Crime and safety incidents in the Castro have tapered off a bit since our last update, but we still have plenty to tell you about, including growing concerns over discarded needles, robberies, and an attempted arson, as reported by the SFPD. We've also got some info on an upcoming training for those interested in neighborhood safety patrols.
Needles On Steps & Sidewalks
A recent Duboce Triangle Neighborhood Association Facebook post from Brice G. raised concerns over used needles in the area:
More needles on our steps for my kid to find on his way to school. I'd really appreciate some advice as to how to address this, as it's now a weekly occurrence.
A Nextdoor user also noted the issue, and inquired about what to do.
"I know the Health Department is working on getting more [needle disposal] boxes out in neighborhoods," said Rachel Gordon of San Francisco Public Works. "Our Pit Stop program started a year ago and has eight locations, with a ninth on the way. Each of those also has disposal boxes."
Gordon couldn't verify if there had been an increase in the number of used needles reported around the neighborhood. We're still awaiting word on that front from the Department of Public Health (SFDPH), and will update accordingly. In the meantime, the SFDPH offers instructions on how to report used needles for cleanup.
Foiled Hot Prowl
On September 7th at 1:57am, in a residence along Church Street, a woman heard a noise in her kitchen. Upon entering the kitchen, she saw a man coming through her window. The suspect immediately exited and fled on foot. No arrests were made.
Assault & Robbery
Slightly later on the 7th, at 3am, a 26-year-old man was punched in the face by another man on Castro Street between 17th and 18th. The suspect took the victim's property, including his wallet, cell phone, and laptop. No arrest was made, and there is no additional description for the suspect.
"Demonic" Arson Attempt
On September 10th at 3:30pm, officers encountered a 25-year-old man lighting paper on fire in a public stairway near 19th & Sanchez. According to the SFPD, the man claimed that he was getting rid of demons. The officers detained him on a 5150, based on his mental state and danger to others.
Armed Robber Apprehended
On September 12th at 6:30pm, a woman, 26, attempted to steal items from a store on Market Street between Dolores and Church. She was confronted by three security guards and brandished a knife, pointing it at each of them. None of the guards were injured, and the suspect was arrested.
Upcoming CCOP Volunteer Training
You may remember our profile of Castro Community on Patrol (CCOP) from last month, in which we followed them on a night's patrol around the neighborhood. For those interested in volunteering, CCOP has an upcoming volunteer training session on Saturday, Sept. 19th at 1pm. Pre-registration is required via the group's website.
Update: As commenter homophile notes, there will be a community meeting at the Eureka Valley Library (1 Jose Sarria Court) with Scott Wiener and the SFPD on Wednesday, Sept 16th at 9am "to discuss the increase in people camping out and leaving waste around 16th and Market and the library."
Let us know in the comments below if we missed anything, and continue to send in tips on safety news and/or crimes you may have witnessed here, or via Facebook and Twitter.
