A masked burglary crew tore through two Ballard eateries in the early hours of Wednesday, leaving one restaurant with thousands of dollars in damage and a neighboring coffee shop missing a bag of tools, according to witnesses and business owners. Surveillance video and bystander accounts describe four people pulling up in a dark SUV, forcing their way inside, then speeding off within minutes. At least one witness told reporters that one of the suspects appeared to be armed. Seattle police have opened an investigation.
What Happened
According to KING 5, the first hit came just after 1 a.m. at the Five Guys at NW Market Street and 15th Avenue NW. Witnesses told the station the crew kicked in the front door, and officers later found the cash registers sitting open and empty. The Five Guys manager estimated repair and damage costs in the ballpark of $2,500 to $5,000.
Surveillance And Eyewitness Accounts
Security footage and a coffee shop employee described a dark-colored SUV pulling up and several masked people getting out before the break-ins, My Ballard reported. A witness told the outlet there were four masked suspects in total, and that they all jumped back into the SUV and took off.
The same report noted that Ballard Coffee Company was struck at about 1:46 a.m. Burglars grabbed a bag containing tools valued at roughly $200, then fled south on 15th Avenue NW, according to the outlet.
What Was Taken And The Damage
KING 5 also reported that responding officers said it "appeared as though nothing was taken from the restaurant," even though employees found the registers open and empty and the manager was left tallying significant damage to the storefront. A witness told the station that one of the suspects looked to be armed.
Surveillance images show two people using a tool to pry into the coffee shop, and witnesses reported that the four suspects first drove west on NW Market Street before turning south onto 15th Avenue NW.
Neighborhood Context
The overnight break-ins are landing in a neighborhood that is already on edge over repeat property crime. Local coverage has highlighted a broader pattern of burglaries and vandalism in Ballard this year, with business owners saying the constant hits are wearing down small shops, according to My Ballard. The outlet reported that City Councilmember Dan Strauss has been meeting with Seattle police leadership to talk specifically about property crime in the area.
Police Response And How To Help
Seattle police say detectives are working the case, and anyone with information or video is urged to call the department’s tip line at 206-233-5000, according to the Seattle Police Department blotter (SPD Blotter). Crime Stoppers also accepts anonymous tips at 1-800-222-TIPS.
Business owners said they are combing through surveillance footage and starting repairs while investigators try to identify the crew. Police have not announced any arrests, and anyone who saw something suspicious in the area or has relevant footage is asked to contact authorities.
