Downtown Curfew Extended Through Saturday, Businesses Urged to Take Precautions

Downtown Curfew Extended Through Saturday, Businesses Urged to Take Precautions

 

Please Note: the City has lifted the Downtown curfew. Read the latest post for more information.

 

The City of Bellevue, Bellevue Downtown Association, and Bellevue Chamber are working collaboratively to bring current information to our community and businesses to help preserve public safety and reduce incidents of property damage.

The situation throughout our region is very fluid and unpredictable. The following actions and recommendations are made out of an abundance of caution with the best information available.

Bellevue Curfew Extended
The City is continuing its curfew in the downtown area between 7 p.m. tonight, June 3, and 5 a.m. June 4. The curfew will also be in effect from 5 p.m. to 5 a.m. each day from Thursday night June 4 through Saturday morning June 6, at which point further risk assessments will be made. 

Please stay off the streets and indoors in the area of the curfew during these times as able. 

Precautions to Protect Property
If you are able and feel it is prudent for your business, it is suggested that shop owners remove valuables or secure them properly from store fronts citywide. Property owners and small businesses are also suggested to take reasonable measures to board up exposed windows and exits.

As we saw Sunday evening, it has been difficult to predict the severity or tactics used by looters. 

Please stay out of the area during curfew times to avoid potential exposure to a dangerous situation. 

Preserving Public Safety & Protecting Property
Many businesses are rightfully angered by the damage already done to their stores and properties. The Bellevue Police Department is preparing for all eventualities. We must, however, recognize that in these unprecedented circumstances our officers must assess their ability to safely take individuals into custody with the available law enforcement resources. 

In situations where it is safe to do so for police, suspect, and bystanders, arrests have and will be made. In other situations, the Bellevue Police Department has created a portal for members of the public to share and upload photos, descriptions, license plate information, and any other information that can be useful in identifying and holding responsible individuals who harm our city. Please collect this information. We will soon share how to provide law enforcement this information. 
 
For those businesses who have hired private security, it is important those individuals are clearly identifiable, properly trained, and that their presence is communicated to the Bellevue Police by emailing bellevuepd@bellevuewa.gov

Emergency Calls
Bellevue Police have requested and received assistance from the Washington State Patrol, neighboring police departments, and the National Guard. Our community is grateful for their assistance. While the situation is fluid, law enforcement will continue to prioritize emergency services to those facing immediate risk to life and health. Do not hesitate to call 911 if you are experiencing this manner of emergency.

These are difficult times for our city and our country. While we must take preparations to preserve public safety, we must also remember the importance of protecting legitimate protest activities, their ability to be heard, and the important cause of racial justice. Bellevue is an inclusive community that shares these values arm-in-arm with those who peaceably wish to be heard on our streets.