Seattle Police Concerns And Tips

Mary Amberg, North Precinct Crime Prevention Coordinator, for Laurelhurst and 24 other neighborhoods in the North Precinct Area boundaries, would like to share information from the Seattle Police Department:

Domestic violence on the rise

SPD has seen a 21-percent increase in reports of domestic violence. If you, or someone you know, has experienced violence in a relationship or at home, please call or text 911 to get help from SPD and the Victim Support Team. 

Home is not safe for many adults and children experiencing domestic violence.  Community resources may be harder to access, and existing anxiety and fear may be compounded. 

Domestic violence thrives behind closed doors and feelings of isolation that domestic violence survivors may already be experiencing is compounded.  Reaching out to let someone know they are not alone, can be helpful to break isolation.   

Help is available.  SPD is working alongside local community and national partners to ensure victims have access to the support they need to keep their families safe.  If you or someone you know is experiencing violence in your relationship, please call the The National Domestic Violence Hotline, (24 hours everyday), 800-799-7233 or 800-787-3224 (TTY).

Call if you can, text if you can't.  When attempting to call 911, an already dangerous situation can intensify if an abusive partner tries to interfere with the call, or the violence escalates.   The King County Text to 911 technology is an added resource when  a call is unable to be made. In the text the exact location and type of assistance needed is essential in the first text, so 911 can begin to dispatch law enforcement response immediately.

Increase in Burglaries 

SPD has seen an increase in residential burglaries, many quick in-and-outs. In some instances, suspects peered through windows, saw something close by that they wanted, then smashed the window and grabbed the item without entering the home.  Or burglar may be watching to see when people leave the house, then hitting the place.  Sounds like a lot of quick in-and-outs. 

Tips: 

• Lock your doors, even when home.
• Lock your windows or at least limit how far they can be opened.
• Don’t leave valuables in close proximity of a window.
• Answer the door, not open the door and let people know you are home. Always know who is on the other side of your door before you open it, even if you are expecting someone.
• While home, take moments to go outside and put eyes on the street; check out what’s happening on the street
• When you see neighbors out and about, wave and say hi. When you see people you don’t know out and about on your street, wave and say hi. Send the message that you are a neighborhood that cares and that you are paying attention.
• Report any suspicious behavior to 911.
• Do not call 911 to report people being outside; remember that Police are focused on Criminal behavior, not people who want to get out of the house for a bit.
• Stay connected with your Block Watch neighbors and help keep an eye on your neighbors’ place and ask they do the same for you.

Concerns of Bias Towards Asian-Pacific Islander Community

SPD has recently heard from many in our city’s Asian-Pacific Islander communities about ongoing concerns of bias. Our department will aggressively investigate reports of bias crimes, and we will continue to work with our communities, and local officials, to speak out against bias and harassment, and ensure our API neighbors are not subject to stigmatization in a crisis that affects us all.

Scams - Tips:

• Hang up on robocalls. Don’t press any numbers. Scammers are using illegal robocalls.
• Ignore online offers for vaccinations and home test kits. Visit the FDA to learn more.
• Fact-check and verify information. Visit What the U.S. Government is Doing for links to federal, state and local government agencies.
• Know who you’re buying from. Online sellers may claim to have in-demand products when, in fact, they don’t.
• Don’t respond to texts and emails about checks from the government as the details are still being worked out. Anyone who tells you they can get you the money now is a scammer.
• Don’t click on links from sources you don’t know. They could download viruses onto your computer or device.
• Watch for emails claiming to be from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or experts saying they have information about the virus. For the most up-to-date information visit the CDC and the World Health Organization (WHO).
• Do your homework when it comes to donations, whether through charities or crowdfunding sites. If someone wants donations in cash, by gift card, or by wiring money, don’t do it.