WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen burgundy Vanagon (update – found); also – found license plate

| Crime | West Seattle news

Two reports:

STOLEN VANAGON: Hilarie hopes you might help find her classic van, stolen from the street overnight:

Our beloved 1988 Volkswagen Vanagon was stolen from outside our home last night in West Seattle. This van means a lot to our family and has been part of countless adventures over the years. We’re hoping our community can help us find it.

Vehicle Description:
• 1988 Volkswagen Vanagon
• Dark burgundy color
• Washington plate: 918 YSU
• Distinctive Vanagon body style with tinted windows
• Tow hitch on rear bumper

Stolen from the Arbor Heights area of West Seattle. If you see it parked anywhere, driving around, listed for sale, or have any information at all, please … contact the police immediately. Even the smallest tip could help.

We’ll add the SPD # when we get it.

5:13 PM UPDATE: Hilarie says her van’s been found!

FOUND LICENSE PLATE: Megan wonders if this might have belonged to a stolen car:

She saw it in the grass along 60th SW between Hanford and Hinds.

Miranda July 5, 2026 (1:09 pm)

So much crime! Best of luck to you

Christopher B. July 5, 2026 (1:14 pm)

Interestingly, that plate resolves to a 2002 VW Eurovan. Apparently reported stolen in 2016.

Hilarie July 5, 2026 (2:12 pm)

Reply

Is this in reference to our license plate? 918 YSU?
- Plate guy July 5, 2026 (2:49 pm)
  
  Reply
  
  No, it is in reference to BUB7527. 918-YSU comes back as a 1988 Vanagon GL. I hope you get it back in good shape soon!
Christopher B. July 5, 2026 (2:45 pm)

Reply

No. The one in the grass: BUB7527.

Jk2026 July 5, 2026 (4:05 pm)

Hi! Was on the way home last night. Car in front of us was a van similar to this with no license plate but the frame still attached. Fiancé believes it was a stolen car. It had a kayak on top. Did you happen to also lose a kayak? Car was going down California and erskine last night ….i wanna say around 9pm ish?