Residents near the Arrowhead Gardens Senior Living Apartments in Seattle are facing a new wave of vandalism and theft as thieves target vehicles for gas. The recent incidents have caused thousands of dollars in damages and left residents feeling unsafe in their own neighborhood. The return of a problematic homeless encampment in the area is believed to be the root cause of these issues.
Last year, KOMO News reported on the troublesome encampment, which was known for its history of violence, including shootings and a murder. Despite efforts to clear the area and improve safety, the encampment was removed last September. However, residents now claim that the problems have resurfaced, with vehicles being targeted by gas thieves once again.
Herb Egge, a resident in the area, shared his frustration after having his gas tank drilled and his car vandalized multiple times in the past year. The cost of replacing his gas tank alone amounted to $800. Other residents have reported similar incidents, with four Hyde shuttle buses parked outside the senior living complex also falling victim to vandalism.
King County Metro, the contractor for the shuttle buses, is currently assessing the extent of the damage and has decided to no longer use the lot where the vehicles were parked. While the identity of the culprits remains unknown, residents strongly believe that the resurgence of the problematic encampment is to blame for the recent spate of thefts and vandalism.
Diane Radischat, another resident in the area, expressed her disappointment in the situation, highlighting the peace and quiet that was restored after the encampment was initially removed. However, with the return of RVs and other vehicles to the area in recent weeks, residents fear a regression to the safety issues that plagued them before.
Multiple state and local agencies had previously collaborated to address the encampment, providing services to its residents and implementing measures to prevent its return. Despite these efforts, residents feel let down by the lack of follow-through on commitments made to ensure their safety and well-being.
As the community grapples with the resurgence of problems linked to the encampment, residents are calling for action to address the root causes of the issue and prevent further incidents of vandalism and theft. The need for a sustainable solution to ensure the safety and security of residents in the area is paramount, as they refuse to go back to the days of fear and uncertainty brought on by the problematic encampment.