Locksmith Sues Police In Wenatchee

WENATCHEE - A locksmith says the Wenatchee Police Department has cost him $250,000 in lost business because it opens locked car doors for free.

Harley Hudson, owner of Harley's Lock & Key in Wenatchee, filed a claim for damages with the city Monday. Filing a claim is required before filing a lawsuit against the city, which Hudson's attorney, Steve Volyn, said his client is prepared to do if the city doesn't respond.

In his claim, Hudson says the city has fielded at least 1,000 calls from stranded motorists in the past year, consuming 500 hours of officer time.

Hudson charges about $30 to open locked cars, and his claim says he has suffered "significant business losses in at least the sum of $250,000" because of the city's "unconstitutional gift of public funds."

"If there's no threat to safety or health, should police officers be opening a car for free when there are businesses in town who do it for a fee? And do you want police to be doing that rather than their job?" Volyn asked.

The department has long had a policy of helping motorists who lock their keys in cars. Not all police departments have such a policy. Seattle Police, for instance, will not unlock motorists cars.

Wenatchee Police Chief Ken Badgley said his officers won't tackle electric locks, but will help citizens with mechanical ones if they're not busy with more pressing matters.

"We do it as a community-policing effort. We're trying to do things that are citizen-oriented," Badgley said.