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A scene playing out many times per day: a stolen Hyundai is recovered in Renton Highlands with body damage, wrecked ignition, broken glass and crime-related tools and debris inside.
Renton Police have released their March crime report, and auto thefts have jumped to a staggering new high. 147 cars were stolen in March in Renton, about five per day. Each one is another sad story that brings misery and often financial hardship to it’s heartbroken owner. People are having a hard time getting wrecked cars repaired with auto shops all working at max capacity and parts on backorder. Motorists are even having difficulties getting rental cars right now, and the extra demand from car theft victims is a factor.
Renton Police and most Renton elected officials have been asking the state to restore some authority for pursuing car thieves. The state legislature appears to be moving forward with a small improvement to the police pursuit law, but the revisions will still not allow police to pursue stolen vehicles unless the police have evidence of certain violent crimes related to the car’s occupants. Stolen vehicles continue to be a primary tool for conducting property crime since they can’t be chased, making them just the ticket for any thief to make a clean getaway.
The report shows other types of theft dropping, but unfortunately much of this is likely a result of people giving up on reporting. For instance, the vast majority of shoplifting cases are now going unreported. Shoplifting used to account for a large percentage of theft cases. Car thefts reports are among the most reliable. When a car gets stolen, the owner needs a police report to collect insurance and clear themselves of liability, so car thefts get reported. But when a lawnmower, power saw, or kids bicycle gets stolen, and they cost less than the deductible on an insurance policy, many increasingly-disheartened residents think reporting the loss is no longer worth their time.
A police forensic specialist dusts for prints and gathers other evidence from a stolen car, but the odds are low that the thief will be found after the car has been abandoned.
I recognize the recent spike in auto thefts in Renton is concerning; let’s not forget that property can be replaced, but human lives cannot. Insurance covers property crime losses, and though it may cause inconvenience, it’s essential to prioritize issues that directly impact people’s well-being and safety.
Our focus should be on addressing the root causes of crime and building a more inclusive, empathetic community.
That reminds me, there were 15 more traffic collisions in March 2023 than in 2022, a 6% increase caused primarily by laws preventing police from getting reckless drivers off the road. At least one of these accidents resulted in several teens ending up in critical condition and I remember one or more fatalities. So anyone who shares my concern for human safety should support stronger highway/road safety enforcement tools.
It is undeniable that racial profiling has frequently led to unnecessary and dangerous high-speed chases, disproportionately impacting BIPOC communities. Rather than pushing for stronger enforcement tools, we must adopt a more data-driven approach to tackle the root causes of reckless driving and promote safety for ALL residents.
By supporting local officials who advocate for BIPOC communities and prioritize evidence-based solutions over perceived security, we can create lasting change in our city. The upcoming Renton City Council election is a CRUCIAL opportunity to elect representatives committed to a progressive vision for a more inclusive Renton.
We invite you to learn more about the candidates who share our data-driven approach as we collectively strive for a society where equitable policing practices render the traditional police force OBSOLETE.
Discover where our Renton City Council team stands on these crucial issues by visiting:
Thanks. Now I know who not to vote for.
Louder for those in the back: Don’t vote for anybody that sides with Carmen “Defund the Police” Rivera on anything important.
That letter needs a lot more attention. When south sound mayors were begging the state to help with the fenteynal crisis, we had three Renton council members supporting this nonsense decriminalization from the Blake decision that is now killing two people in King County a day.
FYI. This hit Seattle University. Left out a few details so she can’t harm the letter writer.
Seattle University
Office of the President
901 12th Avenue
Seattle, WA 98122
Dear Seattle University Administration,
I am writing to you as a concerned member of the Catholic community regarding one of your teachers, Carmen Rivera. Recently, Carmen posted a controversial video on social media, in which she expressed she wants to be “S-tan’s favorite slut” and where she glorifies being mean and cruel to people.
https://www.tiktok.com/@riveraforrenton/video/7219449792194235691?lang=en
As someone who was raised with strong Catholic values, I find Carmen’s comments troubling, particularly since they have the potential to drive a wedge between Catholics and their children. While I believe in the importance of fostering an open dialogue, I also believe that it is essential for educators within a Catholic institution like Seattle University to uphold and promote the core values of our faith.
It is my humble request that the administration of Seattle University investigate this matter and determine whether Carmen’s teachings and actions are in alignment with the Catholic principles that the institution seeks to uphold. I understand that freedom of speech and expression is a fundamental right; however, it is crucial for educators in a faith-based institution to be sensitive to the values and beliefs of the community they serve.
I am confident that Seattle University is dedicated to providing an environment that nurtures spiritual and intellectual growth while respecting the core values of the Catholic faith. I trust that you will take the necessary steps to address this issue and ensure that the school continues to be a place where faith and education can coexist harmoniously.
Thank you for your attention to this matter, and I look forward to visible and public action in this matter.
Sincerely,
G— ——
Parishioner of St. Anthony, Renton.