The owners of some of Seattle's small businesses said the property crimes and break-ins targeting their stores don't seem to register with city leaders, even after repeated requests for help.
Now there’s an effort in Queen Anne to get elected leaders to listen.
Tara Espinoza of Queen Anne Dispatch is one of many frustrated merchants. Espinoza said her store has suffered tens of thousands of dollars in losses already, and just days ago a thief tried once again to get inside.
“The glass that hadn't been broken," said Espinoza, whose business is covered in plywood. "It looks like a blow torch had been taken to it and the glass was shattered. The larger window had also been blow-torched in two different spots and cracked the glass, compromising the window."
On this occasion, it didn't appear anyone had gotten in.
However, Veraci, a pizzeria in Ballard, did not fare so well. Thieves smashed their way in, then stripped out the cash register. In the surveillance recording, one suspect could even he heard saying the safe he saw last time was no longer there.
The issues for so many of Seattle’s businesses are ongoing, Espinoza said.
“At a certain point you just don't want to do it anymore," Espinoza said. "There's no help.”
Business owners have been pushing relentlessly and just secured a meeting with Seattle City Councilmember Andrew Lewis, who represents this district. Espinoza said the response from the city up until now has been so weak they are considering hiring private security.
It could be cheaper in the long run than all the losses and property damage caused by thieves, Espinoza said, especially since all business owners want is for criminals to be held accountable.
“I feel a little bit defeated,” Espinoza said. “Brick and mortar business owners, we're just hunkered down trying to get out work done."
Lewis plans to meet with business owners virtually on Dec. 9 to hear out their concerns and possibly work toward solutions, he said.