In a visible response to recent retail thefts, the Dior store at Union Square in San Francisco has bolstered its security with the installation of hefty barricades. These large metal barriers, known as bollards and commonly found surrounding important federal buildings, have been placed strategically to protect the shopfront from vehicular smash-and-grab thefts—a method that has repeatedly targeted high-end retailers in the area. Hoodline SF visited the location to catch a glance of the store's enhanced defenses and found their appearance, though reminiscent of something you might see guarding the U.S. Mint, actually harmonizes with Dior's upscale aesthetic while serving a protective function.

Dior was the victim of such a smash-and-grab incident about one month ago.

The trend of vehicular break-ins has prompted action at a city level as well. Outgoing Mayor London Breed, according to an ABC7 News report, pushed for an easier process for businesses to install such barriers. Breed's administration sought to quickly enhance security measures in this high-traffic area. Marisa Rodriguez of the Union Square Alliance expressed appreciation for the city's support, though details on any financial backing from the city remain unclear.

While Union Square retailers like Dior are just beginning to erect such defenses, Oakland businesses have preemptively adopted similar security measures. As reported by SFGATE, San Francisco Public Works spokesperson Rachel Gordon confirmed that the department is collaborating with local stores on the installation of bollards and decorative planters. Oakland's Howden Market and Wise Sons Jewish Delicatessen experienced firsthand the damaging effects of vehicle crashes, with the latter sustaining over $250,000 in damages from such incidents in recent years.

These fortifications arrive in the wake of a series of high-profile burglaries in Union Square's luxury shopping district. A year prior, Dior's store was victimized by thieves who utilized a vehicle to break through its entrance and make off with merchandise. Police Chief Bill Scott, in the wake of the heist, indicated the abundance of evidence at their disposal to pursue the perpetrators, as detailed in a San Francisco Chronicle article. While arrests were made following a similar event at the same location, the threat persists, leading to these latest preventative strategies.

The District Attorney's office has also made it clear that such criminal behavior will be met with vigorous prosecution. Referring to a past burglary at the Dior boutique, District Attorney Brooke Jenkins stated, "This conduct is completely unacceptable and will be prosecuted vigorously," in a report from CBS News San Francisco. With the recent installation of bollards and improved law enforcement attention, retailers in Union Square hope to see a reduction in these forceful theft attempts and ensure the security of both their merchandise and their storefronts.