Seattle drone pilot helps track down stolen cars

Fed up and pissed off with the rise in stolen automobiles throughout the Puget Sound area, a West Seattle man is taking issues into his personal palms. He’s utilizing his drone to attach automotive theft victims to their stolen autos.

On account of security considerations, he desires to make use of solely his first identify, Tony.

“I believe individuals admire that somebody is definitely doing one thing to look, see and attempt to discover their stolen property,” mentioned Tony. “Sadly, its going to take us residents to do the work that the cops can’t.”

Tony says he flew his drone Thursday over a chop store working in plain sight, beneath the First Avenue Bridge in Seattle. From 800 ft up, he captured plenty of aerial images.

“I noticed guys strolling round with Sawzalls, angle griders,” mentioned Tony. “Many automobiles have been there with no license plates, that have been fully disassembled, engines lacking, hoods off.”

Tony posted photos from this flight on a Fb group web page known as “PNW Stolen Automobiles.”

Minutes later in Renton, Jessica Orth and her father, Robert Orth, noticed the submit and immediately made a connection.

That very same day on Thursday, Robert Orth stopped by the Fred Meyer on Rainier Avenue South in Renton to run a fast errand. Orth says he was inside not more than 10 or 20 minutes. When he got here again out, he was shocked to seek out his automotive lacking. Robert contacted police and had his social media-savvy daughter submit on the “PNW Stolen Automobiles” web page.

“On this scenario you’ve gotten a veteran that’s 80 years outdated, that is dependent upon a car for his independence,” mentioned Jessica Orth. “Simply to go to the shop, docs’appointments, stuff like that.”

This isn’t the primary time Robert’s automotive has been stolen. In November 2020, it was taken from his senior residing facility in Renton. With the assistance of Jessica and that exact same Fb web page. he was in a position to get it again. Nevertheless, this time they’re not so positive there will likely be a cheerful ending.

“He didn’t deserve this, he didn’t deserve this in any respect,” mentioned Jessica Orth.

Jessica and Robert Orth are grateful to Tony for finding their automotive, however are disillusioned authorities have been unable to assist them get it again. All three need to know why town of Seattle hasn’t cracked down on what seems to be like a large operation within the Duwamish Valley.

“Certainly, the South Precinct or whoever is accountable is aware of about this place,” mentioned Robert. “One thing must be carried out, not only for us and a few outdated 1991 Honda Accord, however for the long run victims.”

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