WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Burglar poses as salesperson

| Crime | West Seattle news

A reader near the south end of Lincoln Park reports a burglary at their home around 1:30 pm Wednesday, with images from their security camera:

This guy came to my door trying to pose as some sort of a salesman and as soon as he determined we were not home broke into our house and helped himself. His shirt is very distinctive and he has a tattoo on his left arm.

The police incident is # 24-125113. We asked SPD for any additional details from the report; they told us, “Officers found a sliding glass door forced open and searched the home. It appeared someone had ransacked several rooms.”

Mike May 10, 2024 (5:46 pm)

We have had numerous “sales” people the past few weeks. We answered the door with our security camera voice system. That way we can talk to them,they can respond. One guy freaked out when my wife spoke to him over the camera. The audible camera is our nicer introduction. I recommend more people get cameras with motion sensors, voice communication and “other” security.

AdmiralMom May 10, 2024 (9:31 pm)

Same here, I had the same guy come by our house multiple times in one day & ring the ring doorbell multiple times on each occasion. I finally responded through the ring ‘not interested’ & he seemed spooked but also replied ‘okay, thank you’ & left – super handy to be able to do this while not home!

Rhonda May 10, 2024 (7:11 pm)

Door-to-door solicitation should be banned.

East Coast Cynic May 10, 2024 (9:44 pm)

It’s good for voter outreach. One can merely say “no thanks”.
- Person May 11, 2024 (3:16 am)
  
  Please don’t.I’m going to get a sign that say “if you ring this doorbell, I’m voting for the other one”
- Ferns May 11, 2024 (6:34 am)
  
  It’s also good for casing homes and annoying people. Political canvassing is NOT what is being discussed here. Solicitation and posing as a sales person IS what is being discussed.
Seattlite May 11, 2024 (12:56 am)

100% agree.

Marty May 11, 2024 (7:44 am)

It is time to outlaw door-to-door sales. We are WAY past the age of the Fuller Brush Man! Does anyone really want someone on their porch trying to sell you something?

Mike May 11, 2024 (8:50 am)

Only Girl Scout Cookies, preferably not made from real girl scouts.

Mark May 11, 2024 (8:24 am)

This is the same guy who broke our neighbor’s window Wednesday afternoon which set off a security alarm that scared him off (near California/Thistle on Gatewood Hill). Our neighbor has photos and video of the guy, definitely the same person. He used the package he was carrying to break the window by putting it against the glass and hitting it with his hand. I’m guessing it had a board or similar hard object inside. A police report was filed. He has also been reported multiple times recently on Nextdoor at different addresses.

Dog Whisperer May 11, 2024 (9:25 am)

It’s time for citizens to know their neighbors and keep a vigilant eye on their neighborhood. Know what’s normal and watch for the abnormal. Then act appropriately. It’s OK for us to engage one another amicably. Believe it or not people used to do it as a matter of practice.

Smartstuff May 11, 2024 (10:22 am)

I’ve seen this guy in North Admiral many times. in our neighborhood if I see someone who doesn’t live here(I know just about everyone within one or two block area) I will actually approach the person and simply say: are you looking for an address? And if they question me, I tell them I’m the block captain and that we know everyone in the area and recognize strangers immediately. I’ve also had times when I will follow someone in my car and it’s interesting how much they leave the area on that. As neighbors, we should pay attention and help protect not all our own property but others.. ASK ‘can I help you’ ASK are you looking for somewhere? I’ve never had anything bad happened to me from doing that and I am a female.. to let them know you pay attention and they literally always leave
- Dudley May 17, 2024 (1:12 pm)
  
  Oh great, another George Zimmerman.

eagle May 11, 2024 (9:40 am)

As much as I don’t want salesmen/pretend salesmen on my porch, making a law for every this that and the other is a bit overboard. We have to keep Freedom in America at some point, so we’re not weighed down by a bunch laws for every little thing.

Mike May 11, 2024 (2:59 pm)

It’s called trespassing, it’s already illegal.

aj May 11, 2024 (9:52 am)

Have had a couple porch visits recently by strangers. Have had a guy, have had a guy and gal together where the gal tried to appear somewhat formal by wearing a lanyard around her neck.

Dog Whisperer May 11, 2024 (2:12 pm)

If only we had people posing as cops to thwart him.

Goddess Andraste May 11, 2024 (4:50 pm)

We have two VERY clear, VERY explicit “No Trespassing” signs *right above the doorbell*. I’m noticing that the current trend is to ignore the signs, then claim ignorance. Or in the case of Ecoshield Pest Control, flat out admit that “if he doesn’t take a chance, he won’t get any business”. Um, if you disrespect a simple request on a sign, what else will you disrespect in regards to your business practices? We try to just not answer the door, but it’s harder to ignore in warm weather with the screen door…

Sorry, comment time is over.