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Ballard Businesses Grapple With Surge in Burglaries and Community‑Driven Recovery Efforts

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Sharp Rise in Reported Break‑Ins Across Ballard Seattle police records show 73 burglaries in Ballard during the first two months of 2026, with 55 occurring in January and 18 in February, affecting both residential and commercial properties [1]. The spike follows a pattern of coordinated thefts targeting small businesses, prompting local merchants to demand heightened patrols. Neighborhood groups have begun organizing safety meetings to coordinate information sharing.

Financial Damage Ranges From Thousands to Tens of Thousands Five establishments, including Cloudy Cafe and Seattle Biscuit Company, reported break‑ins since January, incurring repair costs in the low thousands and a $25,000 loss from copper theft at the biscuit shop [1]. The bakery’s refrigeration unit was stripped, threatening its operational viability. Owners have expressed frustration over repeated incidents and the cumulative economic strain.

Police Response Criticized as Inadequate by Affected Owners Both Cloudy Cafe owner Himmelfarb and Seattle Biscuit Company’s Thompson filed multiple 911 calls and police reports without receiving on‑scene assistance, describing the lack of response as leaving them “on our own” [1]. The department has not commented despite repeated outreach by King 5. This perceived gap has intensified calls for more visible law‑enforcement presence in the district.

Heist at Brown Sugar Baking Highlights Wider Impact on Shared‑Kitchen Users On Jan. 31, thieves stole $8,500 worth of equipment from Brown Sugar Baking Company, captured on surveillance as two masked individuals [2]. The theft also affected Mahaba Moss, a shared‑kitchen tenant, which incurred at least $5,000 in replacement costs. Owner Lillian E. Hill launched a GoFundMe campaign, reflecting a broader reliance on community fundraising to offset losses.

Sources

Timeline

Oct 2025 – Two overnight break‑ins at Cone & Steiner General on Capitol Hill steal about $1,000 from a safe and a tip jar, prompting staff to post a handwritten plea on the front door and alerting police to masked suspects using crowbars [7].

Dec 2025 – Cherry Consignment in West Seattle suffers its third December burglary; a 2 a.m. security alert captures intruders smashing the front door and stealing purses and jackets, yet owner Nyla Bitterman keeps the shop open and thanks the neighborhood for its support while SPD logs 102 burglaries in the area this year, down from 162 in 2024 [5].

Dec 2025 – Alki Coffee Co experiences its third 2025 burglary; masked thieves break the glass door, steal an iPad, and avoid cash after owner Jonathan Stebbins stopped keeping cash on site in October, while community leaders call for better lighting, surveillance, and the “Back to Business” assistance program [6].

Dec 29 2025 – Maggie’s Shoes on downtown Seattle is hit by a rock‑smash window break‑in; owner Zhao calls the incident “heartbreaking” as thieves flee with a jacket and two bags, highlighting the storefront’s vulnerability [4].

Jan 2 2026 – A second break‑in at Maggie’s Shoes shatters the front door, steals four bags, two scarves and jewelry, causing over $3,000 in losses; Zhao vows to install steel gates to deter future crimes [4].

Jan 2026 – Seattle’s small‑business owners across neighborhoods—including Meeples Games, Imperial Kitchen & Bar, and Cotto Belltown—report recurring break‑ins, rising security costs, and reliance on the city’s Storefront Repair Fund; mayor‑elect Katie Wilson pledges heightened support and the police schedule a community‑conversation series at Rainier Beach Community Center [3].

Jan 31 2026 – A coordinated heist at Brown Sugar Baking Company steals $8,500 of baking equipment; surveillance shows two masked intruders using a back‑door garage entry, and owner Lillian E. Hill warns the loss could “really tank any business” amid rising rent and ingredient costs [2].

Feb 20 2026 – Lillian E. Hill launches a GoFundMe campaign to recoup the stolen assets and keep the bakery operating, urging local support to sustain the neighborhood staple [2].

Feb 22 2026 – Five Ballard businesses—including Cloudy Cafe and Seattle Biscuit Company—report break‑ins since January, with damages up to $25,000; owners claim police leave them “on our own,” while a community GoFundMe aids the biscuit shop and SPD data shows 73 Ballard burglaries in 2026 (55 in January, 18 in February) [1].

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