Standing Room Only for BCNA Safety Forum

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A Message from Diana Taylor, BCNA President

On Sunday afternoon, Captain Paul Yep and Central Precinct officers along with District 3 Supervisor Aaron Peskin met with more than 60 Barbary Coast neighbors at the Old Ship Saloon. Before the forum, Captain Yep and Supervisor Peskin walked around the neighborhood with BCNA members to identify the major safety and crime areas. We will be planning a “walk-about” in other areas of the Barbary Coast, including Levi’s Plaza and Telegraph Landing/101 Lombard.

A few highlights from the Safety Forum:

  • Captain Yep informed us that while the Barbary Coast neighborhood (see map) is between two major high crime areas (Market/Ferry Plaza and Fisherman’s Wharf), there are changes in police presence to address safety, traffic, homeless issues, and property crimes in our neighborhood.
  • We learned how we can address safety issues and prevent property crime in our residential buildings and as individuals.
  • As individuals we must report incidents so that the City and the Police have the data needed to place resources in our neighborhood.
    • For crimes in progress call 911
    • For non-emergency crimes that have already occurred and suspects are gone call 415-553-0123
    • For problems related to homeless people or quality of life issues call 311 or use the 311 app on your smartphone
    • For guidance on reporting all types of incidents, check out this link.

As your neighborhood organization, we are committed to working on safety and crime prevention. In the coming year, we will:

  • Continue neighborhood walks with police with a focus on residential and business safety and crime prevention
  • Meet quarterly with Captain Yep and Central Police staff to discuss problems and solutions in specific areas of the BCNA.
  • Engage YOU—our members and neighbors—to be the eyes and ears for tracking problems.

Thank you all for attending today’s forum!

And a big shout-out to the Old Ship Saloon—to staff Gabriel, Matt and Alticia—for providing a great space. In case you missed it, the Saloon (under new owners) is open on weekends for brunch, lunch and dinner. Check them out!

SFPD Tips to Avoid Auto Break-ins

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Captain Paul Yep’s February 28, 2018 newsletter includes helpful guidance on how to avoid becoming the victim of an auto burglary in our neighborhood. Read on:

Auto Burglary (Break-ins) in the Central District
Auto Burglary (Theft from Vehicle) is a top enforcement priority for the Central Police District. Our Crime Analysis Unit took an in-depth look at the data for our District.

Here’s what we know:

  • Auto Burglaries happen every day of the week, slightly more often on Mondays and Tuesdays. There is no significant statistical difference during the other days of the week.
  • 70 percent occur between 8:00AM to 8:00PM, during daylight hours!
  • 77 percent occur on the street; 15 percent occur in parking lots; and 8 percent occur in public garages.
  • Bay Street at the Embarcadero and North Point Street at Taylor Street are the top two repeat locations in the district.

Most of the criminals involved with auto burglaries work in teams. They do surveillance, have “spotters” and “getaway” cars. They are fast and elusive!

The Central Station Street Crimes Unit (plain clothes team) has been working diligently and tirelessly to catch these criminals. They made over 180 arrests in 2017! We are also working closely with the District Attorney’s office to prosecute the offenders. We will monitor future convictions and sentencings to see what penalties the offenders will receive. We will continue to make more arrests. We are not deterred from taking strong enforcement action.

How can you help?

  • Do NOT leave any property in your parked car. Not even in the trunk!
  • Always lock your car
  • Report suspicious activity in your neighborhood (take a photo or video of the suspects and their vehicles if safe to do so)

Our Officers will be placing “Park Smart” warning cards on car windshields throughout the Central District for our neighbors and tourists as a reminder to not leave valuables in their cars.

If you are the victim of an Auto Burglary, you can report the crime through our non-emergency dispatch phone number, 415-553-0123, go to any police station or make an online report, http://sanfranciscopolice.org/reports.