Reporting, defining and preventing crime

Reporting, defining and preventing crime

Mon, 05/06/2024

By Jennifer Satterwhite

Seattle Police Southwest Precinct

Crime Prevention Co-ordinator

You may have heard us say- “If you see something, say something!”

Reporting crime and suspicious activity helps to create statistics and shows us patterns; these patterns help drive enforcement and resources. The Seattle Police Department is a highly data-driven police department, which means that we often use data to determine what we need to be doing and where we need to be doing it. We look to our community members to help show us where we need to focus our limited resources! Even if the crime or suspicious activity is not investigated immediately or is deemed to be low priority- it is still very important to report it to SPD using the proper process!

There are a variety of ways to report crime and other issues to the Seattle Police Department and to other Seattle city agencies! Below is a list of different ways to report and when these might each be useful.

 

Always call 9-1-1 for :

  1. A police, fire, or medical emergency
  1. A serious situation which poses a danger to life, property, or both
  1. A serious crime such as robbery, domestic violence, or sexual assault
  1. A downed power line

Learn more about what to tell the 911 Call Taker here.  

Learn more about our Smart911 program to help Call Takers have access to information about any medical conditions and get you the help you need here.

 

For non-emergency situations :

  1. Past crimes: Report past crimes (incidents not in progress) including theft, burglaries, fraud, property damage, narcotics activity, nuisance, and lost property by calling (206) 625-5011 or online with the Seattle Police Department
  1. Auto: If your vehicle is stolen, try (206) 625-5011. If no answer, call 9-1-1 even if the theft was in the past. Report motor vehicle collisions with the Washington State Patrol website here.
  2. Parking Enforcement : Call (206) 386-9012 or the non-emergency line - (206) 625-5011 
  1. Power Outage: Call Seattle City Light (206) 684-3000. View the current outage map here
  1. Social Services: Call 211 for crisis intervention, utility assistance, food, housing, health, childcare, after school programs, elder care, and more. Learn more at www.wa211.org
  1. Mental Health: Call, text, or chat 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. The 988 Lifeline is confidential, free, and available 24/7/365. (Learn more at 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline | Washington State Department of Health) 
  1. Other City Issues: To report issues with animals, dumping, encampments, infrastructure, and other non-emergencies call Customer Service Bureau at (206) 684-2489, use the "Find It, Fix It" app, or use the Customer Service Bureau website to file a request for a wide range of services

Area Wide Emergencies :

  1. In the case of an area-wide emergency, do not use your telephone for the first few hours following the event unless you have a life-threatening emergency and need to call 9-1-1.

 

In the warmer months, we often see an increase in residential burglaries- frequently with an entry point of an open window or door, and vehicle related crimes.  Below you will find some helpful tips related to preventing residential burglaries- including shed and garage burglaries, as well as some information about car prowl and auto theft prevention!

Please keep in mind that I do offer free safety/security assessments of homes and businesses- and if you are interested in this- please contact me directly.

What is burglary? How is it different from theft?

-Burglary is defined by the Seattle Police Department as: when someone enters physical property (including a garage or shed), not his or her own, without permission, with the intent to commit a crime

-Theft is defined as: whenever property is taken

 

For law enforcement, there is a difference between burglary and theft and when you report a crime to 9-1-1 the language you use makes a difference! The Seattle Police Department distinguishes between two types of burglary- residential and non-residential. Residential burglary refers to the theft occurring in a dwelling, other than a vehicle (such as a private home or apartment) and non-residential burglary refers to the theft occurring in a commercial or non-residential building (such as a grocery store or clothing store). 

 

How can we prevent burglary?

-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

-All windows and doors should be shut and locked (especially at night)

-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/business appear as if there is someone there by leaving lights, music and/or televisions on

-Install lights to be specifically directed and focused on entry points and vulnerable areas

-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 yard, 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 to ensure you know if something is missing

-Check sheds and garages regularly in order to report a burglary as quickly as possible

-Be cautious when using window air conditioners to ensure window is fully secure

 

Another very important prevention technique for residential property crime is getting to know your neighbors and starting a Block Watch. Block Watch is one of the most effective crime prevention tools. Block Watch brings residents and law enforcement together to improve safety and prevent crime. Safety improves when neighbors watch out for each other by reporting suspicious activity and in progress crimes to 9-1-1. Crime prevention occurs when the opportunity for crime is removed and neighbors work together towards a safer neighborhood. 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.

 

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 or cool it down, 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 to get a free steering wheel club!)

-If possible, activate alarm

Below you will find my contact information, including email address and phone number. Keep an eye out for my next newsletter, which will again focus on a specific crime/safety issue and include important prevention techniques. 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 free steering wheel lock. 

Email address: Jennifer.Satterwhite@seattle.gov

Cell phone number: (206) 471-2849

Additional SPD resources-

 

Other City of Seattle resources-

Robinson Papers
West Seattle Herald