WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Crash-and-grab burglar hits WS Tool Library

Those two videos are from a crash-and-grab burglary at the nonprofit West Seattle Tool Library, which is on the northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center in North Delridge. Head librarian Micheal sent the report and videos today, and says this happened a week ago:

Around 3:30 in the morning of Friday the 11th, we fell victim to a “smash-and-grab” burglary: a 1998-2000 greenish-blue Ford pickup truck was crashed through our roll-up shop door, and the driver made off with several thousand dollars worth of tools and cash from the workshop. Fortunately, none of the tools we check out were stolen, but the stolen items were some of the most important for performing maintenance, as well as for our members to use for projects in the shop. We’re now hoping to raise $4,000 to replace the items that were stolen and damaged in the break-in, and to reinforce our security yet again. The police report number is 23-237581.

In case you can’t see the videos, here’s a screengrab:

The Tool Library’s donation link is here (via PayPal).

Wes Sea August 18, 2023 (3:58 pm)

Why do they keep cash in the tool library? Just curious. What types of tools are they looking to replace? I might be able to contribute.

LyndaB August 18, 2023 (5:04 pm)

I hope DNDA will agree with an effort to place bollards in front of the shop door.

Concerned Community Member August 18, 2023 (5:12 pm)

Oh no! I’m at a loss for words. The Tool Library has been targeted by theives many times in the past too. So frustrating 😡. Please donate what you can.

Anders August 19, 2023 (12:05 pm)

The Tool Library is one of WS’s greatest community assets with true sustainability at it’s core and mission. It represents many years of vision, project management, hard work, countless (1000s) of volunteer hours to collect and buy tools, staff the library so it can be open to public, build out the facility and continue to develop it so that it offers more and better everything to more people every year. Truly a project of blood, sweat, and heart. So many people benefit by getting to use expensive tools for just a couple bucks; especially important for those who don’t have the resources to buy or the space to store tools. These senseless, downright sh***y acts of taking away from those who have little to give, yet who give the most to community- -is just enraging. As noted above, please give what you can. Even $5 – $10 helps – no amount too small. However, If only 400 of the 100,000 folks that live on our peninsula contribute just $100 – they are back in biz! The Tool Library / our WS community deserves all of our support!

Flaunt-Leroy August 19, 2023 (12:44 pm)

Really frustrating, I’ll certainly be donating to help out! On a small side note that camera system has really impressive quality.

RavenKayaker August 21, 2023 (4:41 pm)

Watching the videos of this burglary makes me sick. Anders noted in their comment, this is a gut punch to over 1,000 WSTL members who have poured heart and soul into WSTL over the last 13 years. I have the privilege of currently using a sewing machine from WSTL to build an elaborate protection for strawberries and blueberries. I trust this burglary will find their just desserts. I just made a donation in honor of everyone who contributes positively to WSTL.