SFPD Tips to Avoid Auto Break-ins

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.