information from the Seattle Police Department

This week the Seattle Police Department rolled out the city’s first anti-crime Business Block Watch Program in the West Seattle Junction.  Six months in development, the program is a pilot collaboration between the Seattle Police Department and the Junction Association.

Jennifer Danner, the Southwest Precinct Crime Prevention Coordinator explained that the new commercial Block Watch will operate in much the same way as Seattle’s residential Block Watches, giving members the ability to electronically communicate with one another if they see suspicious activity in the Junction and allow businesses to discuss recent crime trends, suspicious behavior or concerning individuals.

Lora Radford, executive director of The Junction Association, said the Junction Association has nearly 300 business members and that there is a “high level of interest” in seeing the new Block Watch Program help monitor and address petty theft in the Junction, especially during the holidays.

“As the city has grown, our members began to notice an increase in crime.  So earlier this year we banded together and approached the SPD in search of a solution.  Jennifer suggested we collaborate to pilot the city’s first Business Block Watch,” said Radford.

According to Danner, “we’re noticing more crime especially in Seattle’s commercial environments.  So it’s important that we encourage local businesses to keep an eye on what’s happening in their district and to communicate in a more formal structure.  If the program succeeds in the Junction, we would like to expand the program to other parts of West Seattle and around the city.”

As part of the program, participants will receive:

Safety/Security Assessment from the Southwest Precinct Crime Prevention Coordinator

Includes an evaluation of locks, doors, windows, entry points and landscaping; as well as a discussion about security cameras, alarm systems and other security measures that can be taken to protect your business.

Communication network with other businesses in the area

Quarterly meeting with other businesses that are a part of the network

Window decal from the Seattle Police Department advertising your participation in the network

Additional eyes on your business (nearly 24 hours a day)

If you would like additional questions or have any questions, please contact Jennifer Danner, Crime Prevention Coordinator at the Southwest Precinct at (206) 256-6820 or at Jennifer.Danner@seattle.gov