WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Business burglary; paintings stolen

BUSINESS BURGLARY: Pecos Pit (35th/Fauntleroy; WSB sponsor) was broken into overnight. We went over to find out more after hearing about the burglary. They say someone got in through a window and broke into the safe.

Some cash was taken, and as a result, Pecos Pit is going cashless TFN. But they are open for business otherwise.

ART THEFT: Thanks to Kelly for the report on this: At least two artists report having artwork stolen from their booths at last weekend’s Alki Art Fair during the hours when the three-day festival was closed. One is Ula Nero, who is asking people to look for these two paintings:

In all the years I’ve done art shows all over Washington this has never happened to me or any other artists. Tents were cut and graffiti left as the reminder how awful people could be.

We’re checking on that case number (update: it’s 24-935480); meantime, 24-935511 is the case number for Richard Jahn, who says four of his paintings were stolen, including these two:

I also had 4 original paintings stolen from the Alki Art (Fair). I am devastated about it. Please pass on to everyone to be on the lookout for these paintings. Please call Seattle Police if you have any clues.

Jeff July 23, 2024 (12:44 pm)

Any pictures of the Pecos thieves?

WSB July 23, 2024 (12:48 pm)

Not available while we were there but if we get any we’ll add to the story.

AlkiGal July 23, 2024 (4:36 pm)

I feel terrible for these artists and businesses. All I want to tell these thieves is to GET A JOB and stop costing innocent people money that they’re working very hard for.

Patrick July 23, 2024 (6:14 pm)

I am so sorry for all of the artists that were victims of these crimes. Did they not have anyone doing overnight security at the art fair?

Savannah July 23, 2024 (9:02 pm)

I was wondering the very same thing. Devastating!
- Jessica S. July 24, 2024 (4:19 pm)
  
  We can confirm that two security professionals were patrolling the area that night and we added a third for the following night after the thefts were reported. While we do have overnight security, we always advise vendors not to leave valuables in the tents as it is an open public park. “The Alki Art Fair will provide overnight security Friday and Saturday so you do not need to take down your tent or display. We strongly recommend that your artwork and valuables be packed up and that you only leave your display overnight.” The board and volunteers are saddened by the thefts that occurred and truly feel for the artists. It is the first time in the 28 years of the fair that this has happened. We will be meeting to further discuss the incident and what else can be done in the future but will continue to advise vendors to remove all valuables from their tents.

Another Poor Artist July 23, 2024 (7:02 pm)

What kind of low life steals from artists? Artists barely get paid enough for their time and effort as it is.

bolo July 23, 2024 (10:16 pm)

Fabulous artwork! One of those pieces reminds me of van Gogh!

Ms_F July 24, 2024 (4:41 am)

When I saw them all closing shop over the weekend, I was wondering how they kept their items safe from theft? Surely there must be some security hired? How could the organizers not have planned for that? I wouldn’t have left my precious artwork overnight in a tent these days. How sad and infuriating.

Jessica S. July 24, 2024 (4:22 pm)

We can confirm that two security professionals were patrolling the area that night and we added a third for the following night after the thefts were reported. While we do have overnight security, we always advise vendors not to leave valuables in the tents as it is an open public park. “The Alki Art Fair will provide overnight security Friday and Saturday so you do not need to take down your tent or display. We strongly recommend that your artwork and valuables be packed up and that you only leave your display overnight.” The board and volunteers are saddened by the thefts that occurred and truly feel for the artists. It is the first time in the 28 years of the fair that this has happened. We will be meeting to further discuss the incident and what else can be done in the future but will continue to advise vendors to remove all valuables from their tents.

Richard July 24, 2024 (10:11 am)

Hi, this is Richard Jahn. I’m one of the artists that had paintings stolen from the festival. It is devastating for sure – really hurts bad. It’s much worse than just having money or some other piece of property stolen. I put my life into those paintings!! I am offering a $200 reward to anyone who can provide information to get my paintings back.

J July 24, 2024 (10:06 pm)

The thief(ves) are people on drugs. No one who isn’t mentally altered or mentally ill would steal paintings unless they are by really famous artists. And it is really easy to trace stolen paintings for sale. Just do a Google image search. Artists make hardly any money for their talent and work. I used to work as an interior designer and clients would pay 5 grand for a simple bedspread but would refuse to pay for original art that cost far less, and instead would buy mass produced framed exhibition posters for $35. I am also a painter and my artists friends used to refer to ourselves as the cultures “trained monkeys.”

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