Car theft up by 7% in West Seattle already this year; 689 cars stolen last year

Car theft up by 7% in West Seattle already this year; 689 cars stolen last year

Tue, 01/05/2021

By Jennifer Danner

Seattle Police Southwest Precinct

Crime Prevention Coordinator

As of last week, on December 31st, 2020 year-to-date (YTD) the SW Precinct was up 7% in vehicle theft; an increase in 45 cars as compared to YTD 2019, for a total of 689 cars.  In the month of December, we had a 10% increase (68 cars stolen).  They’ve been occurring all over West Seattle, with no one spot sticking out.  However, here are the top neighborhoods for the month of December:

 

South Park: 9

Highland Park: 8

Fauntleroy: 8

High Point: 8

Alaska Junction: 7

North Delridge: 7

 

The SW Precinct has also noticed a significant increase in stolen bicycles being reported on social media.

For this month’s crime prevention newsletter- the SW Precinct would like to focus on preventing vehicle related crimes- including auto theft and car prowl, as well as bicycle theft prevention.

What is auto theft?

-Theft or attempted theft of a motor vehicle

What is a car prowl?

-Unlawful taking of motor vehicle contents or parts

What are some prevention techniques for car prowl and auto theft?

-Never leave your car running or the keys in the ignition when you’re away, even for ‘just a minute’ to warm it up, please remember this is illegal in Seattle and in Washington (SMC 11.70.160, RCW 46.61.600)

-Remove remote garage door openers, key fobs and key cards from vehicle

-Always lock doors and roll up windows, even if the car is parked in front of your home

-Never leave valuables in plain view, even if your car is locked

-Items you don’t want to take with you should be stored in the trunk, or out of sight

-Put items in the trunk before you arrive at your destination

-Even non-valuable items should be hidden from view (such as electronic charging cables)

-If possible, park vehicle in a busy, locked, monitored and/or well-lit area

-Utilize anti-theft devices such as steering wheel clubs (Please contact me directly for links/suggestions for where to purchase these)

-If possible, activate alarm

How can we prevent bicycle theft?

-Never leave your bicycle unlocked, even for a minute! Take time to make sure your bicycle is properly secured!

- Never secure you bicycle with a cheap lock; we recommend that you use a solid steel U-Lock, as these locks are very difficult to cut if secured properly. If you prefer to have a lock that is flexible- ensure that it is at least 3/8” in diameter!

-Consider registering your bicycle (for example on bikeindex.org), taking photos, knowing the serial number and/or engraving identifying markings on any removable parts- this makes it much more likely that we will be able to return your bike if it is recovered

-Always secure your bicycle to a bike rack or solid object

-Secure both wheels and frames

-When possible, park in well-lit and highly traveled areas

-Remove quick releases altogether- bolt the parts onto the bicycle

-Remember that locks are only a deterrent

-When storing bicycles at home, store in locked and secured areas

-When possible, do not leave bike locked outside overnight

What else can you do? 

-Be observant! If you see something, say something!

-Remember to always report all crimes and suspicious activity to the Seattle Police Department by calling 911 for in-progress crimes, or utilize the non-emergency number/online reporting if appropriate (see below)

-Organize and/or get involved with Block Watch

Below you will find my contact information, including email address and phone numbers. Keep an eye out next month for a crime prevention bulletin! Below you will also find additional SPD and City of Seattle resources.  

Email address: Jennifer.Danner@seattle.gov      

Desk phone number: (206) 256-6820

Cell phone number: (206) 471-2849

 

Additional SPD resources-

 

Other City of Seattle resources-

Robinson Papers
West Seattle Herald