If you are an owner of a brick and mortar business in Washington State, it is no secret that your establishment is more vulnerable now than ever. During the COVID-19 Stay Home, Stay Healthy order, non-essential businesses are forced to shut their doors, leaving their buildings vacant. Once crowded downtown streets and shopping districts have become ghost towns, breeding the perfect conditions for commercial burglaries. Even more concerning to vulnerable businesses, Washington State’s Governor Jay Inslee recently signed an order which referenced the immediate release of non-violent inmates from jail in an effort to keep our jails and prisons safe from the virus. Seattle Police Chief also recently stated that “non-violent and non-DV offenders are being interviewed and released in most cases”, meaning no jail time. This, coupled with an understaffed police department, creates an environment of increased criminal activity. Seattle’s West Precinct (stadium district, downtown, Belltown, South Lake Union, Queen Anne etc.) has, as of Friday, April 3, seen … Read More