By Jennifer Danner

Crime Prevention Coordinator

Seatle Police Department SW Precinct

In past years, we have seen an increase in property crime as we enter into the fall season, with extended times of darkness- including mail and package theft, residential burglary and car prowl. The SW Precinct October monthly newsletter will focus on property crime prevention.

Please keep in mind that one of the most effective property crime prevention strategies is getting to know your neighbors and starting a Block Watch. Block Watch brings residents and law enforcement together to improve safety and prevent crime. If you are interested in setting up a Block Watch for your area, have questions and/or would like to learn more about this program- please feel free to contact me. 

We have recently seen an increase in package and mail theft in the West Seattle area and due to this increase, it is extremely important to remember these helpful tips. Never send cash in the mail, don’t leave outgoing mail unattended in the mailbox for pick up- drop it off at the post office instead, if you are going out of town- ask the post office to hold your mail until you return, keep your mailbox in good repair and make sure it is properly installed and consider a locking mailbox (contact your local postmaster for regulations). For packages- consider choosing a shipping method that requires a signature, ask the delivery service to hold the package for customer pick up, track packages/shipments online, considering buying a locking bin for packages and arrange to have the package delivered to work or a location where someone else can receive it.

Burglary is defined as when someone enters physical property, not his or her own, without permission, with the intent to commit a crime. When it comes to helpful prevention techniques for residential burglary- there are a lot of important things to keep in mind. All exterior doors should be strong enough to withstand force and should be secured with a deadbolt lock that has a minimum one-inch throw. Try not to leave valuables (such as packages, electronics or cash) in plain sight through windows or doors. The main entrance door to a home/apartment should have a door wide-angle (180 degree) viewer/peephole. Make the home appear as if there is someone there by leaving lights, music and/or televisions on. Install motion sensor lights to be specifically directed and focused on entry points and vulnerable areas, use lights set to a timer or leave lights on. Secure and lock all windows and doors when leaving the premises- even if you plan to return within a short amount of time! Do not leave a spare key out. Secure and maintain yards, patios and outdoor spaces- making sure you trim back all concealing shrubbery. Check to ensure all garages and sheds are consistently locked with a sturdy lock. Take inventory lists and photos of belongings inside your home, as well as in sheds and garages to ensure you know if something is missing. Be sure to check sheds and garages regularly in order to report a burglary as quickly as possible. Be consistent, and always stay vigilant and observant to what is going on around you; remember to always call 9-1-1 immediately to report suspicious behavior and if you see something- say something!

Please keep in mind that I do offer free safety/security assessments- and if you are interested in this- you can contact me directly (you will find my contact information at the bottom of this story).

Lastly, regarding car prowls- a car prowl is the unlawful taking of motor vehicle contents or parts and this crime is often referred to as a crime of opportunity. Car prowls and auto thefts happen fast- an experienced car thief can break in and steal a car in less than one minute. Never leave valuables in plain view, hide chargers and accessories that indicate an electronic device may be in the vehicle, remove garage door openers, key cards and other keys from the vehicle, install anti-theft devices, if possible- activate alarm and whenever possible- park vehicle in a busy, locked, monitored and/or well-lit area.

Below you will find my contact information, including email address and phone numbers. Keep an eye out later this month for a newsletter on Halloween Safety! Below you will also find upcoming event in the SW Precinct in the next month, as well as other resources- such as the Seattle Police non-emergency phone number, the link for our online-reporting system and the link for how to ‘thank an SPD employee’.

Contact me with questions, concerns, to request my presence at a future meeting, to discuss Block Watch, to request a free safety/security assessment of your home or business and/or if you are interested in free firearm cable locks or vehicle clubs. Please also contact me directly if you would like information about our new Paws on Patrol program, which launched in September; we will be having an additional event in November! 

Email address: Jennifer.Danner@seattle.gov    

Desk phone number: (206) 256-6820

Work cell phone number: (206) 471-2849

Upcoming events in SW Precinct-

• West Seattle Crime Prevention Council Meeting
  • Tuesday October 15th, 7pm- 8:30pm, at the SW Precinct Community Meeting Room (2300 SW Webster St.)
  • Agenda: residential burglary presentation
• West Seattle Block Watch Captains Network Meeting
  • Tuesday October 22nd, 6:30pm- 8:30pm, at the SW Precinct Community Meeting Room (2300 SW Webster St.)
• Coffee With A Cop
  • Wednesday October 23rd, 9am- 11am, at the Admiral Safeway (2622 California Ave SW)
• Alaska Junction Harvest Fest
  • Sunday October 27th, 10am- 2pm, Alaska Junction (SW Alaska St and California Ave SW)
• SW Precinct Paws on Patrol Event
  • Tuesday November 5th, 6:30pm- 8pm, at the SW Precinct Community Meeting Room (2300 SW Webster St.)

Other resources-

• Seattle Police Department Non-Emergency Number: (206) 625-5011
• Seattle Police Department’s Website: http://www.seattle.gov/police/    
• Seattle Police Department’s Online Crime Reporting: https://www.seattle.gov/police/need-help/online-reporting             
• Seattle Police Department’s ‘Thank An Employee’: https://www.seattle.gov/police/about-us/contact-us/thank-an-employee  
• Contact information for other SPD Crime Prevention Coordinators: 
  • North Precinct- Mary Amberg- Mary.Amberg@seattle.gov           
  • East Precinct- Joseph Elenbaas- Joseph.Elenbaas@seattle.gov    
  • West Precinct- Barb Biondo- Barbara.Biondo@seattle.gov           
  • South Precinct- Mark Solomon- Mark.Solomon@seattle.gov