicles ramming storefronts (and in such a way as to not interfere with people getting out of parked cars). Obviously, steel gates over windows and entrances isn’t enough.

  • J December 25, 2022 (5:11 pm)

    So sad. Such a stupid attempt at robbery. These are people on drugs or detoxing from drugs. Nobody else would be so stupid. The question is, why are so many people needing to blot out life to feel better, or to survive? Not to excuse criminals in any way, but drug addiction and poverty is a social problem that affects all of us and as long as we put the blame on the police or “liberal” politicians, nothing will change. Blame never transforms any problem. Nobody chooses to be a drug addict or homeless. Stuff happens. Other countries have reasonably successful solutions to these problems, but it involves all of us being willing to pay higher taxes to create more help for those in need. In the USA, we pay some of the lowest taxes of any European country. I hate paying taxes, but sometimes change hurts, and in this case our wallets. 

  • Facts December 26, 2022 (8:43 am)

    Lisa Herbold led the charge to defund the police. She cost us Carmen Best who was a fantastic chief of police. In my opinion, the far left progressives have taken over local gov and made Seattle a much worse place. They spend money on speed bumps but not cops. Well, we now have our Alki drive turned into an eyesore and California Ave into a crime fest. Was NEVER like this until the progressive left took charge. More cops, fix potholes, STOP obsessing over “slow the flock down” speed bumps, but…you get what you vote for. I will be leaving WS as soon as my kid finishes high school. My once beautiful community has become over run with wacko socialists leftists. As a traditional liberal I look forward to living somewhere with more responsible, less reactionary and emotional voters. I mean Seattle progressives cant even keep a bridge open. I am an educated, high income, liberal voter…I am tired of living under the oppressive progressives failing policies that dominate Seattle. More blocked roads, less parking, less police…no thanks. Crime will continue to get worse here for years and years to come, sadly. 

  • 22blades December 26, 2022 (4:43 pm)

    First of all, I’m glad nobody got hurt. Secondly, this waste of a burglary will very well have more property damage than stolen  goods. I used to equate this atmosphere with developing countries where the divide of haves & have nots was great. So goes with the disappearing middle class.  So here we are, America.

  • Patti Mullen December 26, 2022 (6:36 pm)

    Josh, it’s your old neighbor Patti Mullen, writing to offer my sincere regrets for this year-end “gift”.   Your family has been exceptionally generous – and generous of spirit – to the community. Wishes that the balance of the holiday season are peace filled. With my love to you and your family!

  • Wired December 30, 2022 (6:08 am)

    This whole city is a mess anything tied down is worth it for thieves to steal.. If it’s greed or some get rich quick scheme they’re going to try to do things like this. The socioeconomic divide is too large and the ultra wealthy don’t really care and let the lower economic classes duke it out. Obviously it’s a challenge to even attain any wealth these days let alone hold a House down. Homelessness, drug addicts, lack of opportunities, and almost zero authority to catch, apprehend and properly convict along with an already shady justice system that causes repeat offenders to keep offending because of a lack of true rehabilitation and real world hands on opportunities.  Seattle is wacked save our city.. Our major city we’re not a little quiet town anymore wake up people make the police clean the streets up already. Last time I had make a call about someone car prowling it took the police an hour to respond dispite the precinct being 6 blocks away.. It’s pathetic and where are the taxes going heavy taxes

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