Seattle pet retailer All The Best Pet Care is licking its wounds after a fast-moving string of smash-and-grab break-ins that staff say has rattled workers and wiped out shelves at several neighborhood locations. The company reports five separate burglaries over roughly two weeks, with managers describing broken glass, quick grabs of merchandise and missing cash. Store leaders estimate damage and stolen inventory have reached about $25,000, a painful hit for a business that bills itself as deeply rooted in local neighborhoods.
According to All The Best Pet Care, the Seattle-based chain has been operating for more than four decades and now runs 18 neighborhood stores, serving pet owners from Ballard to West Seattle. Managers say the recent wave of thefts is forcing them to pour money into repairs and tighter security instead of treats and toys.
What happened at the stores
As reported by KING 5, the break-ins started on March 29 at the Lake City location and included a hit at the Capitol Hill store on April 6. Store surveillance video reviewed by the station shows suspects smashing or prying open windows, often with a crowbar, then rushing inside to scoop up high-value items and cash in quick, coordinated raids.
Josh Moss, who spoke to KING 5 about the crime pattern, called the wave of burglaries "a huge gut punch" and "heartbreaking" for longtime employees who have spent years working at the company.
Police are investigating
The Seattle Police Department says it is investigating the series of burglaries and is asking anyone with information or video to contact the department's Violent Crimes tip line. The Seattle Police Department regularly posts about active investigations and accepts anonymous tips by phone.
Detectives are reviewing surveillance footage from the affected stores and working with owners and managers to identify suspects and possible patterns in how and when the burglars strike.
Costs, trends and the company response
All The Best told KING 5 that losses and damage from the recent break-ins have climbed to roughly $25,000. The company has also logged about a 27% increase in shoplifting across its 18 stores so far this year, a trend that has managers watching their bottom line as closely as their front doors.
A Capitol Hill manager told KING 5 that a group "came in through the window down here, which was just replaced a few days ago," a detail that shows how quickly suspects returned to a freshly repaired storefront. Company leaders say they are reviewing security footage and weighing additional deterrents as the cost of theft keeps rising.
Managers at the hit locations say staff members are shaken but determined to keep neighborhood doors open. They are urging customers to stay alert and support local shops where they can. Anyone who saw something or has video from around the time of the break-ins is asked to contact the Seattle Police Department Violent Crimes tip line or visit the department's blotter for contact details. Store leaders say their top priority is protecting employees and returning to normal service, even as they price out more security upgrades.
