South San Francisco's streets are seeing a significant drop in crime rates, thanks to a boost in collaborative efforts from the local police department, lawmakers, and county agencies. The South San Francisco Police Department has announced a sizable reduction in key crime statistics compared to last year, according to a recent Facebook post.
In 2023, the department implemented tactics such as Automated License Plate Reader technology and formed the Community Wellness and Crisis Response Team, resulting in a 62% plummet in catalytic converter thefts, and a 43% decline in commercial burglaries. Vehicle thefts and burglaries both dropped by 12%, while sexual assaults saw a 29% decrease. However, residential burglaries spiked by 24%, a figure skewed due to classifications which included thefts from parking garages, storage units, and motel rooms.
The department’s efforts haven't gone unnoticed—besides the dip in violent and property crimes, they seized 38 illegally possessed firearms, marking a 16% increase from 2022. Robberies ticked up by 12%, nearly half of which were aggressive shoplifting incidents. Officers have been proactive, with 29 arrests down to residential burglaries and 49 pertaining to robberies. Advanced enforcement and investigative practices have been credited for both crime reduction and a bump in apprehending suspects.
It wasn't just crime rates getting addressed in South San Francisco. The city made strides in traffic safety as well, focusing on protecting cyclists and pedestrians. This approach led to a 25% decrease in related accidents and injuries. Drivers were found at fault in over half these cases, a statistic reinforcing the shared responsibility of road safety. Directed traffic enforcement resulted in a 27.5% increase in citations/warnings, a testament to the department's commitment to the C.A.R.E. program’s objectives.
Perhaps one of the more innovative approaches is the city's partnership with Star Vista and San Mateo County which established the Community Wellness and Crisis Response Team. This squad features a mental health clinician working alongside police to respond to mental health emergencies. The initiative is applaudable, with emergency mental health commitments down by 23.4%. The program doesn’t just handle the immediate crisis but also includes follow-up services designed to decrease repeat emergency responses.
Looking ahead, South San Francisco is not resting on its laurels. The Police Department vows to continue its mission to further reduce crime rates and reinforce community partnerships. Those interested in learning more or engaging in the conversation have an opportunity at the Public Safety Town Hall meeting scheduled for March 8, at the Alice Peña Bulos Community Center.
