Capitol Hill business pleads for relief after rash of break

SEATTLE — Several businesses in Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood are on edge following a string of break-ins and vandalism in recent months. The ongoing thefts have left shop owners frustrated, anxious and looking for any way to deter criminals.

At Cone & Steiner General, a market on 19th Avenue East and East Mercer Street, staff resorted to posting a handwritten note on the front door. In large, simple letters, it reads: “Pretty please don’t rob us.”

Employees say the sign went up after two overnight break-ins in October. In one incident, thieves broke open a safe and stole about $1,000. In the second, the tip jar was cleaned out. The general manager believes the same person is responsible for both crimes.

The market isn’t alone.

Other nearby businesses have reported similar incide