SEATTLE — A Seattle elementary school employee is asking for help after her car was stolen near the school while she was working inside.
"I broke down into tears. I mean, I didn't know what to do; I was lost for words," said a frustrated Rose Glen.
She is missing something she relies on every day.
“Difficulty to make a living, and just live in Seattle,” said Glen. “And now my vehicle which I use on a day-to-day basis to get to and from work, as well as help my mother around town is gone."
The 22-year-old works as an instructional assistant at West Seattle Elementary School. Last Thursday, she parked her 1999 Honda CRV along 34th Avenue, just a couple feet away from the school's parking lot which was full at the time. When she came out after school, it was gone.
The car has a Washington license plate with the number CKU4036. It also has two distinct stickers on its back window.
"Looked up and down the streets to see maybe if they just ditched it somewhere, no signs,” said Glen. “I even went and knocked on neighbors’ doors."
According to the Seattle Police Department's Crime Dashboard, car thefts are up in Seattle this year compared to last. Data shows in January 2023 there were 601 stolen cars, compared to this January where there have been 645.
However, Puget Sound Auto Theft Task Force said it's seeing a decrease in auto thefts statewide. As of Jan. 31, 3,197 vehicles have been reported stolen in Washington. That's down 21% from last year. Meanwhile, officials with the Puget Sound Auto Theft Task Force said the decrease in these types of crimes is due to several key arrests of "Kiaboys" who were stealing several vehicles throughout the region each week.
Glen just hopes the thieves leave the car somewhere
"I really hope that you aren't doing this to anyone else,” said Glen. “I hope that maybe you leave my car somewhere, that someone knows.”
Seattle Police are currently investigating Glen's case. She created a GoFundMe page asking for support.