Attack on teacher spotlights rise in Capitol Hill crime

SEATTLE — Burglaries and assaults have risen in Seattle's Capitol Hill neighborhood, according to statistics compiled by CHS Capitol Hill Seattle.

A kindergarten teacher who was attacked while walking near Seattle Central Community College in November suffered a concussion when a thief stole his keys and cell phone.

"I couldn't see the person that attacked me because they came from behind," Devin Liner told KIRO 7 Eyewitness News reporter David Ham.

Shaun Knittel of Social Outreach Seattle said that not only are violent crimes growing, but so are burglaries.

CHS Capitol Hill Seattle reported that from 2011 to 2012 in the area of 12th Avenue and Pike Street, burglaries were up 81 percent.

Jeremiah Salinsky at Kaladi Brothers Coffee said he's noticed more car break-ins in the past few months.

"A little increase more and more, even just walking the streets on a daily basis you see a lot of broken glass from cars," Salinsky said.

Seattle police said they're aware of the concerns and are working with groups like Social Outreach Seattle.

Knittel said there needs to be more police presence and faster response times to calls, adding that victims also need to be vigilant about reporting crimes.

"A lot of times people just aren't reporting things. They feel embarrassed or scared or they just think, 'Well, the guy made off with my wallet; there's nothing that could be done about that right now,'" Knittel said.

Social Outreach Seattle is meeting with Seattle police about these crime concerns.

The group said if police don't step up visibility, they're planning marches around midnight to discourage criminals.

Citywide, from 2011 to 2012, burglaries were down about 4 percent, aggravated assaults were up 3 percent and robberies were up 4 percent.

KIRO