CRIMINALS BEWARE: After rampant theft, the @QFCGrocery stores in Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood are taking extreme security measures, including locks on several ice cream fridges! Been this way now for weeks. This happened today during my visit to Broadway and Pike. 🍦🍨🤷🏽♂️
WHY ICE CREAM AND NOT OTHER ITEMS? This associate says certain drug addicts have been targeting the ice cream not to resell, but to consume. She says apparently the cold and sugar combo helps them cope with cravings? I’m not a doctor, but ice cream is the new currency out here.
MORE SECURITY UPGRADES: @QFCGrocery at Pike and Broadway just put in metal gates to control flow of foot traffic and banned duffel bags, rolling bags, and suit cases. Crooks brazenly stuffed these with goods and just robbed the place silly. Wild and lawless #Seattle.
AND MORE SECURITY GUARDS ON PATROL IN STORE: @QFCGrocery workers at this Capitol Hill location say since the new protocols went in just a few weeks ago, thefts are down dramatically. Word is getting out, especially to the criminal theft rings. #Seattle
LISTEN TO THE NEW GUIDANCE: Before, certain @QFCGrocery security guards could not go after shoplifters due to company concerns about liability. Now, they’ve added another type of guard at the Capitol Hill locations who have the green light. This should also help @SeattlePD.
CITY LEADERS: Dear @cmkshama I think it’s fair to say some biz owners like @QFCGrocery in your district have taken security matters into their own hands. Word on the street, I think #Seattle is sick of crime and majority want more @SeattlePD. Am I reading the room right? 🤔
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EXCLUSIVE:
For the past 2 years, Seattle Councilmember @Lisa_Herbold avoided all my requests for an on camera interview. She chairs Public Safety and Human Services.
So I was pleasantly surprised to see her in person. Of course I had to ask about crime in #Seattle. Listen. 👇🏽
REASON FOR QUESTION:
Danny Westneat with the Seattle Times recently published a piece quoting @CMAndrewJLewis
Here’s an excerpt:
“What Lewis found is that more than 18% of all shots-fired incidents in Seattle last year were associated with homelessness…
according to police records. This means that “the victim, or suspect, are experiencing homelessness, or the [shooting] occurred at/near a homeless encampment or RV,” the police said. These shootings were up 122% in 2021 versus 2020…
On Monday, @thehoffather asked me @BrandiKruse and @MrAndyNgo about the scariest moments we have faced in our journalism careers, especially during protests and riots. Listen to what I had to say.
Little foreshadowing don’t you think? #Seattle
👇🏽👇🏽👇🏽👇🏽👇🏽👇🏽👇🏽👇🏽
THEN ALL THIS BREAKS OUT:
This morning during the Crown Hill encampment sweep, I was the only journalist there. For weeks now, I have been covering the crime, fires, and on going complaints associated with this camp. It’s news worthy. On cue, the activists target me. #Seattle
REPEAT OFFENDERS: It’s the same crew with this group called “Stop The Sweeps.” Including this old timer who I know. He physically assaulted me again. This is called intimidation and bullying behavior. @SeattlePD had to scold him and warn him to chill. Thank you officers! 🙏🏽
ALL CLEAR: Crown Hill tent encampment gone. RV owner given little time longer to leave since vehicle won’t start. I could not stick around for entire sweep, but once I returned, some of the activists were there to greet me. They’re like, “why does he keep coming back?”😂 #Seattle
PURE RELIEF: Taki’s Mad Greek is just a few yards from what was the Crown Hill homeless encampment. Owners have been complaining about all kinds of problems at camp like fires, trash, and loud noise. For now, they’re thanking @MayorofSeattle
Listen to what they’ve been through.
MAYOR ON FUTURE OF SWEEPS: As the Crown Hill homeless encampment sweep was wrapping up, I asked @MayorofSeattle what’s next. He wouldn’t reveal plans for strategic reasons, but he’s telling #Seattle residents to remain hopeful. Btw, I did not mean to startle the Mayor. 😆
HOMELESS RV LOT COMING TO KING COUNTY?
Looks like the @KC_RHA is budgeting $1.9 mil to create a lot with support services for people who live in RV’s. Process is still in early stages. Bidding/application process underway and due this month. Skeptics already chirping. Listen. 👇🏽
BLOWOUT UNDERWAY: Earlier this month Factoria Mall @Walmart in Bellevue announced it’s closing. 25% off sales happening now. FYI, many @lego, electronics, detergent, alcohol long gone. All sales final. April 22 final day. Until then store closes at 7pm each day. It’s a zoo. 😂
WHAT’S COMING IN: Unclear on the timeline, but Kimco Reality owns the property and it’s been zoned for mixed use commercial development. Apartments, offices, and ground floor retail. So until then, Factoria Mall @walmart shoppers, expect long lines.
AS FOR RV’S USING LOT: Bellevue PD and mall security monitoring. Lot is private property. If anyone tries to park a vehicle on lot during closure, it’s considered trespassing and will be towed. Some neighbors concerned more RV owners will come and take advantage. Wait and see.
ASIAN MEN BEWARE: It’s a good thing the Asian American Journalists Association Convention @aaja won’t be in New Orleans this year. @thor_benson and some of his followers are going after Asian guys who look like @MrAndyNgo
But they got the wrong Asian. 😂 #StopAsianHate#AAJA
INCREDIBLY TROUBLING: Extremists continue to target @MrAndyNgo for his reporting. But if you’re gonna racially profile someone, please get it right. @thor_benson got the wrong Asian. 😂👇🏽 #StopAsianHate#WrongAsian