By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

More than half a year after the State Court of Appeals heard arguments in the appeal of Lovett “Cid” Chambers‘ manslaughter conviction for a deadly shooting outside a West Seattle bar, its ruling is in: The court says the verdict stands.

Chambers (right), now 72, was charged with murder after shooting and killing 36-year-old “Travis” Hood (left) on January 12, 2012, in a confrontation with Hood and another man after all three had been at the now-closed Feedback Lounge in Morgan Junction. Chambers said it was a matter of self-defense, alleging that Hood had been about to swing a shovel at him alongside the park north of the bar, and that he and his friend had hurled racial slurs at Chambers.

In April 2014, after a six-week trial that we covered start to finish, a King County Superior Court jury found Chambers guilty of the lesser crime of manslaughter. He was subsequently sentenced to 11 1/2 years, with credit for the two-plus years he had served by then.

The appeals-court document summarizes the decision as follows:

Chambers contends the evidence does not support the decision to instruct the jury on the lesser included offense of manslaughter in the first degree and the court erred in denying his motion to suppress evidence seized from his home and statements he made after his arrest. Chambers also claims he is entitled to reversal because he was denied his right to counsel during the videotaped deposition of a witness and prosecutorial misconduct during closing argument denied him of the right to a fair trial.

Viewed in the light most favorable to the State, the evidence supports the decision to give the lesser included manslaughter instruction. We conclude the court erred in denying the motion to suppress evidence seized from the house. The warrantless entry and protective sweep … was not justified under Maryland v. Buie … but the error was harmless beyond a reasonable doubt. Because the unchallenged findings support the conclusion that the police “scrupulously honored” the right to remain silent under Michigan v. Moslev. … and the record shows Chambers was not deprived of his right to counsel or a fair trial, we affirm [the verdict].

The “prosecutorial misconduct” allegation was perhaps the most contentious of the appeal. Chambers’ lawyer argued that Hood and his friend were racists “trying to commit a hate crime” against Chambers; the prosecutor argued that the defense was trying to “pander” to the jury’s “prejudices” by making the case “about race,” and the defense took issue with that. The appeals court said “the challenged remarks were a fair response to the defense closing argument and did not impugn the integrity of defense counsel.”

Here’s the full decision; it is dated this past Monday, and we just happened onto it while making a periodic check of the files this afternoon. Next we’ll be seeking to find out if Chambers plans to challenge the ruling.

The latest reader reports in West Seattle Crime Watch:

AUTO THEFT IN LA FITNESS/SPRUCE GARAGE: A parking garage frequently reported for car prowls has had a car theft. Vanessa reports “a black 2003 BMW 325i with light tan leather interior, license plate # ACN5667, was stolen between 11:30 am-12:30 pm on Monday (December 19th) from the WS LA Fitness parking lot” (in Spruce at 39th SW/Fauntleroy/Alaska). If you see it, call 911.

Next – more hit-runs in search of witnesses (and if you haven’t seen our 16th/Thistle followup, read it here):

WEST SEATTLE BRIDGE HIT-RUN #1: This happened to Laura early Monday:

A soft-topped white Jeep Wrangler hit me head-on around midnight 12/19 on the West Seattle Bridge eastbound onramp (Spokane St). The driver fled the scene but had some damage to his car. My car is totalled. If anyone has seen this car, information would be greatly appreciated.

Contact SPD and refer to incident 16-454229.

WEST SEATTLE BRIDGE HIT-RUN #2: And we learned via a comment this morning that the bridge crash covered in our Monday morning traffic reports was also hit-run. The driver of the car that wound up facing the wrong way writes:

Luckily, I’m ok, but I was aggressively rear ended by another car that fled the scene for reasons I am unaware. Unfortunately not one person that may have witnessed the crash stayed behind to provide any information on the car that hit me and took off. I find it very hard to believe that no one saw this incident happen. I didn’t get a good look at the car since it happened so fast, but it looked like a light-colored SUV or truck. From the damage it did to my back end I assume it was a larger vehicle.

If you know something, call SPD and refer to incident 16-454467.

CAR PROWL: From Dan:

My car got broken into at Edge Apartments last night, 30th and Genesee. Nothing of value inside the car but they emptied out the glove box and center console and smoked a bunch of cigarettes inside.

GRAFFITI VANDALISM: Yes, it’s worth reporting to police. That’s what Ann did, and she let us know too after she spotted new graffiti vandalism: “On December 18th, 4800 block of Delridge on garage and fence in the alley.” Painting it over ASAP is great if it’s on your property – but take a photo first so you can include that with the report.

Thanks again to everyone sharing Crime Watch reports so your neighbors all around the peninsula know more about what’s happening – we hope crime will NOT happen to you, but if it does, once you’ve reported it to police (911 if it’s happening now or just happened), let us know … 206-293-6302 if breaking, ed****@*************og.com if not — thank you.

Three reader reports:

BURGLARY ATTEMPT: Cozbi on SW Dakota north of The Junction says this happened around 7 tonight:

Heard footsteps of person walking up to front door (I could hear them lingering and breathing heavy once onto the stoop. The peephole was open and you could see into the movie we were watching; lights on in the house and all.) They opened screen door and we heard/saw them messing with door handle but door was locked. They closed the screen door and then, seemingly, body slammed the door two maybe three times. Then I heard them grunt a little and walk down the steps leaving.

Police was called and a report filed when they paid a visit to check it all out. They assume attempted burglary. Seemed very odd for a prank and we have no enemies. Wood screen door is all cracked and broken.

Lock your doors! Keep your eyes open and report even odd occurrences if they are out of place!

GARAGE INTRUDER: From Andrew:

A couple of days ago, we had a random guy tailed a neighbor and drove into our condo garage. He spent 20 to 30 mins wondering around the garage looking for things to steal and used to break into cars. But before he could break into any cars, I walked into the garage and surprised him. I confronted him and he gave me some excuses about visiting someone in the building. None of the information he provided made sense as the unit number and name he gave doesn’t exist in our building. After a few minutes, he backed his car out of the garage and took off. I am hoping by sharing this with you, people in West Seattle can keep an eye out for this dude as he’s pretty brave or stupid for driving his car into our garage in the middle of the day. Below are some grainy pictures of him and a description of him and his car.

The break-in 12/13 @ 3:29 pm to 4:08 pm
Silver Nissan Altima 2007 to 2012 with tinted windows
License plate # ATN26–
No front plate but had a white sign with “car sales” sign and is missing the Nissan emblem on the front grill.

The guy was white, around 5’9 to 6’0 tall, medium build with facial hair. Brownish hair. Wearing a black parka-type jacket with a black baseball cap.

FOUND BIKE: The unsigned report says, “While out walking our dog, my daughter and I found a Trek Antelope 820 mountain bike deep in the thorny bushes at the fish ladder overlook, above the Fauntleroy ferry.” Here’s the photo:

Still there at last report.

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

One of those incidents in which someone fires a gun – not hitting anyone, but scaring nearby people who flood 911 with calls – is about to send someone to prison.

The repeat offender arrested in May after a gunfire incident in North Delridge is back in jail and awaiting sentencing after pleading guilty to two of the three charges filed against him.

We reported May 11th on the gun and drug charges filed against 30-year-old Dale Hiller, days after his arrest. He was seen standing along Delridge near Genesee, firing a gun. Police heard the shots; neighbors called 911 to say they heard the shots; and a ride-share driver called 911 to report seeing the shots being fired. Officers subsequently found Hiller standing next to a backpack he claimed wasn’t his; inside it, police found a gun, drugs, and cash. They also found shell casings. They arrested Hiller – a convicted felon who couldn’t legally own a gun – and booked him into jail.

Less than two days later, he posted bond on $150,000 bail and got out. But before he pleaded guilty this past Wednesday to the gun charge and one drug charge, records show, Hiller was in and out of jail three more times.

The King County Jail Register shows Hiller was back in KCJ for a day in early July, related to an alleged drug offense; less than two weeks later, he was booked into jail again for DUI and for revocation of the bond from his May arrest. The incident number checks to an arrest on the Alaskan Way Viaduct; the jail register shows he remained in custody until October 5th. Less than two weeks after that, the jail register shows, he was back in for three days for a failure-to-appear warrant connected to the DUI case. He got out on October 18th and hasn’t shown up on the jail register since then.

As part of the plea agreement, he was taken back into custody after his guilty plea this past Wednesday, and is due to remain there until his sentencing on January 6th. Online documents show prosecutors plan to recommend a sentence of 7 years, 3 months.

Two burglary attempts and a reindeer are in West Seattle Crime Watch reader reports:

5400 BLOCK FAUNTLEROY: Rasmus sent the photo and report:

Early this morning, someone tried breaking into our home office via the alley on the 5400 block. They got as far as popping out our screen, but gave up when our window self-locked after about an inch. Still, they were brave enough to enter our apartment parking lot, to get to the window.

I’d encourage everyone in the area to be on the lookout for anyone suspicious, possibly casing and targeting apartments in the area. We did report it to the police, case number 16-449387.

Later, they learned their neighbor’s car had been broken into overnight.

39TH AND JUNEAU: Brandon reports a break-in attempt around 9:45 am: “They saw me in the window and turned around; I went out to the back deck and yelled ‘HEY’ and they took off running … hopefully people keep a look out and these kids get caught.” He did get a look at the would-be intruders, describing them as “young black males, probably around 16 years old, one of them had a Seahawks beanie, but they were all wearing beanies and jackets and all had backpacks on.” He was filing a police report.

And just in:

STOLEN DECORATION? Kelly e-mailed to report, “There is a lighted Rudolph reindeer with a Santa hat Christmas decoration that was thrown in my front yard — Admiral area — I have no idea where it came from but would love to reunite it with its owner!” She sent this photo:

Know of anyone whose Rudolph got removed?

As mentioned earlier – when we published this story about Seattle Police trying to get recovered items backto their owners – we have reader reports to share, too:

MORE CAR PROWLS IN LA FITNESS GARAGE: From Jordan:

I wanted to pass along this story about two car break-ins at the LA Fitness parking garage that happened last night, December 13th. A buddy and I were leaving the gym and approached his car to find that his driver side window had been completely broken, along with the car next to him. Both cars had been gone through (glove boxes open, center consoles open, etc..), nothing too valuable was taken from either car.

When we went to report it to the front desk staff at LA Fitness, they said, “AGAIN!”. Which leads me to believe it has been happening quite a bit lately. Just trying to raise awareness for people who use the gym and maybe encourage the management of the building to install some security cameras in the parking garage since there is a total of zero now. With how many members the gym now has and how much the monthly dues are it seems like it would be a minimal expense to install some cameras to deter crime for their members.

We’ll be checking with corporate HQ.

CAR PROWLERS ON CAMERA: From Matthew along Fauntleroy Way:

My work vehicle was broken into this morning between 3:15 and 3:40. There were three men in two vehicles. They appear to know their trade, as they spent a good deal of time looking evidence of an alarm, and a means of deactivating it. They eventually picked the driver door, set off the alarm, had the side and rear doors opened for them and looked for anything to grab in a hurry then ran off.

A good reminder to be watchful and review good vehicle-theft-prevention practices.

PACKAGE-THEFT ALERT: From Joseph: “I’m writing to report multiple package theft in the Morgan Junction areas. Many in the area have found or reported ripped open boxes and missing packages. Specifically Willow and California west-side residences, and down Willow to Fauntleroy.”

PREVENTION ADVICE: These are exactly the type of crime that rises at this time every year. This flyer circulated to community groups has suggestions for what you can do to deter it.

Four reader reports in West Seattle Crime Watch:

STOLEN CAR: From Mark:

I want to report a stolen vehicle and ask folks to watch for it. We’ve already made a police report. My wife’s teal green 1997 Honda CR-V was stolen from in front of our house on Gatewood Hill sometime between 9 p.m. and 11:00 a.m. (December 11-12). The license plate number is ASL1972 and the VIN number is JHLRD1854VCO37773. Although I don’t have a photo of the car itself, the attached photo is of the same make/model/year vehicle and color.

PACKAGE THIEF: This one struck in Sylvan Ridge on Friday – Joey sent the clip:

UPPER MORGAN PROWLER: Jeff sent the clip:

It accompanied his message to neighbors: “We had another unwelcome visitor last night at 1:35 AM. He walked in off of the alley between 38th SW and 39th SW until enough lights went on to discourage him. If you had anything disturbed this could be the guy.”

MISSING A BIKE? No photo, but Vivian says, “Last night and again this am there are two bikes, not locked up, on the SE corner of Holden and 24th. One on the ground, the other next standing next to a tree.”

Thanks again to everyone sharing Crime Watch reports so your neighbors all around the peninsula know more about what’s happening – hope crime does NOT happen to you, but if it does, once you’ve reported it to police (911 if it’s happening now or just happened), let us know … 206-293-6302 if breaking, ed****@*************og.com if not — thank you.

The anti-Santas are at it again. Five reader reports in West Seattle Crime Watch:

BRAZEN BURGLAR(S): From Matt:

Our home (4000 block 57th Ave SW) was burglarized mid-morning (Wednesday, 12/7). Fairly brazen entry. Police officers believe more than one entered through a secured back door by breaking a window with a thrown rock. This must have made a loud noise as the rock and glass shards traveled and spread some distance throughout the house. Every room was ransacked, so they were in the home for some time. Jewelry, laptops, printer and a slew of misc (and some very heavy) items taken. They left through the garage and grabbed power tools and a heavy tool box along the way.

The thieves then targeted an elderly neighbor’s home across the street. They threw bricks through a large den window to gain access, but the owner was home and able to verbally scare them off. This neighbor then heard a loud (bad muffler?) small car take off.

TAKEN IN CAR PROWL: Seen any of these items?

I am writing to report my SUV was broken into last night in Arbor Heights some time between 3am-9am. No windows were broken; somehow they popped my back hatch. They took a bag with an extra pair of clothes, makeup etc. The bag was a blue large xfinity bag; the contents were a pair of black yoga pants,a blue long-sleeve top, a military green jacket,a bunch of makeup and makeup brushes, toothbrush, deodorant & my son’s beanie. Not worth much but if anyone finds it I’d love to have it back. Please call or text me @ 206-735-1198.

STOLEN GROCERIES FOUND: From Dave:

At about 11a, residents of Genesee Hill recovered 3 bags of groceries dispersed along the edge of a park. This was an Amazon grocery delivery, and all the bags were ripped open, so it appears someone stole the bags from a doorstep expecting to find valuable holiday gifts, and then dumped everything onto the side of the road when they discovered it was all food.

Luckily the food was outside very briefly, because the bags were not even damp. All the food is in great condition and indoors now. The grocery order includes rice crackers. If someone believes this is their delivery, please call the SPD non emergency # to recover it. SPD has been notified. Otherwise we will donate it to the food bank on Sunday.

206-625-5011 is that number, by the way.

PACKAGE THIEVES AT IT AGAIN: From Clayton:

I live up by Riverview Park, Orchard Street just above 16th SW. Came home and found multiple boxes from Amazon and others ripped open and on my lawn… called police, who will pick up boxes, and called companies who deliver to report… looks like someone is stealing holiday packages off people’s porches.

ALSO STOLEN FROM PORCH: Package theft hit at Sheri‘s townhouse earlier this week, too, in the Morgan Junction area. It was supposed to arrive on a certain date but instead was left early, while she was out of town.

In West Seattle Crime Watch tonight:

POSSIBLE GUNFIRE: We’ve received multiple reports of what sounded like gunfire in the past hour in the Westwood area, heard around 25th SW and SW Trenton. One person told us that when they called 911, they were told others had called. All we can say so far is we haven’t heard of any victim(s) nor any scanner discussion of evidence – but as at least one recent report reminds us, that doesn’t always emerge immediately.

CAR HIT BY BULLET: Speaking of time lags, we have just received a reader report of an incident almost two weeks ago. The victims say they were headed westbound on the bridge November 27th, around 6:05 pm, when it happened, and they are looking for witnesses. A car behind them shot at theirs, they say: “The first bullet missed us from behind and the second bullet hit our rear passenger door and the bullet shattered the automated Locking System, just stopping before hitting one of us. The car who was behind us had been driving erratically and exited the Harbor Avenue exit while we were still heading toward the Admiral exit. This is where the second shot hit our car. This has been reported to the police but they don’t have enough information to find the car or the person who did it. The car from where the shots were fired was a white older Camaro with a black stripe on the center of the hood. Driver was a Caucasian male around 20s-30s, perhaps dark hair and was wearing a dark jacket.” If you have any information, contact police and refer to incident 2016-435079.

CAR PROWLED: From a car-prowl victim in Sunrise Heights:

On Wednesday (12/8) afternoon at about 3:00 pm, a couple were out walking their dog in the Sunrise Heights neighborhood and noticed a man in his early 20s, possibly Hispanic, rifling through a car on 30th between Holden and Webster. Once the car prowler realized he was being watched he jumped into a silver Honda Civic ~2010, license plate AZK2—, driven by a white female in her early 20s. A police report has been filed.

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

Four drug charges and one gun charge are now filed against 38-year-old Michael E. Maine, who police describe as owner/bartender of the Corner Pocket bar in The Junction.

The bar is closed, its license suspended for six months and facing permanent revocation, in the wake of Maine’s arrest last Friday night. That night, we reported on police serving what they described as a “drug-related warrant” at the bar and at Maine’s home; on Monday, we published a followup with information from the probable-cause documents and the state Liquor and Cannabis Board.

Today, we have obtained the newly filed court documents that charge Maine with five felonies; we also have the LCB’s emergency order suspending the Corner Pocket’s liquor license. Read More

A 16-year-old boy is recovering at home after being shot in West Seattle, and his father is asking for help in the investigation.

It happened around 1 am Sunday near 34th SW and SW Trenton [map]. We didn’t hear about it until the victim’s father contacted us last night. There was no “assault with weapons” medical callout because friends drove the victim to the hospital. The police report we obtained today says that several people called 911 to report suspected gunfire; police found no victim, no shell casings, no blood. Then, about half an hour later, the investigating officer found out that a person with a shoulder wound had shown up at Harborview Medical Center, saying he had been shot at a party in West Seattle. The person whose house was the scene of the party told SPD he didn’t know anything about a shooting. The officer looked a second time and still found no physical evidence of a shooting in the area.

The victim’s father tells WSB that his son is believed to have been shot by someone who pulled up in a vehicle outside the party, opened fire, and left. No description information. The Gang Unit is following up, according to both the police report and the victim’s father, who says his son is not involved with gangs but the shooter is believed to be. If you have any information about the shooting, contact SPD and refer to case 2016-435767. (Anonymous tips can be sent this way.)

Four reader reports tonight:

RECOGNIZE THIS SCOOTER? Abandoned vehicles of all types usually turn out to be stolen, so we’re featuring this here. From Charlie:

On Thursday evening, someone parked a silver Piaggio (Vespa-style) motorbike in the street out in front of our home near Morgan Junction. I have checked with neighbors and our Neighborhood Watch families to see if anyone living nearby belonged to the vehicle, to no avail. It seems to have been abandoned or ditched and I have filed an abandoned vehicle report with SPD. The tag [2A6034] expired in 2015. Maybe one of your readers will recognize this vintage ride!

LOCKER-ROOM THEFT: We’ve published reader reports before about car prowls in the LA Fitness parking garage. Now there’s word of an LA Fitness locker break-in – Susan told us via Twitter that it happened Monday morning; her purse, phone, and lock were stolen from the locker room and one of her credit cards was used at Target a half-hour later. She says the thief would have to be a member because of the gym policies.

DOOR KICKED: Richard on 26th SW in Westwood reported that someone tried to kick in his door while he was home this afternoon.

FURNITURE THEFT: From Cindy:

Bummer 3 stacking end tables were just taken from our side yard….. stolen!?!?

At 7:40 PM today 12/6/16 while moving stuff from my mothers home to our home (4601 SW Stevens), our son took three nesting walnut tables out of his car to the sidewalk’s edge/lawn on the 46th Ave SW side of our house. He brought in a box of books. Went back for the tables and they are GONE.

Attached picture from the internet is almost but not exact. Ours are walnut. Ebay value is about $600.

Police report filed – incident #2016-439271

Two Crime Watch notes:

THIEVES HIT TWELFTH NIGHT PRODUCTIONS: This happened in SODO, but hit a West Seattle-based theater troupe hard. Anna from Twelfth Night Productions tells WSB:

$7,000 in sound equipment was stolen from our locked storage facility. We’re trying to spread the word far and wide that we need community support to recoup that loss. The sound equipment is essential for us and needs to be replaced by our next production in February. Thankfully, we’ve been able to borrow or rent what we need for the show that opens on Friday.

If you can chip in to help TNP replace what was taken, you’ll find the crowdfunding page here.

YARD LIGHTS LIFTED: From A in the 9000 block of 13th SW:

I see that someone made off with all my nicer solar yard lights. Birds of paradise, tulips, glowing globes….all the ‘upscale’ ones. They left the typical regular white pathway lights but took all the designer ones that made my front walkway so pretty. It would have taken more than a minute to gather them and not break anything while hauling away. Plus, the lights and the solar pack are two separate stakes and they are both gone for each. Barely any ground disturbance so they took their care….so they can do what with them now???

It’s disturbing. Who does this? :-(

I guess I’m now going to have to set up outside cameras like so many others are resorting to doing. Ugh.

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

We know much more today about what led police to serve a “drug-related warrant” Friday night at two locations including the Corner Pocket bar in The Junction.

And we have confirmed what emerged in a comment following our story – that the state has suspended the Corner Pocket’s license for at least six months.

The Corner Pocket employee whose name is on its business license was arrested Friday night and is accused of selling heroin. Probable-cause documents from his weekend bail hearing say Seattle Police made undercover buys from him four times.

That’s what the Liquor and Cannabis Board cited when we asked about the license situation. Here’s how spokesperson Brian Smith replied to our inquiry:

LCB enforcement officers joined a Seattle PD enforcement action at the Corner Pocket. The LCB issued an emergency liquor-license suspension of the Corner Pocket for 180 days. During that time, the Board will seek permanent revocation of the license. Emergency suspensions represent an extraordinary exercise of the state’s power and the WSLCB is mandated to ensure that an emergency suspension is reasonable, justifiable and legal in every way. The Seattle PD had done controlled buys of heroin on the promises.

Though the suspect is not yet charged, we are identifying him due to those “extraordinary” circumstances of the case, with a local business closed as a result. He is 38-year-old Michael Eugene Maine.

When a tip led us to find police at the Corner Pocket on Friday night, they would say only that they were serving a “drug-related warrant” at two “coordinated” locations. The other one, northeast of Morgan Junction, is described by police as Maine’s residence. He was booked into jail on Friday night for investigation of Violation of the Uniform Controlled Substances Act, then posted bond and was released after a judge set his bail at $25,000 on Saturday.

Today, we’ve obtained the probable-cause documents that allege Maine sold heroin to an undercover officer four times, three of those at the Corner Pocket. Read More

Four reader reports in West Seattle Crime Watch tonight:

STOLEN PICKUP TRUCK: Above, that’s Paul‘s pickup, “from the alley behind my house in the Sunrise Heights neighborhood of West Seattle, presumably in the early hours of 12/1. It’s a Red/Burgundy 2005 Toyota Tundra V8 4wd, WA plate# C73302C. SPD Incident report #16-432136.” If you see it, call 911.

BICYCLE FOUND: G – whose recently reported stolen truck was recovered – contacted us today about this bicycle:

G explains, “There was a car prowler arrested on our street last night; we found this bike on street dumped in the bushes. 7100 Block 47 Ave. SW.”

YARD THEFT: From Andrew: “Our yard was burgled overnight. We live just off Lander, as it goes down the street from Admiral to the beach. They took a BBQ propane tank and a cooler full of beer, in case anyone encountered any drunk kids that smell like steaks. Reported to police.”

“WHITE-GLOVE CAR PROWL”: And from Matt:

I just noticed this morning that somebody clearly went through my Jetta near 36th and Andover. No scratches anywhere or signs of forced entry, so I’m guessing I accidentally left the car unlocked or the intruder was a magician. The few things of value (registration, gloves, first aid kit) were left, with only loose change missing. Rather decent as far as these car prowls seem to go, but disconcerting no less. I’m in the process of filing my report with the police, and figured neighbors might want to know. I don’t drive all that often, so unfortunately all I know is that it happened sometime in the past week.

P.S. No West Seattle Crime Prevention Council meeting this month – we talked with president Richard Miller at an unrelated meeting two nights ago, and he is planning for the next one, January 17th (7 pm, Southwest Precinct).

WSB readers got Doug’s bike back. Tonight – take a look at Rich‘s bikes:

Here’s what happened:

I live on Beach Drive and had two high-end bicycles stolen from an underground, gated/lock garage shared by 11 residents where I live . The bikes were locked with a thick steel cable lock to a bench. The cable was cut clean with cutters, very professional. The theft was committed over the Thanksgiving holiday. I just noticed the theft (Wednesday). I have contacted the police and have the incident record.

One bike is a road bike, a “Softride” ROCKET. It is distinctive in that there is no seat tube and has custom “Aero: bars, for comfort. There is not another one like at all, anywhere! Dark blue with Mavic Kryserium wheels, bladed spokes. Custom risers for the aero bars.

The other is a mountain bike. The brand is a “Niner”, a hard tail bike with fenders, carbon handlebars and seat tube. The wheel sets are from “Bontrager” E.M.O.-Color black with Bontrager RXL wheels, Shimano Deore XT crankset, Bontrager carbon handlebars and seat tube.

Needless to say, these are very expensive bikes and a great loss to me. I’m 67 and these bikes were totally dialed to me and my special needs.

If you see one or both – call 911 and refer to case 2016-431160.

Four reader reports in West Seattle Crime Watch:

LICENSE-PLATE THEFT: This is a particularly sneaky crime – sometimes plates will be stolen and replaced, and you might not even notice the switch. This reader did:

I just wanted to let the community know that I had my license plates stolen from my 2005 Honda Accord on Saturday night (while we were home). This was on 38th Ave SW. Nothing else was taken or damaged.

CAR PROWL #1: Blair says this happened in the 7700 block of 46th SW late Sunday or early Monday:

Someone evidently broke into our car and searched for valuables – contents of glove box and console were emptied onto seat. The car was parked in our driveway. Nothing appears to be missing as we don’t leave anything valuable in our cars.

There is no visible damage to the door or window. We have been hearing of car prowls where people use a remote to unlock the doors somehow so we are thinking they were able to unlock our doors electronically somehow, which is of course alarming.

CAR PROWL #2: From Bailey:

Our car was broken into on the night of 11/22 on 31st & Elmgrove. Parked in the driveway in front of the house. Not sure if we left it unlocked or if door was opened by other means. Everything was rifled through, but only things that appears to be missing is our national parks pass and two pairs of sunglasses (about $350 total so that’s a bummer).

STOLEN TRUCK FOUND: Update from Carrie, whose stolen pickup truck was reported here Sunday – it was found in North Admiral, 49th and Hill, with ignition damage.

Thanks again to everyone sharing Crime Watch reports so your neighbors all around the peninsula know more about what’s happening – hope crime does NOT happen to you, but if it does, once you’ve reported it to police (911 if it’s happening now or just happened), let us know … 206-293-6302 if breaking, ed****@*************og.com if not — thank you.

That video is from Doug, showing the theft of his bicycle in North Delridge this morning:

I put the bike on the roof in my driveway at 25th and Brandon [map], then went inside for about 15 minutes. Not smart, obviously! When I came out to load my son into his car seat, I realized it was gone. The thief was visible on the edge of the security video frame for about a minute and a half shortly after I went inside the house, then approached the car with a pen light in his mouth. It took him about 3 minutes to get the bike off of the roof.

I carpool with my wife in the morning, but this is my main mode of transportation home in the evenings. It’s worth a lot financially and sentimentally as I put it together over many months this spring, picking out each part one at a time.

It’s an orange Soma Wolverine, size large steel frame. Drop handlebars, disc brakes, brown leather saddle (Fizik brand, but no logo – I glued the leather cover on myself), dynamo front hub with dynamo lights front and rear, 8 speed internally geared rear hub, extra wide tires and full black fenders, plus a rear rack. It’s a very distinctive bike. I’d appreciate it if everyone could keep an eye out.

Police incident number is 16-428111. And I should note that two officers arrived within 10 minutes and took this very seriously. A huge thanks to SPD!

Five reader reports in West Seattle Crime Watch:

STOLEN PICKUP TRUCK: From Carrie:

Our 1989 Toyota long-bed, charcoal-gray pickup has been stolen. It has tinted windows, in good shape, a large stainless attached lock box (although they may have removed it already). Last parked on Walnut, 3200 block. License Plate C23495G.

PACKAGE THEFT: Just in from Paul:

I wanted to inform you of a stolen item off of our doorstep in Sunrise Heights.

The ski bindings (Marker Griffon 13 ID, 110mm, black) were delivered via UPS from Backcountry.com and dropped on our doorstep on 23.Nov at 12:36 pm (per the UPS tracking info). We had already left town for Thanksgiving. Between the delivery time and when we arrived home on 27.Nov at 12:30 pm, someone had opened the package and stole the item from the box. They left the empty box on our doorstep.

Ironically, I had texted our neighbor to pick up the box but they were not at home. So I knew I was taking a risk – unfortunately the gamble didn’t pay off.

CAR PROWL #1: Anonymous report:

Between Hudson and Dawson on 41st Ave SW. We left the neighborhood for a day or two on the Thanksgiving weekend and returned to a ransacked car. The villain tossed the whole car, but it looks like they were looking for something other than tissues, papers, pens, grocery bags and Bed Bath and Beyond coupons. No damage to locks or ignition. Looking for weed, perhap? Good luck with THAT!

CAR PROWL #2: Bradi reports a car prowl at 30th/Roxbury. Only one thing taken – a towel branded with the defunct Feedback Lounge’s logo.

CAR PROWL #3: Also earlier this holiday weekend, from Kirstin: “My car was also broken into … in the 3600 block of 48th Ave. Sunglasses, first aid kit, and a trunk full of stuff I was going to take to the Salvation Army truck.