Residents near Seattle’s Alki Beach express rising concerns over early-season crime, prompting calls for increased security patrols.
SEATTLE — As summer approaches, people who live near Alki Beach are concerned about safety and criminal activity, which has historically been an issue during the peak season.
This year, community leaders are worried the problems are picking up earlier than normal.
Around 7 p.m. on March 30, Seattle Police responded to a drive-by shooting near the beach. They didn’t find any victims, but surveillance footage showed someone shooting from one car toward another vehicle.
“There’s concern already that we’ve had gun violence on Alki Beach that usually happens a little bit later in the season. June, July, August, and early September. It’s also earlier in the day,” said Charlotte Starck, president of the Alki Community Council. “There’s concern about how much of a visible patrol presence we can get, or if that’s coming.”
Starck also referenced recent assaults and break-ins.
According to The Seattle Times, the city will use private security to patrol Golden Gardens this summer; Starck has asked city leaders to do the same near Alki Beach.
“There are a number of neighbors that believe a visible, consistent patrol presence would go a long way here,” said Starck. “They are strategizing for late nights. They are looking at the data to find out when crime happened last year. What we’re noticing is the change this year, that problems are starting earlier.”
Last year, the City of Seattle implemented a series of changes after years of complaints and several incidents.
“It seems like the solution comes down to an underfunded police department and lack of patrol officers,” said Starck.
Starting May 1, Alki Beach Park will open at 4 a.m. and close at 10:30 p.m. daily.
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