Since our last roundup, there's been an uptick in Castro crime news, including continued business burglaries, a stabbing incident at Jane Warner Plaza, and a very unfortunate minivan. (All reports below come via the SFPD, unless otherwise noted.)
Wheels Of Misfortune
In mid-May, we reported on a tip we received about a minivan on Castro that had been put on blocks and stripped of its hubcaps and tires. Readers of that story shared comments about their own experiences with auto break-ins and theft.
On May 18th, we wrote that Smoke Plus at 4059 18th St. had once again been a victim of burglary. We spoke with an employee who confirmed that the location had been burglarized for the third time in one month, and that the suspect, caught on-camera in all three burglaries, appeared to be the same person. Items stolen included cartons of cigarettes, lighters, rolls of coins, and money in a donation bucket for the AIDS Emergency Fund, which was chained to the counter.
Twin Peaks Viewpoint Robbery
A man, 21, was the victim of a robbery at 10:30pm on May 21st, at the Twin Peaks overlook. He was taking photos when another man, 20-30, pulled up in a dark-colored vehicle, jumped out of the vehicle, and pushed the victim to the ground. The suspect took the victim's bag, passport, and camera before fleeing in his vehicle. The victim sustained a scratch to his cheek from the fall and no arrest was made.
Castro Street Robbery
On May 22nd, a woman, 25, was walking home from the grocery store at 10:25pm when she was robbed near 22nd and Castro. The suspects, two men, 20-30, followed her, ripped her watch from her wrist and purse from her body and fled. No arrests were made.
Himalayan Handicrafts Burglarized
Himalayan Handicrafts, located at 530 Castro St., was another store to be burglarized in the last two weeks. Employees came to open the store on May 23rd, and found that the door had been smashed and glass was on the floor. The store declined to comment any further and we currently have no word from SFPD.
52-year-old male Mark Arroyo, into custody without incident, and the victim is now in stable condition.
Did we miss any recent crimes around the neighborhood? If you've got info on a crime or neighborhood safety issue to share, send us a tip here or add a comment below.