Lake City CEO frustrated after break-in

SEATTLE- A recent Lake City business manager feels forgotten by the city as problems with crime and homelessness continue on her block.

Turntables & Trails on Lake City Way NE was hit twice Friday through Saturday morning, according to Operations Manager David Brisker. Brisker said the alarm went off at 11 p.m. Friday, but when he arrived at the store he found no one.

Then, at 1 a.m., he said, the thieves returned. Security video shows the masked group walking through the store, picking clothes off the shelves before leaving.

“They stole a lot of clothes and a lot of backpacks. We host live shows here once or twice a month. They are all old, it is a real family event. Many of the bands are kids from Nathan Hale High School. We give them the opportunity to play with their bands in front of an audience,” said Brisker. “They stole our mixing board. Now we won’t have a mixer for our live shows.”

Pokémon cards were also taken.

“The kids come over from the neighborhood and we always give them Pokemon cards for Halloween, and we won’t be able to do that anymore,” Brisker said.

Brisker said the thieves got into the store from next door by breaking down a few doors to get inside.

They’re not the only ones on the block who’ve had problems. Walk down the street and you will see the boarded up windows of various shops. Those across the street have also dealt with crime.

“To be completely honest, we feel like the city doesn’t have our back,” Brisker said.

He also wanted to point out the homeless camp in a park right next door.

“There are always between 25 and 40 people there. They openly take drugs. I’m talking about hard drugs. Needles, aluminum foil, fentanyl – they don’t even hide it,” Brisker said. “He (the business owner) and I both feel strongly about the presence of…it’s heartbreaking. As a human being, you feel for these people. You have compassion for their situation. But as a business owner and as someone who works hard to bring something positive to the neighborhood, it’s difficult to have compassion for people who don’t want to be helped.”

We asked Brisker what his message was to his fellow council member and the city: “Come out and see us. Just stick your head through the door here. Come and talk to us. Ask us what we need. Assure us that the city will do something.”

Brisker said Seattle police officers didn’t show up. He said they also didn’t see Councilwoman Cathy Moore in the neighborhood.

KOMO News contacted the Seattle Police Department, Moore and the mayor’s office to ask what they would do on the streets to improve the problems. Moore and SPD have not yet responded.

A spokesman for Mayor Bruce Harrell’s office responded: “I am unable to obtain specific information about the encampment you are referring to because it is a weekend and staff are offline.”

They also shared a general statement that read in part, “Seattle’s small business owners deserve to be heard and have their concerns addressed.” Mayor Harrell continues to advocate for a holistic approach to improving public safety and reducing crime in Seattle.”