Property crime is overwhelming some businesses in Seattle’s SODO district, with much of the activity occurring early in the morning.
SEATTLE — Property crime is overwhelming some businesses in Seattle’s SODO district. Landlords and business owners say they are filing police reports, but criminal activity hasn’t slowed down.
Dan Byrne owns four buildings and has tenants in SODO.
“This is where the lock broke,” Byrne said of the damage on one of his properties.
The crime, caught on camera about a week ago, shows the thief spending time early in the morning at his SODO business.
“They pick up saws, cut out catalytic converters, get on their bikes and drive away. Who knows where they’re going,” Byrne said.
In addition to the catalytic converter, Byrne Tennant also lost battery and fuel.
“There’s this video of a box truck pulling a 2,000-pound concrete block, Eco Block, at 3 o’clock in the morning, bouncing around this Dakota Street at 25 mph. You know, nobody’s blocking it.” hmm,” he said. He said.
At another nearby building owned by Byrne, tenants are also tallying losses. RD Interiors is primarily engaged in real estate staging. Business is picking up after what happened in August.
“We caught someone on camera, set a bush on fire, and set the entire interior facade of the building on fire.” Thankfully, our sprinklers stopped it from traveling far. But it still requires six figures of damage.”
Chapman adds that it was more than just a fire. There was also theft.
“There are some that we don’t report to insurers just because we don’t want to raise premiums,” he said.
Neighborhoods are banding together as the cost of dealing with crime rises.
“Here in SODO, we have 1,200 businesses that support Seattle,” says Byrne.
Erin Goodman, Executive Director, SODO Business Improvement Area, said:
SODO BIA will immediately submit their concerns to the City Council for help.
“No matter how hard we try to create jobs and create good places for people to work, we feel that this man-made problem is looming over us, and it’s almost demoralizing. It’s about figuring out a solution,” Byrne said.
The office of Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell sent the following statement regarding the criminal activity:
“Mayor Harrell remains committed to a holistic approach to improving public safety and reducing crime in Seattle, recognizing that problems created over the years cannot be solved overnight. Given the SPD’s significant staffing shortages, the mayor has developed a comprehensive recruitment and retention plan, ensuring adequate staffing and well-trained police departments to serve the needs of the community. In addition to law enforcement, the city , continues to drive a holistic approach to safety focused on implementing community-based solutions that include neighborhood revitalization, economic revitalization and beautification efforts.
Seattle small business owners need to be heard and their concerns addressed. A storefront repair fund was established with input from local businesses. It provides tangible financial assistance to help business owners return to baseline and recover from property damage. The Mayor’s Office and the Department of Economic Development will continue to engage with SODO BIA, small business owners and community stakeholders to understand their needs and develop meaningful solutions to the problems they face. To go. ”
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