At the Southwest Crime Prevention Council meeting on June 16 Community Police Team officers reported that recent arrests of known gang members, improvements at Westcrest park and plans for summer patrols.

Crime statistics since mid-May have normalized. Between May 16 and today, there have been 42 residential and two non-residential burglaries, 33 auto thefts and 75 car prowls.

Offer Kevin McDaniel, who is covering the High Point area, announced that two known gang affiliates with warrants were arrested recently after residents suspected they were planning to break into cars or homes.

McDaniel is also addressing problems associated with a multifamily housing unit on the 2800 block of Southwest Nevada Street. Neighbors have complained about possible narcotics use, noise and trash piling up on the property. McDaniel has been working with the building owner who he says has agreed to work with him and try to evict problem tenants.

Officer Adonis Topacio reported that illicit activities occurring at West Crest Park have decreased recently, due to increased patrolling by police as well as cleanup efforts from Seattle’s Department of Planning and Development (DPD). Since the department has cleared away invasive plants and dead trees, making the south end of the park more visible, Topacio says indecent activities have decreased recently.

Still, Topacio says that the improvement will not last unless the public activates the area by using it more frequently.

According to officers, Alki beach has remained fairly calm lately. Nonetheless, with schools letting out, there will be additional police patrolling the beach and local parks in West Seattle.