Crime Trends in South San Francisco

South San Francisco, CA  August 3, 2022

Thieves are getting more brazen working during the day while neighbors are outside, whether it is stealing catalytic converters, randomly going through parked cars, or attempting to enter a residence – we all need to be more aware of those in our neighborhood. SSFPD will host a virtual Town Hall Monday on this issue – details HERE.

Monday, around noon, our South San Francisco neighbors were alarmed to see someone opening their car door which was parked in front of their home. While they normally keep all their vehicles locked, this afternoon it was left open while they were in their house. One of the residents quickly went outside to see what was happening only to find an elderly man inside the doorway of the vehicle. When the elderly man saw the homeowner, he closed the door and continued walking down the street as though nothing had happened. Another resident of the home saw the elderly man walk down the street, again trying the doors of vehicles he passed, until he realized he was being watched and left the area.

Neighbors happened to notice someone opening their car door, which is usually locked – They share this as a reminder and a warning.

Our neighbors did report this to police and shared footage from their security camera. “I just want to promote awareness… an old man was walking around our neighborhood and trying to open car doors” our neighbor said. “I believe with the intention of getting valuable items.”

Upon seeing the resident come out to their car, the elderly man closed the vehicle door and continued on down the street as though nothing happened. If you recognize this person, please contact SSFPD – a report has been filed.

There appears to have been an increase of property crimes all over, and within our own City as well. “Everyone can be aware or can be on a look out with their cars and valuables” our neighbor advised.

*Another neighbor, after reporting a property crime incident to the police, said she heard ten cars were stolen the night before. Criminals are getting more and more brazen by the hour, even in broad daylight when people are home and out and about. “My converter was ripped out in broad daylight at 10:30 am! This is after our van was stolen by the same thieves only hours before!” said our neighbor who lives on Larch Avenue in the Sterling Terrace neighborhood, near Sign Hill.  “There were lots of kids were around, it’s getting dangerous and I think our neighbors need to be aware of what’s going on!”

The neighbor went on to say, when she reported this crime she learned of others having similar issues. “During attempted theft, in another neighborhood, someone caught them in the act and when they tried to stop the thieves they ran into him with their car. The thieves left only to come back later and rip out their converter anyway!”

Our Larch Avenue neighbor further explains with this shared photo above

“This is my car, theft happened today at 10:30am via time stamp on video (above), my 5yr old grandson and, neighborhood children missed running into them by 3 minutes!
Plus our work van was stolen from our driveway just hrs. before, at 2:30am.
The van was recovered from the Bayview Hunters Point area and was completely emptied of all tools and equipment, at least 10k worth!
I wish I could zoom in, you can see how converter and muffler were violently ripped from my car.”

*And again this week, a third neighbor shares their security camera caught two people, a man and a woman, attempting to enter their backyard at 6:30pm. “They came from across the street” that neighbor reported. “And they attempted to get in through one side gate yet were unsuccessful. They then walked past the front door and attempted to get into our second side gate. “

This couple, unknown to the resident, attempted to enter their yard yet extra locks made their attempt unsuccessful.

Neighbors are understandably anxious over these current trends and continue to share with one another photos and videos to help alert each other.

Persistent, when one gate was too securely looked, the suspect attempted to open another gate, while the woman was looking out. Again the attempts were unsuccessfully

“There is no reason why they or anyone would need to get into our yard” the frustrated resident said. “And after they were unsuccessful on their second attempt they headed up the block!”

For 2+ years now Catalytic Converters have been stolen at a very high rate in California due to valuable metal inside. Toyota Prius has been a huge target, older Honda Accords with the SULEV engine/exhaust system have been targeted at high rate. Many other vehicles have been hit as well. These Catalytic converter thieves can cut off the catalyst and be gone in about 2mins or so.

It’s time for our state government and local governments to work together with the police to bust these people who are ripping off the converters from us and selling them. Since they are stealing and selling a emissions device that would cause the vehicle to pollute more until the catalyst is replaced, you would think the CA government would crack down big time on these thieves causing more emission pollution. A sting could easily be setup with a few Prius parked and a few police / undercover ready to roll and put a end to this.

If you feel it’s time for state and or local governments to act , let your voice be heard. Sign and Share!  CLICK HERE for PETITION

 

Have you found a way to reduce your risk of being a victim?

Let us know in the comment section below.