Burglars target Capitol Hill community center
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SEATTLE -- Burglars ripped off $15,000 worth of electronics from a Capitol Hill community center late last week, and some people think the crime might have been an inside job.
Fred Swanson said what took place early Friday morning at Gay City Health caught everyone by surprise.
"Its just really distressing on multiple levels," he said. " It's very disheartening, because especially at this time, as we really looking to the future and have this great new space."
According to Gay City Health officials, someone walked right into the center's front door along Pike Street and stole two computers, six digital flip cams, a high-end video camera and an external hard drive.
The electronics didn't have any personal information on them, but they did contain graphics and years worth of work from Gay City documentaries.
The crooks gained access to the building using a stolen fob or key card. They entered the building three times during the early morning hours, which has left some to wonder whether the burglary was an inside job.
"My suspicion of course is that the person didn't have a car, so they took what they could, took it someplace close by and then came back," Swanson said.
Gay City Health has been providing health and other services to the LGBT community on Capitol Hill since 1995. In June, the center will double its space by moving next door. Some of the new amenities include a new library, coffee shop and resource center, along with new security cameras.
And while the burglary has shocked some that work and volunteer at the center, it won't deter them from helping others down the road.
"I don't think its that targeted at Gay City. This kind of stuff happens, and we're a resilient organization so we'll just keep going," said Peter Jabin.
Gay City Health raised $17,000 during a weekend fundraiser. Officials have now raised more than $100,000 for the expansion project.
Fred Swanson said what took place early Friday morning at Gay City Health caught everyone by surprise.
"Its just really distressing on multiple levels," he said. " It's very disheartening, because especially at this time, as we really looking to the future and have this great new space."
According to Gay City Health officials, someone walked right into the center's front door along Pike Street and stole two computers, six digital flip cams, a high-end video camera and an external hard drive.
The electronics didn't have any personal information on them, but they did contain graphics and years worth of work from Gay City documentaries.
The crooks gained access to the building using a stolen fob or key card. They entered the building three times during the early morning hours, which has left some to wonder whether the burglary was an inside job.
"My suspicion of course is that the person didn't have a car, so they took what they could, took it someplace close by and then came back," Swanson said.
Gay City Health has been providing health and other services to the LGBT community on Capitol Hill since 1995. In June, the center will double its space by moving next door. Some of the new amenities include a new library, coffee shop and resource center, along with new security cameras.
And while the burglary has shocked some that work and volunteer at the center, it won't deter them from helping others down the road.
"I don't think its that targeted at Gay City. This kind of stuff happens, and we're a resilient organization so we'll just keep going," said Peter Jabin.
Gay City Health raised $17,000 during a weekend fundraiser. Officials have now raised more than $100,000 for the expansion project.
