[Reprinted from The Richmond Police Station Newsletter of November 23, 2011. To be added to the station’s mailing list, email sfpd.richmond.station@sfgov.org.]
CAPTAIN KEITH SANFORD’S MESSAGE
During our holiday season I want to express traffic and personal safety concerns for our citizens throughout the Richmond District and our City. We anticipate having increased traffic due to shoppers coming into the City and using our major street corridors to access downtown and the north/south bay. Daylight savings time is also a factor as darkness comes earlier causing visibility to be more difficult while driving and walking. When we are operating our vehicles it would be vitally important to slow down, observe the traffic signals/lights and most importantly watch for “PEDESTRIANS”. There will be seniors, children and families frequenting our businesses, restaurants and walking to their homes during these holidays.
The Safe Shoppers Program will be implemented during the holidays as officers will be present in the major shopping corridors and Muni Transit lines to ensure safety. It is important to attempt to shop with others or in groups, as it is safe in numbers. Do not place purchased gifts or property in open areas of your vehicles as this will stop individual from attempting to steal or break into your cars. Keep credit cards and cash inside your pockets, primarily front pockets to avoid pickpocket type of opportunities by criminals.
If you see suspicious individuals in or about your community or businesses, please notify our SFPD dispatch so that we can respond to the area and resolve any concerns.
I had the opportunity to meet with the President of the Police Advisory Board, David Lee to discuss traffic safety concerns relating to the Richmond District. It is the opinion that we need to educate our community on their responsibility of operating vehicles on our streets in a safe manner. The Advisory Board has a pamphlet which informs motorists and citizens as to the fines that can be issued through citations by the SFPD when violations occur. David also spoke of pedestrian right a way and jaywalking issues. We want our citizens to be safe when you operate a motor vehicle as well as when you are walking.
Our past community meeting held on 11/15/2011 at 7pm., had representatives from the MTA discussing the “Red Light Camera” program in our district. The presentation was quite informative and was well received by those in attendance. I would like to thank, Ellen Chin for choosing November 2011 speaker.
Have a safe and wonderful Thanksgiving!!!
NOTEWORTHY ARRESTS
On 11/13 at 3:14am, officers were patrolling the area of 25th and Geary when the observed the suspect, obviously intoxicated, stumble and almost fall to the ground. The officers stop to check on him and in conducting a pat search for weapons found a replica handgun in his waistband. Upon further inspection it was determined that it was an airsoft pistol. The 20 year old male was charged with being in possession of the pistol and public intoxication.
On 11/15 at 1am, officers were called to the area of 25th Ave and Seacliff on a report of males driving golf carts on the street. As officers arrived to the area, they observed 3 golf carts traveling east on California St towards 24th Ave with approximately 7 occupants on them. When they saw the patrol cars they abandoned the carts and scattered. Officers searched the area and found 2 of the juveniles hiding behind cars. The 16 and 17 year olds were charged with possession of stolen property and released to their parents. The carts were returned to the nearby golf course.
On 11/16 at 1am, officers were called to an assault on the 500 block of Clement St . When they arrived they observed the door man from a local bar trying to hold the suspect down on the ground. The officers attempted to detain the suspect who began to kick at the officers and violently resist. The officers were finally able to detain the suspect after he bit an officer in the hand, causing an injury to the officer. The door man told the officers that the suspect attempted to come into the bar but was refused because of his belligerent behavior. He tried to shove his way past the doorman and when another employee tried to assist, the suspect grabbed the other employee around the neck and tried to shove him to the ground. The 19 year old male was charged with aggravated assault and resisting arrest.
On 11/20 at 2:07am, officers were called to the area of the 400 block of Clement St regarding 6 males spray painting a building. When the officers arrived they saw several males standing in front of the building, who then walked away when they saw the officers. One of the males was holding a plastic shopping bag and when the officers told him to stop he dropped the bag and ran west on Clement St. When the bag fell to the ground a red spray paint can fell out. The officers detained the male on the 500 block of Clement St. The officers discovered 4 other cans of paint in the plastic bag and the colors matched what had been painted on the wall. The 17 year old male was charged with vandalism and released to his grandfather.
NOTEWORTHY INCIDENTS
Between 11/17, 7pm and 11/18, 8am on the 3100 block of Geary, two different businesses were broken into. The suspect gained entry into the first building via a rear window then kicked open an interior door. The loss is still being determined.
In the second building the suspect made entry by climbing into a rear window. In this incident cash was taken.
Between 11/17, 8pm and 11/18, 4am on the 3900 block of Geary, a suspect gained entry into a business by smashing out the window on a glass door. The suspect took cash.
On 11/18 between 10am and 10pm on the 300 block of El Camino Del Mar, a suspect gained entry into a residence by climbing on scaffolding and entering through an unlocked window. The suspect took jewelry.
On 11/20 at 11:20am, officers were called to the 3200 block of Jackson regarding a male who had scaled the front of a vacant building and climbed through a window. A search was conducted with the assistance of a canine unit, but the suspect had fled the scene.
On 11/20, between 12pm and 4pm on the 300 block of 22nd Ave, a suspect gained entry into a garage and took a bike and 6 bottles of wine. The garage door had been left open.
On 11/21 at 11am, a 77 year old male received a phone call at home from a female claiming to be his granddaughter. She told him that she was out of the country and needed money. The male sent $2500 through Western Union. On 11/22 he received another call from a woman who said she was calling from the Spanish Embassy and that his granddaughter needed another $2400 to fly home. At this point he called his son who told him that the granddaughter was not out of the country.