Several storefront restaurants, a nail salon, a pet store, and a Scotland terrier puppy are all among the victims of a recent series of smash-and-grab thefts in downtown Burien.
The dog was found early Sunday morning, Aug. 1 and returned to the pet store.
We have a ne're-do-well out there that's causing us all sorts of trouble," Sgt. Henry McLauchlan of the King County Sheriff's Office said.
According to sheriff's office spokesman Sgt. John Urquhart, 14 such robberies have occurred since June 15th.
In each case, the perpetrator(s) struck at night, smashing the windows of the businesses with rocks or similar objects. Upon gaining entry, they have stolen cash from the register, or in some cases, the entire register. The thefts are quick enough that by the time the store's alarm has sounded and the police have arrived, the culprit(s) have fled.
Sgt. McLauchlan said that apprehending the thieves is the office's top priority, saying, "We're following tips as fast as we can."
Burien Police Chief Scott Kimerer reported that police are now analyzing evidence from the crime scenes in search of clues about the perpetrators' identities.
"These kind of burglaries are very difficult to solve," he said, noting that they seem to happen at random.
Steve Gilbert, executive director of Discover Burien, described the break-ins as costly and frustrating for business owners. In many cases, the costs to replace broken windows exceed the value of cash or merchandise taken. Businesses can feel powerless when the perpetrators "get to pick when, and where and how" the crimes occur.
Gilbert predicted that the thefts might cause citizens to call for more police officers, but he cautioned that there are no "easy and simple answers."
"It's important for the community to really come together and talk about this," he said.
In the meantime, Sgt. Urquhart recommended that business owners not leave any money in their cash registers overnight and keep their cash drawers open, so would-be thieves can see from outside that they are empty.
Residents with any information about the crimes should contact the Burien Police Department or the King County Sheriff's Office.
