Since our last crime and safety recap, we've gotten plenty of crime updates from tipsters, businesses, community websites, and the SFPD. Most notably, many local businesses have come forward with reports of recent burglaries, some of which share a similar break-in method. (All reports below come via the SFPD, unless otherwise noted.)
Witnesses Help Detain Phone Robbery Suspect
On March 21st at 10pm, a woman, 34, was texting when a younger man, 15, grabbed her phone and struggled with her. The suspect overpowered the woman and fled on foot. People in the area stopped and detained the suspect until police could arrive. The suspect was arrested and the phone and headphones were returned to the victim.
Eureka Street Vehicle Rollover
We reported on a vehicle rollover on March 24th around 8:55pm near Eureka and Market. The vehicle, a Mercedes-Benz, apparently lost control, hit something, and rolled over. Upon hearing the loud noise of the crash, neighbors called 911 and assisted the two occupants until emergency personnel arrived on scene and helped the occupants out of the vehicle through the sunroof. Both appeared shaken up but not injured, and were transported to the hospital for further evaluation.
Henry Street Hot Prowl
An anonymous tipster told us about a frightening incident in their Henry Street apartment on March 25th.
"Around 4:50am, a man entered my apartment through the bathroom window. Luckily my boyfriend heard the noise and got up thinking it was me coming home from work. When he turned the lights on, he saw a strange man in the kitchen. My boyfriend opened the door and told him to get out. The man took off running. The police came out and took a report."
SFPD confirmed the incident in their report and listed the male suspect as appearing to be 25-30. No arrest has been made.
Castro Retail Burglaries
Multiple local businesses have noted increased incidents of burglary as of late. We recently covered break-ins at Jungle Red Salon and Zapata Mexican Grill, as well as at Crystal Way. All three of these businesses had burglars using crowbars to either pry open doors and windows, or to smash a window as accomplices looked out for witnesses and police.
Burglars also hit Church Street, with Karizma being broken into on March 27th, early in the morning. An employee, who wanted to remain anonymous, confirmed that the front door was smashed, but could not comment on any items being stolen as an SFPD investigation was underway.
Even smaller items are being stolen from the front of businesses. Pet supply shop Best In Show, at 545 Castro St., reported that an A-frame sign was stolen from the sidewalk in front of the shop.
"If anyone in the neighborhood sees it, or you have any questions, could you please email [email protected] or call Richard at 415-336-3120 or 415-864-7387? Thanks very much in advance."
Francesco D'Ippolito, the owner of Poesia at 4072 18th St., also sent in a tip about the security issues his business has dealt with.
"My restaurant has been broken in twice in the last year. They came through the back window, coming from the backyard. Now I installed cameras hoping this won't happen again."
Noe Street Hot Prowl
On March 28th at 2am, a man, 22-26, entered a house near Noe and 14th by crawling through the front window. The suspect stole a wallet, currency, and credit and ID cards before moving further into the house. He opened a door and was confronted by someone in the house. The suspect fled with the items and no arrest has been made.
Robbery With Handgun
A man, 31, was robbed by two men, 19-23, on March 29th at 11:19pm near Grandview Avenue and Market. The suspects drove up to the victim in a black 4-door vehicle and pointed a handgun at the victim, demanding his cell phone. The victim gave them the phone and the suspects fled in their vehicle along Grandview. No arrests have been made.
Midday Duboce Carjacking
We reported on a March 31st midday carjacking in Duboce Triangle. At 2pm, a man, 58, was dropping off a passenger near Church and Duboce, when another man hopped into the driver's seat (the keys were in the ignition and the engine was running). The vehicle's owner tried to stop the thief and was punched multiple times by the suspect, who then drove away with the vehicle while the victim held on. The thief then slammed on the brakes, throwing the victim to the ground, before driving off. The victim suffered abrasions to his hands and knees, but refused medical treatment, and neither the car or the suspect have been located.
Dolores Park Robbery With Knife
On April 1st at 5am, a 23-year-old man was walking near 19th and Dolores when another man, 35, exited a gray van, brandished a knife, and demanded the younger man's property. The victim complied, and the suspect took a cell phone, credit and ID cards, and a medical card. No arrest has been made.
Vehicle Break-Ins
Nextdoor users report regularly on smashed windows and other vehicle break-ins, but there seems to be a higher frequency of user posts as of late. Incidents near Duboce, along Divisadero, and at Douglass Street include video evidence of thieves doing casing before breaking in, vandals at work, and burglars using screwdrivers to wedge open car door windows.
Did we miss any recent crimes around the neighborhood? Let us know in the comments below. If you've got info on a crime or neighborhood safety issue to share, send us a tip here or add a comment below.
