WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: New EV chargers’ cables hit before activation; another on-cam package theft

| Crime | West Seattle news

Two reports in West Seattle Crime Watch this afternoon:

(WSB photos)

CHARGER CABLES GONE BEFORE ACTIVATION: Earlier this month we told you about those new chargers that Seattle City Light was installing at the on-street EV-charging station by West Seattle Bowl. Then we got a reader tip that they appeared to have been hit by vandals/thieves before they had even been activated. We went by to photograph and verify on Thursday, and got confirmation from SCL spokesperson Jenn Strang today:

The newly installed public EV chargers at Alaska Junction were vandalized on January 26, 2026 while City Light waited for final activation of their systems to bring them online. It is unfortunate that this occurred prior to activation as the new chargers are equipped with security enhancements designed to deter theft including security alarms and cameras. City Light plans to repair and activate the chargers as quickly as possible. No timeline is available just yet.

These new chargers are meant to be an interim step toward a “full site replacement” at that location.

PACKAGES TAKEN: Another reader report about a thief on a local porch – this one lingering in camera view for a while. The victim reports:

I unfortunately fell victim to a package thief (Thursday) afternoon. I’m at the corner of 32nd and Trenton (near Chief Sealth HS/Westwood Village). I was able to capture them walking up my front walkway, hiding next to my front door where they didn’t think my Ring camera could see them, and then taking all of my packages. I’ve attached the video as the thief’s outfit is pretty recognizable. Hopefully they didn’t get anyone else!

bolo January 30, 2026 (1:32 pm)

The copper thieves follow the repair trucks around. As soon as they repair the streetlights (esp. along lower Spokane st.) the thieves are in there pulling the wires, stripping off the insulation leaving large mounds of insulation shreds at the north end of W. Marginal Way. Its got to be the scrap yard right there that is buying it. So convenient.

Alki resident January 30, 2026 (1:38 pm)

She appears to have a leg brace on the left leg. Her body purse will be easy to spot. I took screenshots of her, will recognize her pretty easily if I spot her.

dwg January 30, 2026 (1:46 pm)

On what planet does SCL or its contractors live, where this wasn’t a completely foreseeable event? Frankly, i’m angry that our tax dollars are being so negligibly spent, and you should be, too.

TB January 30, 2026 (2:00 pm)

What is the purpose of cutting the charging cables? Are they able to build their own chargers at home or are they just dudes who drive F350s and are protesting decreased pollution?