By Tim Clifford

The West Seattle Block Watch Captains’ Network held their last meeting for the 2015 year on Tues., Oct. 27. Capt. Pierre Davis addressed the recent string of arson fires in the High Point neighborhood, the shooting that occurred on Oct. 24 along 23 Ave. S.W. and other recent incidents around West Seattle.

Concerning the arsons Capt. Davis confirmed that these fires are most likely linked to a larger string of arson fires throughout King County. There have been six arson fires set in the High Point neighborhood in the month of October. Surveillance footage has been released of a possible suspect taken on Oct. 12 around 2:30 p.m. as the arsonist set fire to a bus stop on the 3500 block of S.W. Morgan St. A $10,000 reward is currently being offered for any information that leads to an arrest of this suspect.

Guest speaker Mark Solomon, the Crime Prevention Coordinator for the Seattle Police Department, offered advice on arson prevention as well as how to prevent seasonal crimes. A few of these ideas included preventing car prowls by scoping out the area where you are parking before parking and not leaving valuables in a parked vehicle. To prevent street robberies it is recommended that people keep their valuables close to your body (purses, bags, etc.) and if possible do holiday shopping with friends or family as a “buddy system”. It is also recommended during the Christmas season not to leave wrapped gifts or received gifts out in open view of your home windows so as not to attract burglars.

For more tips you can view Solomon’s newsletter on the West Seattle Block Watch Captains’ Network site at: wsblockwatchnet.wordpress.com. The next meeting of the Captains’ Network is scheduled for Jan. 26, 2016 at the S.W. Precinct.