Downtown Seattle boutique owner hit by two burglaries in days, raising safety concerns

SEATTLE, Wash. — A downtown Seattle boutique owner is voicing serious concerns about public safety and business viability after her store was hit by two separate burglaries within a matter of days.

The business, which features curated apparel and accessories, was first broken into in early January 2026. While the owner was still working with contractors to repair the shattered front door and audit stolen inventory, thieves struck a second time, utilizing a similar method of entry to steal remaining merchandise.

The back-to-back incidents have left the store owner devastated and questioning whether she can afford to remain in the downtown corridor. "It feels like we are being targeted, and the lack of a swift response makes us feel incredibly vulnerable," she stated in an interview.

Local business coalitions have pointed to these incidents as part of a broader trend of commercial burglaries affecting downtown retailers. The Seattle Police Department has stated they are investigating both incidents and looking into whether they were committed by the same individuals. They are also working to increase patrols in the commercial district during overnight hours.