Smart phone thefts, many including violence, are fortunately slowing down in large part due to the efforts of our own District Attorney George Gascon. The new software available on Apple i-Phones makes them much less appealing to opportunistic criminals which is fantastic news.

CCOP, SFPD and SAFE still recommend using care and being aware of your surroundings when using any expensive electronic device in public and on public transportation as they will still attract the attention of some unscrupulous individuals.

Castro Community On Patrol, Smart Phone Safety postcard

Castro Community On Patrol, Smart Phone Safety postcard

Thieves, like everyone else, move with the times, and as smart phones became less attractive and less lucrative targets, the criminal fraternity have returned to their old and trustworthy alternatives;  theft from vehicles, burglaries and opportunistic petty thefts in clubs, bars and cafes.

The Sanchez Street corridor, from the 00 block all the way to 19th and beyond, has been particularly hard hit over the last few months with numerous burglaries and thefts from vehicles. 19th Street from Collingwood to Eureka has also seen a number of thefts from vehicles during the same period.

As the holiday shopping season arrives in earnest, CCOP, SFPD and SAFE would like to remind everyone of the need to be a little more careful, a lot more vigilant, and definitely more willing to call police if you see someone or something suspicious in the neighborhood.

IF YOU DON’T WANT TO LOSE IT, DON’T LEAVE IT 

Thefts from vehicles typically only take seconds, but can cost you hundreds of dollars in losses and repairs. 

Auto Boost or Strip - side window

  • Please don’t leave ANYTHING of value in your vehicle if you can avoid doing so.
  • Don’t leave ANYTHING visible within the passenger compartment, including change and power cords etc.
  • Don’t move items from your passenger compartment to the trunk once you have already parked, as thieves are often watching for such activity and will easily gain access to your trunk once you have left.  If absolutely necessary, place the items in the trunk, then move your vehicle to a new parking spot.
  • Don’t leave your vehicle registration or certificate of insurance in the vehicle, or anything else with your name or address on it, but rather carry a copy in your wallet. If your vehicle is stolen, it will make it much more difficult for a thief if they are stopped by police while driving your vehicle.  They will not be able to produce your name, address or any vehicle documentation.
  • Lock and arm the alarm in your vehicle, even when parked in your own garage, or in a secured and supervised garage or lot.
  • If using a valet parking attendant, provide them only with the key/s necessary to drive and secure your vehicle. Don’t give them your whole key-ring containing your home, office, boat, RV and other keys.
  • Know your license plate and check that both plates are in place and correct every time you return to your vehicle.  Thieves often switch plates on vehicles and you may end up driving around with stolen plates until the police eventually stop you.  Notify police and DMV immediately if your license plates are stolen.

Thefts of personal items such as i-pods, cell phones and laptops etc. fall into the same quick to steal, expensive to replace category. 

Petty Theft - Cell phone from cafe table

  • Don’t leave such items unattended, even for a moment.
  • Use caution when utilizing hand held electronic devices in public, as they are easy to spot, easy to steal and easy to re-sell for thieves.
  • If using a cell phone, i-pad or lap top on public transportation, or in a cafe or bar, always try to sit as far away from doors or egress routes as possible, and keep your attention on those who are around you or approaching you.
  • No matter what you are doing on your phone or i-pad or lap top, don’t become so engrossed in the screen that you become oblivious to what is going on around you.  Take in  your surroundings every 30 seconds or more.
  • PLEASE don’t walk down the sidewalk, or cross any street, with your head down and your attention on that electronic device.  A momentary lack of attention is all it takes to become a victim, or to be hit and killed by an equally inattentive or distracted driver.
  • Activate GPS tracking on your devices if they are available to assist in recovery if they are lost or stolen.
  • Note serial numbers of such items and if possible engrave your name on items so they may be easier to identify if they are stolen.

Pay attention now, save $$$$$$ later !!

CCOP, SFPD and SAFE wish everyone a safe, happy and crime free holiday season.