Neighborhood Safety & Block Watch

Community safety is one of MCC's core ongoing priorities. Over the past several months, MCC has hosted a series of community meetings focused on neighborhood safety, bringing together residents, business owners, Seattle Police Department leadership, and elected officials to discuss what's happening in Magnolia and what we can do together to address it.

This page is your hub for safety resources, Block Watch information, and updates on MCC's ongoing safety work.

  • At our April 2026 community meeting, Captain Marc Garth-Green of SPD's West Precinct shared the following data for Magnolia:

    • 177 burglaries reported in the past 12 months

    • 8 arrests made in connection with those burglaries

    • SPD is following up on how many cases were referred for charges — we will share that information when available

    These numbers reflect a challenge that many Magnolia residents and business owners have experienced firsthand. They also underscore why community connection, timely reporting, and programs like Block Watch matter.

    Magnolia is served by SPD's West Precinct, which covers a large area including Queen Anne, Interbay, Belltown, Downtown, Pioneer Square, and SODO. Because of this wide coverage area, community reporting helps SPD identify patterns and prioritize patrols in specific neighborhoods like ours.

  • Block Watch is a collaborative public safety program built on a simple idea: neighbors who know each other, communicate regularly, and report suspicious activity make their streets safer for everyone. Research shows that Block Watch programs can reduce crime by as much as 16–26% in participating areas.

    Block Watch also builds neighborhood resilience beyond crime prevention. An organized block watch can serve as a foundation for responding to emergencies like natural disasters, power outages, or other crises — connecting neighbors who can look out for one another when it matters most.

    As we've heard consistently from speakers at our recent community meetings: the best thing neighbors can do to keep each other safe is to get to know each other.

  • MCC's Safety Committee is leading the effort to build a Magnolia Block Watch Captain's Network, connecting existing block watches across the neighborhood and making it easier for new ones to get started. SPD Crime Prevention Coordinator Barb Biondo is reaching out to existing Magnolia Block Watch contacts to invite them into the network.

    Want to start a Block Watch on your block? It doesn't have to start big, even a handful of households is enough to get going.

    1. Reach out to a few neighbors to gauge their interest. Don't worry if it starts small, block watches tend to grow over time

    2. Fill out this form and our Safety Committee will follow up with next steps and connect you with SPD's Crime Prevention Coordinator

    3. Together you'll plan an introductory meeting and get connected with resources

    4. Identify a Block Watch Captain as your group's point of contact with SPD

    5. Your block watch will be connected to the growing Magnolia Block Watch Network

    Already have a block watch? Follow this link to fill out the form to connect it to the Magnolia Block Watch Captain's Network — the more blocks we connect, the stronger our community safety net becomes.

  • Reporting Crime

    • Call 911 for any emergency — crime in progress, danger to life or property, domestic violence, or medical emergency

    • Non-emergency line: 206-625-5011 for past crimes and non-urgent situations

    • Online reporting‍ for theft, burglary, fraud, property damage, and more

    Stay Informed

    Register & Connect

    • Connect Seattle— register your home security camera with SPD so investigators can contact you if there's an incident nearby

    • Smart 911— provide first responders with key information about your household in advance so they can help you faster in an emergency

    • Find It / Fix It App — report non-emergency issues like graffiti, illegal dumping, and concerns related to unsheltered neighbors

    Seattle Night Out — August 4, 2026 Seattle Night Out is an annual event that brings neighbors together to build community connections and heighten crime prevention awareness. This year it falls on Tuesday, August 4. Learn how to organize your block at SPD's Night Out page.

  • SPD Criminal Trespass Program Retail and commercial businesses can work with SPD to address crime on their property. Contact the West Precinct to get started: WPrecinctTrespassProgram@seattle.gov

    Free Security Assessment SPD offers free walk-through assessments to help businesses identify vulnerabilities and get recommendations for improvements. Contact the West Precinct Crime Prevention unit to schedule one: barbara.biondo@seattle.gov

    Office of Economic Development — Back to Business Reimbursement is available for storefront repairs and security upgrades. Learn more

  • April 2026 — Neighborhood Safety & Block Watch Speakers: Captain Marc Garth-Green and Crime Prevention Coordinator Barb Biondo, SPD West Precinct Topics covered: Patrol coverage in Magnolia, burglary trends, Block Watch program, business security resources, and SPD's real-time crime tools Watch the recording here

    Coming Soon!

    May 2026 — After the Arrest: Understanding Seattle's Legal System Speakers: Seattle City Attorney Erika Evans and King County Prosecuting Attorney Leesa Manion Topics covered: How cases are handled after an arrest, City vs. County jurisdiction, prosecution priorities, and what residents can expect from the process