The latest issue of the Public Safety Newsletter discusses an increasing number of street robberies or muggings taking place.  

"Victims are approached by the suspect(s) who ask for the time, ask for money, ask directions, etc. and then grab the victim's property such as purses, cash, keys, wallets, cell phones and then run away.  Sometimes the suspects attack when they pass the victims.  Several victims have been knocked to the ground or struck during the commission of the crime."

The Seattle Police Department makes the following recommendations:

• Before leaving home, decide what you actually need to take with you rather than taking your entire handbag or wallet.
• Minimize the possessions you carry.  Carry valuables in an inside pocket or small bag worn under your coat or clothes.
• Wear clothing and shoes that are comfortable, low profile and appropriate for the weather.  The most fashionable choice may not be the safest choice.
• Plan to travel on main streets that are well-lit with lots of traffic and people around.  There really is safety in numbers so travel with others.
• Learn to be well aware of your surroundings and know who is around you.  If someone makes you feel uncomfortable ask yourself, why?  Are they too close?  Are they watching you?   Are they trying to engage you in conversation?
• LISTEN TO YOUR INNER FEELINGS AND ACT ON THEM.  You may decide to cross the street, move to another location or go to the store and ask for help.

To minimize potential injury, tell yourself you will not risk safety over money or other possessions.  Shock and fear often cause us to react or resist when confronted.  Robbers often then increase their aggression to get what they want.  Most victims who are hurt in strong arm robbery incidents are hit or thrown down on the ground while playing "tug-of-war" in refusing to give up their purse or wallet.

• Practice getting good descriptions of people, so that you will be able to provide details to 9-1-1.  Pay attention to where you are, such as street names, geographic locations, etc.
• Have your cell phone available to call 9-1-1.
• If a stranger asks you a question, step back and give yourself room to move away quickly in necessary.
• Maintain confident body language on the street, with head up and neutral face.  Look at the passerby.  Avoid being an auto-pilot on the streets.

You can read the entire newsletter here: Download Public Safety Newsletter April 14 2010 Street Robberies

It's not too soon for us to start thinking about our Block Watches and upcoming Seattle Night Out.

Last week's Police Blotter from the West Seattle Herald reports a thwarterd car prowl on Beach Drive:

A sharp-eyed citizen and an alert officer led to the arrest of two adults and two juveniles on suspicion of car prowling early Friday. The citizen called in the suspicious behavior in the 3000 block of Beach Drive, along with a description of a dubious vehicle and its occupants. About 20 minutes later, an officer spotted the likely suspects and pulled them over near Beach Drive and SW Douglas. In the rear seat were two tennis rackets that had been stolen from the original site, as well as a number of other possible stolen items. The car was impounded for detectives. Two suspects were booked into King County Jail, a third was booked into the Youth Service Center. The fourth was released to his grandmother but will face charges along with the others. Three of the suspects were from the Burien area. Another was from the Delridge area.

Apparently one car managed to speed out of control and hit two other cars along Beach Drive just south of 61st.   I happened to be driving by after it happened and notified West Seattle Blog.   Here is their coverage of the accident.

People really need to slow down on Beach Drive.  I don't know that more speed bumps are the answer…I do know that we're lucky no pedestrians were injured. 

No update on the driver.

If you are involved with a block watch in the West Seattle area, please join this Facebook group.   This is intended to help Block Watch Captains be informed of what's going on in nearby neighorhoods of West Seattle….this is especially important since it looks like Seattle may be abandoning the program by the end of this year.

WS CRIME PREVENTION COUNCIL Community Safety Meeting,

Tuesday, March 16, 2010 @ Southwest Police Precinct, 2300 SW Webster, 7 – 8:30pm

Our speaker in March will be Benjamin Kinlow, Crime Prevention Coordinator for the SW Precinct. He will be speaking about the history of Seattle's Community Crime Prevention Programs including the organization of Block Watch Captains. He will also speak to the current state of the program.

Beach Drive has been re-opened with two lanes for a while now…I just recently had a chance to visit that stretch to take a photo.  [Hint: I would welcome neighbors submitting photos or articles to post on BDB.]

Compliments of the Southwest Seattle Precinct: Download Public Safety Newsletter February 18 2010

Lot's of great tips in this issue including connecting block watch groups within a neighborhood.   If you're a local block watch captain or if you're in an area block watch group, please give me a shout.

Hat tip to West Seattle Blog for following up with the Seattle Department of Transportation to let us know that tomorrow, the portion of Beach Drive (around the 6000 block) tht was impacted by the mud slide will be closed from approximately 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Please pardon the quality…they're from my mobile phone.