Tukwila Police and community members joined forces this week to clean up a growing problem area on South 146th Street near Military Road South (map below), where residents had reported feeling unsafe because of criminal activity and unsafe conditions.

Officers said the area had seen an increase in trash, stolen property, narcotic activity, broken utility boxes, illegal encampments, and abandoned vehicles near an elementary school and family apartment complexes.

Some residents told officers they were afraid to leave their homes or wait at the school bus stop.

In response, Tukwila Police began citing, warning, and towing abandoned or criminally linked vehicles, removing two encampments, and trespassing individuals with prior drug arrests.

Officers also stepped up patrols in the area to deter further issues.

Those efforts culminated in a community-led cleanup that removed more than 30 large bags of trash, secured electrical panels, and cleared overgrown brush. Graffiti was painted over with art as part of the approach known as Community Policing Through Environmental Design (CPTED).

Police thanked volunteers and local businesses — including RoofCorp of Washington and Fresh & Green Halal Market — as well as residents and current, former, and prospective elected officials who participated in the cleanup.

“Everyone has a right to feel safe and secure in their neighborhoods,” Tukwila police said in a statement.