Safety alert issued for West Seattle businesses after HVAC system thefts, restaurant burglary
West Seattle businesses targeted by thieves
West Seattle businesses are on high alert following multiple HVAC system thefts and a restaurant burglary.
SEATTLE - The West Seattle Junction Association is circulating a safety alert to area businesses after a series of HVAC thefts and a local restaurant being burglarized.
What we know:
Most recently, Lady Jaye was the victim of a break-in early Friday morning. According to the restaurant, two masked individuals broke in through the back door and stole various items.
"They took a lot of staff tips, cash, mini booze bottles," said co-owner Evan Carter. "They took checkbooks and things like that. It could have been a lot worse. Luckily, they didn’t trash the place."
The restaurant spent a good portion of the day prior to its 4 o’clock opening repairing the back door.
"We’ve got good support from the community," said Carter. "It’s a setback but we’re moving forward."
The burglary comes on the heals of neighboring businesses being targeted.
"It’s a major headache," said Jon Daniels, owner of Seattle Fish Company.
According to Daniels, thieves were caught on camera last Thursday vandalizing the restaurant’s outdoor HVAC.
"I came to work and found gas leaking out," he said. "These people are taking $300 worth of copper or any kind of metal, but it’s costing me tens of thousands of dollars. It’s just a waste."
The vandalism caused his refrigeration to go down.
"If all my refrigeration goes out, I have a big problem. It’s a huge thing," he said. "We had to buy a bunch of ice to keep everything cold."
Also hit was Daniel’s next door neighbor, CenturyLink.
Daniels said thieves used a stolen vehicle to gain access to the property and steal valuable parts of their HVAC units.
All three of the businesses impacted are on California Avenue SW.
Evan Carter with Lady Jaye said fellow business owners need to be aware of the crimes and take appropriate action.
"Be careful," he said. "Make sure everything’s locked up, stored away and hidden because they’re coming straight for the office, straight for the money."
What they're saying:
As for the HVAC thefts, the West Seattle Junction Association said:
"If your system is exposed, especially at street level, please take warning. There are thieves targeting these systems for scrap metal. We have alerted our security patrols to pay extra attention in the alleys. Please protect your property."
Anyone with information about these crimes should call Seattle Police.
The Source: Information in this story is from the West Seattle Junction Association and FOX 13 Seattle reporting.
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