Dear Editor:
I am a business owner and a board member on two boards. I feel it is important the public is aware of the facts and details in this letter written by our Executive Director that was sent to the City Council.
Luis Oliveria,
Owner, Tortas Locas
BBA board member
BEDP board member
Subject: More Crime In Burien
Good evening Madame Mayor, Council, and City Staff,
I am reaching out to advise you of more crime that has happened to the businesses of Burien. Last night/early this morning three businesses were vandalized.
Tortas Locas Restaurant
14912 Ambaum Blvd
Had their glass door smashed. The criminal did not get into the property. The owner now has plywood on the door. This is the second time the owner’s property has been vandalized.
A police report was taken, no arrest were made.
Pig Fish Cafe
921 SW 152nd St
Had their glass door broken, and the criminal entered the property. The cash drawer was stolen. The owner now has plywood on the door. A police report was taken, no arrest were made.
Royal Everest
635 SW 152nd St
Had their glass door smashed. The criminal did not get into the property. The owner now has plywood on the door. A police report was taken, no arrest were made.
And lastly:
Iris & Peony
441 SW 152nd St
“The delivery van vandalized early Monday morning. The catalytic converter was stolen, and the van was left up on cement blocks. The area was well lit, and the criminals were caught on several security cameras. The criminals returned to the van several times during the early morning. They were caught on camera each time. This is the third time the owner’s company vehicle has been vandalized.
A police report was taken, no arrest were made.
I can speak in more detail about my own recent experience. I hope I can shed more light on the current issues the businesses are experiencing. My van was jacked up and put onto cement blocks. The criminal slid under the van and spent several minutes working on the piece of equipment. He left and then returned about an hour later. He worked again for several minutes and left again. He returned for a third time. He worked again for several minutes and then left. I caught all of this activity on my security cameras. My neighbors at The Point also caught these activities. What we did not see, in any of the security footage, was a police car. Not once through the entire evening and early morning did we see a police patrol in our alley or out on Main Street. I’m under the impression that even with this security camera footage, there will not be an arrest made. And if there is, it most likely will not be prosecuted. Time served will be accepted, and the criminal will be returned to the streets to repeat offend again.
This and all of the crimes against businesses directly affect our livelihood. The money I need to pay for the repairs comes from doing business. I cannot deliver flowers or events without my van. Like me, the business will make frustrating accommodations, pay for these repairs, and await the next time we arrive at our property to find it vandalized again. I am struggling to understand how you fail to recognize that these issues are ALL happening between 1:00 AM and 6:00 AM. I see double patrols and a large police presence every Thursday at the farmer’s market. It is almost an insult to businesses. You are showing the citizens and residents that you are listening to their concerns and ignoring the obvious fact that the graveyard shift is where the double patrols are needed.
I am asking Council what will be done? What are you currently doing to aid and assist us, the business community? There has not been a procedure put into place to facilitate the ARPA funds. The gesture of funds for us is greatly appreciated, but without follow through, it is simply that; a gesture. Without a police presence during the late evening and early morning, what is preventing these crimes and criminals from offending or re-offending? Without prosecution, what is stopping these criminals from committing these crimes?
The businesses’ patience is running out. Our stress levels are reaching their limit. We leave our properties to go home and worry about whether we will be the next ones and if we will arrive at our business to find it vandalized.
The situation needs to change. The situation is dangerous, and we need your help. What are you going to do to help the business community?
Robyn Desimone,
BBA Executive Director
(sent from iphone)
