San Francisco Comes Up With Fantastic New Idea To Stop Car Break-ins

And they’re telling all the criminals what’s coming

San Francisco officials unveil measures to combat vehicle break-ins just as family’s car is burglarized nearby

A family visiting San Francisco from Missouri had their rental car broken into and ransacked in the same area where authorities held a news conference Thursday to announce new ways to combat car burglaries — an ongoing problem that has plagued the city in recent years.

Lindsey Dobbelare and her family wanted to drive over the famed Golden Gate Bridge, and pulled over to explore a park they spotted on the way. She told FOX San Francisco they had parked their vehicle for only five minutes.

“We pulled over, parked, got out, did a little sightseeing and when we came back we had our back glass shattered out,” she said.

Missing were the family’s backpacks, passports, electronics, and $1,000 worth of jewelry.

My favorite part is how they said they wouldn’t let it ruin their vacation. Heck, they shouldn’t, because if you visit San Fran you should expect this (stay tuned for the next post for a ruined vacation)

Just as the Dobbelares were assessing the damage to their rental, San Francisco Police Chief Bill Scott and District Attorney Brooke Jenkins held a press conference Thursday on the problem.

Scott said the Police Department will begin using “bait cars,” which are intended to lure thieves and repeat offenders. Additional funds for police overtime will allow for more patrols in popular tourist areas like the Palace of Fine Arts, Lombard Street and Fisherman’s Wharf, the city announced.

“We have gotten to a point in San Francisco where people didn’t even fear being arrested. They didn’t think anything would happen once the DA’s office took over the case,” said Jenkins. “They didn’t think there was going to be any meaningful consequence. They have to learn. We’re trying to reinstall in San Francisco, not only will you be caught, but when you’re prosecuted there will be a consequence for that behavior.”

First off, now all the criminals know what’s going on and will be on the alert. Second, this is not a new issue, it’s been getting worse and worse for decades. Residents all know their cars can be broken into (and stolen). Many have taken to leaving them unlocked and leaving notes. Third, I’ll believe the city is serious when they start arresting and prosecuting. What’s this whole “consequences” stuff? Should be talking about doing some jail time.

In a statement, Mayor London Breed supported efforts to prosecute thieves who prey on “residents and visitors.”

“People should not fear having their cars broken into, whether they are running down the street for errands or visiting our incredible City for the first time,” she said. “San Francisco can and should be a safe and welcoming place for all.”

The rich residents who live in San Fran and the surrounding areas must be putting pressure on Breed and the people who “run” San Fran. Perhaps a bigwig had their car vandalized. Maybe the rich business owners are tired of the issue.

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