WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: West of Chicago Pizza burglarized

Thanks for the texted tip about that sign on the door at West of Chicago Pizza (37th/Alaska), closed today because of an early-morning break-in. We went over and talked with proprietor Shawn, who said the burglar(s) got away with some cash. He’s closed today mostly to recover, as he got the alarm company call around 2 am – when he arrived, police were already there – and it was understandably hard to sleep after he returned home.

P.S. Shawn says this will NOT interfere with his plan to add a new feature at West of Chicago starting tomorrow – a game room.

Brayton October 1, 2023 (12:24 pm)

I don’t know what keeps small business owners in this area. High rent is one thing but vandalism and burglaries are non-stop. If I had a business I would booby trap the hell out of it.

On a positive note, I recently tried this restaurant and really enjoyed the food. (Great thin crust pizza and salad.) On top of that was the great experience with the staff. They were friendly and thoroughly made sure the order was correct before I left with the items. I’ve had a craving…

Brian October 1, 2023 (4:05 pm)

Booby trapping a business is also very illegal.
- Balderdash October 1, 2023 (5:02 pm)
  
  Burglary is illegal. I’m sure you could come up with some sort of booby trap that would get the message sent.
  - Crikket October 2, 2023 (3:26 pm)
    
    Yep, a few non lethal Home Alone traps.
- WSresident October 1, 2023 (6:08 pm)
  
  As a WS business owner, I can understand the booby trapping idea because it’s MADDENING that the petty theft has gotten so bad in our area. The city is doing NOTHING ago protect (I don’t mean police, I mean criminalizing burglaries) business from staying here. Are you seeing what’s happening in San Francisco? How fun will West Seattle be when it’s a ghost land of business’ because we can’t afford to keep doing this. I wonder if everyone knew Target is likely going away might have voted to change the way our city operates around ongoing and repeat crime. 🤣
  - matt October 2, 2023 (12:30 pm)
    
    Seattle Times covered Target’s move. They’re closing low crime stores, and leaving higher ones open. They tried competing with bodegas and convenience stores with these small urban stores, and it failed. Their pr department conveniently blames it on theft, since it perfumes the stink of bad investment for Target’s shareholders. Target is closing stores because their idea failed. Retail theft was just a scapegoat.
- WS angry October 1, 2023 (6:42 pm)
  
  Gee thanks Brian. Thanks for pointing that out. You could have pointed out how horrible it is for a small, local business to be vandalized and shut down for the day. You also could have pointed out how bad it is that people at said small business will not be working that day due to the vandals and will lose a day of pay. Instead you went right for the liberal progressive talking points. What a beacon of inclusiveness, equity and progressiveness you are. Congrats on the virtue signaling.
  - On the legality of booby trapping October 1, 2023 (7:46 pm)
    
    If we read Brian’s reply in a different way, it may just be pointing out that if you booby trap your own business it may cause you to shut down even faster than burglary and vandalism due to the lawsuits that would pour in. Also since it’s not legal, there’s no way insurance would cover any of that liability. We may not like that, but it is the way the legal system works.
    - DC October 2, 2023 (8:52 am)
      
      Seems like letting people know that booby trapping can land you in serious legal trouble is a service to small business owners… Not sure how that’s progressive virtue signaling…
  - Struggler October 1, 2023 (8:09 pm)
    
    He didn’t make any points besides stating the fact that it’s illegal to booby trap a business. You’re projecting a lot. I’ll add that it’s also foolish and shortsighted to consider booby trapping any establishment or residence. It is truly horrible that businesses and locals are being targeted so significantly right now, but leaving arbitrary traps for a wouldbe intruder will inevitably result in an innocent person being maimed or killed; or, worse for the business owner, a police officer being maimed or killed. Calls for violent vigilantism are becoming increasingly common in the comments on this forum and it will only result in innocent lives being effected. There is a serious issue with crime right now in our community, but this is not the answer.
    - Resident October 2, 2023 (7:34 am)
      
      There was not one hint of empathy, and there were no words of being sorry for the loss. There was a way different approach they could’ve taken to make the person and community that was victimized feel like they cared.
  - Greg October 2, 2023 (5:21 am)
    
    Brian said 8 words. Nothing Liberal or Progressive at all.

yoyolove October 1, 2023 (1:00 pm)

That’s unfortunate news. Sounds like they are handling it with aplomb. But almost as importantly, what type of game room are they opening???

shawn October 1, 2023 (2:40 pm)

hey there, business owner here. The beginning of the game room is going to be installed tomorrow. 4 pinball machines, we are also adding a dart board, air hockey, and a couple more arcade games as well. Vandals and burglars suck, high rents and climbing food costs won’t deter us though, always happy to be providing great food at a great value to the great people of West Seattle!! on an unrelated matter we are also currently hiring for a full time cook position. pay is $18 per hour + tips (tips are on average 10-15$ per hour). It’s not easy work, but it is rewarding, and you can always be proud knowing we make great food for great people!!!

Carson October 1, 2023 (3:16 pm)

Shawn,we Love your pizza. As a Chicago native I can attest, Pizzeria Uno had nothing on you!
- Admyrl Byrd October 1, 2023 (4:55 pm)
  
  That’s almost unfair putting the two in the same category. West of Chicago is wonderful – we finally were able to do it the other night and was amazed! It’s right there with Malnati’s and Giordano’s (and a lot closer).
  - Danimal October 2, 2023 (4:07 pm)
    
    Better than both those establishments.
Crikket October 2, 2023 (3:28 pm)

Awesome. We can’t wait to slide by to support the Pizza and game room!
Pizza Dude October 3, 2023 (5:26 am)

Love you guys!

Revilo October 1, 2023 (7:01 pm)

This is so upsetting to learn. West of Chicago Pizza kicks butt. Great pizza, great people.

CB October 2, 2023 (3:04 pm)

I lived in Chicago for 8 years (next to Pequod’s pizza, too) before coming here. West of Chicago Pizza is phenominal and has made the transition much easier.