Seattle police have increased patrols in West Seattle and are working with other city agencies to ensure students are safe on their way to and from school.
The increased patrols come as detectives investigate a series of robberies and thefts targeting middle and high school students in West Seattle. The suspects have stolen backpacks, cellphones and small amounts of cash from a half-dozen victims since mid-January. Police have already arrested one 15-year-old suspect in connection with a January 20th robbery near California Ave SW and SW Lander St. Detectives believe the suspects in several other cases may also be juveniles.
Southwest Precinct Captain Steve Wilske has increased the number of officers on patrol during morning and evening hours before and after school. Captain Wilske has also assigned Community Police Team and Bike Squad officers to focus their presence around West Seattle schools.
Police are also working with the Seattle Department of Transportation to increase street visibility at one of the sites of several recent robberies–a stairwell near SW Holden Street and Delridge Way.
SPD will continue to adjust patrols and work with school officials and the West Seattle community as detectives investigate.
If you have any information that could help police, please contact Southwest Precinct’s juvenile detectives at (206) 733-7836.