Persistent Safety Issues in the City & How to Address Them

Some persistent safety issues are afoot in San Francisco—car break-ins, home burglaries and sideshows among them—and they’ve only been exacerbated since the

onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. But even though these issues persist, there are actions community members can do to help prevent these crimes from happening to them.

To this end, SF SAFE has assembled an overview of quick tips for addressing some of the more common crimes persisting citywide.

Car Break-ins

As SF SAFE likes to say, the keys to parked car safety are in your hands. Here are some of our “park smart” tips for preventing car break-ins:

Turn off the ignition. Never leave your car running unattended. Keep your vehicle and tires in good condition; this helps prevent breakdowns, which could strand you in a dark or unfamiliar place. Lock your doors when you get in your car. And if you see something, say something. If you see a motorist in distress, call 9-1-1 versus stopping to help. Clear your trunk and take your valuables with you every time you leave your car. And if you are being followed, drive to the nearest police or fire station.

The next time you go to park your car in San Francisco, remember SF SAFE’s “park smart” mantra: “If you love it, don’t leave it.”

Home Burglaries

Another persistent crime in the city is home burglaries—many of which begin with a criminal accessing a home through its garage. Here are SF SAFE’s

recommendations for steps to take to prevent this type of crime from happening to you:

Secure Your Garage Door: With the garage being a frequent entry point for burglars, consider reinforcing the glass on the garage door by adding vinyl adhesive to the windows. Many burglars gain entry to the home by breaking a window and finding a way to pull the emergency release cord. Avoid this by tying your emergency release cord into a small ball. Also consider installing an interior manual garage door lock.

Install Cameras: Consider installing security cameras, particularly facing all points of entry, including vulnerable windows. SF SAFE recommends having at least one security camera at the front of your house pointing toward the street—and also registering it with the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office.

Install Lights: Install exterior lights and keep them on during all hours of darkness both outside and inside. Aim to have constant nighttime lighting supplemented by motion-sensitive lighting. You can also create “signs of life” in off hours by setting timers on your lights.

Entry Points: SF SAFE recommends that all home entry doors have deadbolts and that your front door is equipped with a single cylinder deadbolt and made of good solid construction. Always check your door locks, windows, skylights and alarm system before you leave.

Landscape: In securing your residence, be mindful of your landscaping. Make sure there aren’t any plants, bushes or hedges covering windows or doors that a criminal could hide behind while they attempt to break in. Be sure there aren’t any tree branches that offer rooftop or second story access.

Sideshows

Sideshows—large gatherings of cars and crowds which monopolize streets, speed around and pull dangerous maneuvers—are unfortunately also on the rise during the pandemic. Not only are they dangerous to everyone around them, but they’re also illegal. Not to mention the fact that it’s just not a bright idea to

participate in large gatherings of people who often don’t practice social distancing during the pandemic. The City is cracking down on sideshows by proposing

an ordinance which would allow police to impound cars engaging in these activities. In the meantime, if they happen in your neighborhood, “steer clear” of the

action and dial 911 immediately. Always remember: If you see something, say something.

-Kathy Chouteau