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Spherical bollards protected the now-closed Fry’s building from smash-and-grab burglaries throughout its life as an electronics store
Renton police are recommending businesses consider installing bollards after seeing a growing number of burglaries in which cars are purposely smashed through windows and walls of buildings. The number of incidences has been growing exponentially since the legislature prohibited police from pursuing these burglars after they steal cars and after they crash into stores. There were a dozen incidences of this type of crime in Renton last year, and in 2023 we’ve already had three, putting us on the discouraging track to break last year’s record.
This recommendation makes sense under today’s circumstances, but it’s too bad we’ve come to this point where this is a significant concern. While bollards can be decorative and come in many architectural designs, they can also be pedestrian or bike hazards themselves, and they can limit legitimate vehicle access to storefronts when performing certain maintenance. When bollards are installed they should be substantial and tall enough to be easily seen, to prevent people from running into them or tripping over them. And some stores may want to consider them at more than just the front door– burglars have been known to drive stolen cars through walls as well as doors and windows.
Perhaps one of the best reasons to add storefront bollards is for the protection of personnel inside the store. It’s only a matter of time before one of these late-night smash-and-grabs in Renton kills or injures an employee doing inventory or restocking work.
This kind of security measure is unfortunately another large expense added on top of losses many businesses have sustained due to the pandemic, increased crime, and in the case of downtown businesses, a long period of road construction.
KOMO news reports on the police recommendation for bollards here.
I’m saddened that we’re regressing as a society. It seems like some of our leaders value a few violent criminals over 99.95% of the rest of us.
We can’t police everything and shouldn’t, but we’ve gone too far in a stupid direction. If things get worse, it very well could cause a draconian backlash. That would be unfortunate too,
We have the opportunity to gently course correct in the upcoming November elections. We don’t have to elect people who want us all under surveillance, but we should carefully select people who will balance this situation in favor of regular people just trying to live their lives.
In Renton, three politicians signed a letter that condones our current slide into danger. One of the three has explicitly called for abolishing the police and getting rid of jails. The other two are not entirely aligned with that idea but tolerate it. They are up for re-election.
If you’re interested in fixing this locally, I urge you to consider electing Marvin Rosete and Sanjeev Yonzon as your new representative for the Renton Cty Council this upcoming election.
When the day arrives that our police recommend we install castle crenellations on the tops of our homes and businesses, maybe then the legislature will finally get the message that we are regressing.
Yes, bollards would help (and appearing to be necessary), since our lawmakers are forcing the usage by poor decisions when it comes to law enforcement requirements/allowances.
One problem that I see is that not all stores (shopping centers / places of business) have huge sidewalks with a large area to put the bollards without requiring a different entrance to the business.
Indeed, there’s a gun shop in downtown Renton that doesn’t have enough room for bollards on the public sidewalk.
I recommend bollards for the short term and new elected officials for the long term.