Police Blotter – August 15, 2014

[Reprinted from The Richmond Police Station Newsletter of August 15, 2014. To be added to the station’s mailing list, email sfpd.richmond.station@sfgov.org.]

CAPTAIN SIMON SILVERMAN’S MESSAGE
This week, I want to let you know about 2 scams that I have talked before, but that have resurfaced.

The first is a fundraising scam where people pose as youth or staff of the Boys & Girls Clubs of San Francisco (BGCSF). The imposters ask for donations in public locations in the Richmond District and other parts of the City. They use the logo of BGCSF and carry official-looking documents. However, the BGCSF does not endorse or participate in street canvassing, so this is a scam. If you are approached on the street by people collecting money who pretend to be from BGCSF, please call the SFPD at 415-553-0123. If you would like to safely make a donation to BGCSF please visit their website at www.kidsclub.org.

The second scam involves a phony phone call from a person claiming to be from the IRS. Usually they say that you owe back taxes and that local police are coming to arrest you right now unless you send them money. They will often demand that the money be sent through a wire transfer, money cards or some other non-refundable method. The SFPD does not arrest people for tax violations and the IRS does not demand payment through untraceable sources. The best thing to do is hang up on the scammers and refuse to answer if they call back. Although they may have your name and address they are probably nowhere near you and may not even be in the US. There have been no reports of someone actually showing up in person as part of this scam. If you are concerned that you actually do owe the IRS money, contact the IRS yourself (not through the call back number that the scammers provide).

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NOTEWORTHY ARRESTS
On 08/12/2014, at 4:44 pm, Richmond Station Officers Responded to the 500 block of El Camino Del Mar regarding a report of a suspicious person in a residence. Police dispatch was able to provide responding police units with a description of the vehicle and the person. One of the witnesses contacted at the scene stated that he was painting the interior of a residence when he saw an unknown subject enter through the back door. The witness confronted the male and asked what the he was doing in the premise. The subject said he was working for the property manager as he then continued to remove items from the premise. Officers later contacted the suspect who had left the general area in a black “Mini” while exiting from the side exit of another address a short distance away. When the male was asked what he was doing, he told officers he worked for “Zillow Real Estate” and was the company owner. Officers determined that the vehicle being driven was in fact stolen from Mini of San Francisco earlier in the day. Items from earlier burglaries were recovered from the vehicle and a representative of “Mini” responded to the area and recovered the vehicle. The suspect in this incident was booked for multiple felony violations

On 08/09/2014, at 2:02 am, Officers on regular patrol in the area of Baker and California were dispatched to check on the well-being of driver “sleeping at the wheel” of a black BMW. The initial call was made by a concerned citizen who said that the vehicle was creating a hazard. The officers contacted the occupant was displaying the objective signs of alcohol intoxication. The female driver was later booked at County Jail for DUI and other violations.

On 08/08/2014, at 10:35 pm, Officers on patrol in the area of Baker and Post St. observed a vehicle double parked in the street, which was causing an issue for other road users in the area. The officers contacted the occupant who was in the driver’s seat to advise him regarding the safety issue which he was creating. A computer query revealed that the driver was never issued a license in the State of California. The driver was cited for both violations.

On 08/10/2014, at 5:45 pm, Officers working the Outside Lands Event were directed to contact a troublesome male outside the event. The male was being troublesome to event staff and trying to repeatedly “jump the fence.” While interviewing the subject it was discovered that he was in possession of a quantity of hallucinogenic narcotics. The male was booked at Park Station on felony possession charges.

On 08/10/2014, at 4:30 pm, Officers working the Outside Lands Event were flagged down by an individual regarding a person selling narcotics. The witness directed officers to the suspect who was immediately detained. While conducting their investigation, Officers discovered quantities of various narcotics which were seized and later booked into evidence. The male was arrested and booked at the Northern Station for multiple felony violations.

On 08/12/2014, at 9:00 pm, Officers at Richmond Station were reviewing information regarding active arrest warrants within the district. During this review the officers discovered an active warrant for an individual on Post St. The officers responded to the wanted felon’s home address and made contact. They made this felony arrest without incident.

NOTEWORTHY INCIDENTS
On 08/12/2014, at about 7:43 pm, Officers responded to the area of 2400 Geary blvd regarding a robbery which had just occurred. The victim stated that she had just used the ATM at the Bank of America when she was approached by a male with a “black semi-automatic handgun.” The male demanded the victims Iphone and purse and then fled the scene in a vehicle. While walking home the victim in this incident contacted a female who stated that she had also been robbed.

On 08/12/2014, at about 7:40 pm, Officers responded to the 400 block of 38th Ave and spoke to the husband of a female who was robbed in the area of 38th Ave. and Anza. The victim saw a vehicle approaching her and a suspect jumped from the vehicle. The suspect had a “silver revolver” and engaged in a brief struggle for the victim’s purse. After the victim fell to the ground, she saw the suspect run to his waiting car and flee north on 38th Ave. The victim refused medical attention at the time of this incident. The investigation continues into both these incidents…

On 08/12/2014, at 11:00 am, Officers responded to the 500 block of 47th Ave. regarding a burglary of a residence under construction. At the scene they contacted the contractor who stated that he had locked and secured the premise the night before. When workers arrived at the house the following morning they discovered that the locks had been forced and entry made by unknown subjects. A number of tools were taken in this incident and the investigation continues.

On 08/10/2014, Richmond District Officers were contacted by a female who stated that her son was missing and at risk. The mother was able to provide a digital picture which was transmitted via department issued cell phone to officers working the Outside Lands Event. Due to this, the missing at risk person was located in the area of 36th and Fulton St.

On 08/10/2014, at about 3:30 am, Officers responded to the area of Post and Scott regarding a reported robbery. Officers contacted the female victim and her friend who said that while sitting on a park bench they were approached by an unknown male. The victim who was talking on her Iphone 5 was grabbed from behind. The suspect said to the victim, “you be quiet now or I will shoot you.” Fearing that the suspect may indeed have a gun, the victim released hold on her iphone. The victim’s friend approached and started kicking and screaming at the suspect who then fled on foot towards Geary. The victim in this incident declined medical treatment at the scene. The investigation continues…

We are still suffering from vehicle break-ins along Fulton St. and around the Sutro Baths – Point Lobos Areas. We are actively addressing the vehicle break-ins that occur but we also need the assistance of the general public in this endeavor. We would ask you to follow these general guidelines.

• You should lock doors and windows, even if the car’s in front of your home.
• Remove valuables from your automobile.
• Remove ‘pull-out’ style radio face plates (if equipped).
• Park in well lit areas when possible.
• Park where your car will be easily & frequently viewed (natural surveillance).
• Park in your garage if you have one.
• Use a car alarm, it will alert anyone nearby.
• Never leave your car running or the keys in the ignition when you’re away from it, even for a short time.
• Use anti-theft devices like “The Club” or an alarm system. You may get a discount on your auto insurance.
• You should never leave portable electronic devices such as smart phones and GPS navigation systems in a vehicle.