Each Saturday, we dish up a helping of crime and safety news in the FiDi, North Beach and other northeastern neighborhoods, based on daily recaps from the SFPD. (Here's the most recent one.) As a result, we've noticed a few trends: smartphone muggings, purse snatchings, ATM robberies and more.

We asked SFPD Central Station's Capt. David Lazar to give us some insight and tips on protecting yourself, particularly during the holidays. If you're the victim of a crime, first and foremost, you should call SFPD to report it. "In all cases of theft, please report it to the police," Lazar said. “We will work to investigate it, we will look for video evidence, and we will try our very best to capture the person responsible.”

Here are some other tips to stay safe while enjoying the city this season:

Advice For Santas: Stay (Relatively) Sober

This Saturday is the 21st anniversary of SantaCon, the pre-Christmas bar-hop of thousands of Santa doppelgängers. It starts at Union Square and fans out citywide. Participants are asked to bring a toy to donate to the SF Fire Department truck in front of the Handlery Union Square Hotel (351 Geary St.) Check the SantaCon Facebook page for more details.

The best way to avoid trouble during SantaCon is to stay sober, or at least somewhat sober. In fact, item number four on the list of guidelines for SantaCon is "Don't get drunk."

Photo: Amy/The Dustfish Contingency/Flickr

But if you do partake of too much eggnog, Capt. Lazar is setting up a "satellite sobering center" near Central Station, where volunteer medical personnel can help soused Santas. No more trips to the county jail in the special SFPD sleigh.

"This is more efficient," Capt. Lazar said. "It helps individuals; it doesn't go on their record." He didn't have specifics on where the center would be yet, but he'll also have officers deployed around the bar-heavy areas, so drinkers should aim to keep things nice, not naughty. Only jolly Santas who aren't causing trouble get the benefit of the sobering center.

Be Suspicious of Sinister Santas 

Last year and the year before during SantaCon, the SFPD saw cases of sinister Santas who committed crimes and then slipped into the crowd, mixing with the thousands of other Santas on the street. Capt. Lazar warns everyone to keep an eye out for anyone acting suspicious, particularly in places of business.

That includes bars. "Some bars that have participated in the past have told us this year they WILL NOT WELCOME SANTAS," the SantaCon Facebook page says. "Make sure to check back here to avoid going to a bar that will not welcome jolly Santas."

Don't Drink and Drive

"There’s absolutely no reason why anyone should drink any alcoholic beverage and get behind the wheel,” says Capt. Lazar. The captain should know—he was injured in October after being hit by a drunk driver. Walk or use public transit, taxis or rideshare services if you plan to drink. 

Photo: SFPD

Watch For Shoulder Surfing at ATMs

There's been a rash of incidents where people using ATMs were shoved out of the way or intimidated into allowing robbers to withdraw money. "Make sure you’re watching what’s happening around you and behind you," Lazar told us. "If you feel someone is coming up to you, do your best to hit the 'cancel' key and cancel the transaction, if possible."

If someone does take over your account, "it’s not worth it for your own safety fighting over it. Get away, get a good description, call 911 and remind officers where it occurred. Especially if there’s video on the ATM, we may be able to determine who may be involved."

Photo: Geri Koeppel/Hoodline

Keep Your Phone Hidden and Your Purse Close

Capt. Lazar didn't have exact statistics, but confirmed what we saw anecdotally in the crime recaps: there was a spike in muggings in October and into November, but he's seen a decline in the last couple of weeks. Nonetheless, smartphone thefts and purse snatchings have been a repeat theme in the recaps.

To help reduce your risk, he says, "Always be aware of your surroundings. Try not to carry a lot of valuables or cash. Safeguard your property by keeping your purse in front of you or your wallet in your front pocket. Try not to use your phone whenever possible in public, especially when walking around." Thieves will see you're distracted, and it opens an opportunity. Also—getting back to SantaCon—don't walk around intoxicated, and don't walk alone late at night.

Photo: Geri Koeppel/Hoodline

Purses stolen off of tabletops have also made a few of the recent crime reports. With so many holiday parties and festivities occurring, it can be easy to absentmindedly leave a bag unattended. Whether it's on a table, hanging on the back of a chair or under the bar, don't assume it'll be there when you get back. Take it with you at all times. Same goes for electronics.

Lock Out Hot Prowlers

Citywide, there have been a number of reports of hot prowl burglaries, Capt. Lazar said. Many are due to people leaving doors or windows unlocked. Those with garage door openers shouldn't in vehicles parked outside, because that allows thieves to open a garage and get into your home.

Just because your property is garaged doesn't mean it's safe, either. "We continue to see garages broken into and bicycles taken," Lazar added. "If you have a common garage with a bicycle, you need to think twice about leaving it there, and if you leave it there, have proper steps to secure it."

Some Good News

On the upside, Capt. Lazar said it looks like auto burglaries, on the rise for much of 2015, are taking a dip. "I’ve noticed a slight decline," he said. "I think it’s because of the weather and because we’re slightly off of the tourist season. I’m noticing a slight decrease. I’m hoping that our outreach efforts and work in the community have made a difference in that area."

Photo: Geri Koeppel/Hoodline

In other positive news, more officers are being added all the time to help keep locals safe. "Since I started at Central Station in May 2014, we have added 14 more officers," Capt. Lazar said. "We just had three new officers assigned from this latest academy class, which is very helpful, and more classes are coming."

Central got a bump in personnel after its borders expanded due to redistricting, but the department is hiring 400 people overall in the next year, he said.