WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Inoperable white van stolen (update: found)

| Crime | West Seattle news

10:23 PM FRIDAY: Reported by Kellie via email:

Stolen 1988 Chevrolet white 1/2-ton van – not running, so it was pulled away by someone. It is covered in vinyl stickers – one says National Green Log Society with a picture of a green log and on the back doors in 10-inch purple lettering it says “hang up and drive.” Stolen from Arbor Heights area this morning.

We’re still awaiting the license plate and police report numbers, plus we’ve asked if a photo is available, but the description sounded vivid enough that you’d probably recognize this if you see it, so we’re publishing this for starters. ADDED: Plate is S019694. … SECOND ADDITION: Police report # is 24-044805.

2:13 PM SATURDAY: As noted in comments, found in Fauntleroy. Owners are aware and handling.

baffled February 16, 2024 (11:15 pm)

what in the world… why?! would someone steal an inoperable van?

Lisa February 17, 2024 (3:20 am)

Maybe to get auto parts, seems our neighborhoods are now shopping centers…
they February 17, 2024 (9:53 am)

There are no more challenges in steeling the operable ones.
Mike February 17, 2024 (9:54 am)

Was it parked along the street or on private property? If not private property, it’s likely towed due to a complaint. Long ago in another part of Seattle, a neighbor across the street from me slashed all 4 of my tires in an attempt to force the city to tow the ugly Volkswagen I had. The day I moved I gave that neighbor a one finger salute.

HoneyBun February 17, 2024 (5:50 am)

There is robust niche market for hard to find auto parts. What constitutes ‘hard to find’ would be older vehicles, sought after vehicles that originally had low production quantities, parts for utility (can be used for work) vehicles, etc.. The parts of course are used, but they are also more than likely OEM (guaranteed to fit). The parts that one unscrupulous mechanic (shade tree or professional) needs can literally be ‘ordered up’ to be collected from the surrounding community. I had a steering wheel stolen off a vehicle once. A steering wheel. I guess it was hard to find in the junkyards and someone really wanted an authentic one. Of course, it could also be a brazen neighbor who got tired of seeing a derelict vehicle covered in decals sitting in the line-of-sight for months/years and arranged to have it taken away. Or heck, maybe someone wanted a dry box to sleep in for the rest of the winter. There’s three reasons right there that a broken down van may suddenly take a walk.

Also John February 17, 2024 (7:54 am)

Sounds like the thief perhaps got it running?

BUDDSMOM February 17, 2024 (8:28 am)

Running or not, it’s still shelter.

Kristina February 17, 2024 (10:14 am)

If it was inoperable is it possible that it was towed? There are some rules about “junk” vehicles (not my term) and is it possible that someone called it in and had it impounded?

K February 17, 2024 (11:37 am)

They aren’t allowed on private property either, unless they are stored inside a garage or other building. But in that case, they wouldn’t be towed, the property owner would be fined, I believe.

WS February 17, 2024 (10:25 am)

It’s on the corner of 47th Ave SW and Brace Point Drive

WSB February 17, 2024 (11:04 am)

I’ve emailed Kellie to point out your comment. If you haven’t already, perhaps you can report to police. She just sent the police report # this morning, for reference – 24-044805.
- WSB February 17, 2024 (1:07 pm)
  
  We just drove by. Definitely the van. Parked in front of a hydrant!

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