Two intruders stroll into a downtown Seattle high-rise, arms loaded with bags and boxes that tenants say are packed with stolen property. They are in and out before sunrise, but not before surveillance cameras record every step.
Video Captures Break-In At Watermark Tower
Surveillance footage shared by KIRO 7 shows two people forcing open an exterior entrance at the Watermark Tower, a downtown high-rise, then working their way through lower floors. In the clip, the pair can be seen carrying items out of offices and heading back out with what tenants describe as boxes and bags of stolen property. Neighbors and property managers recognized the building and quickly pushed the video to investigators.
Tenants And Crime Stoppers Put Up $2,000 For Tips
Seattle Police and Crime Stoppers are asking for help identifying the suspects. The break-in happened early on March 9 at the Watermark Tower at 1st Avenue and Spring Street, according to FOX 13. Tenants told the station the building has been hit several times in recent months and say they are tired of watching thieves treat the place like a revolving door.
To push the case forward, tenants have added $1,000 of their own money to a Crime Stoppers reward fund, creating a combined incentive of roughly $2,000 for information that helps identify the burglars. Crime Stoppers accepts anonymous tips through the P3 Tips app and other channels, according to Crime Stoppers of Puget Sound.
Officials Push Basic Security Fixes After Repeat Hits
Security coordinators and police say repeat break-ins often happen the same way: thieves probe weak entry points, then keep coming back if patrols and access controls do not change. The Seattle Police Department's burglary prevention guidance highlights basic steps that can make a difference, including strong deadbolts, trimming shrubbery around doors and windows, locking service entrances and scheduling free security assessments to cut the risk of repeat thefts, according to the Seattle Police Department.
Anyone with video, photos or other information related to the Watermark Tower burglary is urged to submit an anonymous tip through the P3 Tips app, contact Crime Stoppers using the details on their site, or get in touch with Seattle Police so detectives can review any additional footage. Investigators say even short clips or precise time stamps can be crucial for identifying suspects and tracking down stolen property.
