San Francisco Police Make Arrest in OMI Serial Vandalism Investigation 21-121
In April of 2021 investigators from the Taraval Station Neighborhood Team (TNT) began an investigation into a series of vandalism crimes in the Ocean Avenue area of San Francisco. The investigation led to the identity of Steven Gaffney, 43 of San Francisco as a suspect. Investigators determined that Gaffney was responsible for a series of window smash vandalisms and burglaries in the Taraval, Ingleside, Mission and Central Police Districts.
On June 21, 2021, at approximately 9:15 p.m., Taraval Station officers located and arrested Gaffney on the 100 block of Holloway Avenue. Gaffney was later booked at the San Francisco County Jail for the following: three counts of burglary (459 PC, 2nd degree), thirteen counts of felony vandalism (594(b)(1) PC), three counts of possession of burglary tools (466 PC), committing a felony while armed with a deadly weapon (12022(b)(1) PC, and a probation violation (1203.2(a) PC). Gaffney is on probation in San Francisco for a prior vandalism incident.
The cost of damages to victim businesses is estimated to be over $35,000.
While an arrest has been made, this remains an open investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call the SFPD TIP line at 1-415-575-4444 or Text a Tip to TIP411 and begin the text message with SFPD.
“I am grateful to the Taraval Station officers and investigation team for their hard work and diligence. As our City recovers from this terrible pandemic, we must support our small businesses and protect the community from violence,” said Supervisor Myrna Melgar. “I look forward to continuing to work with the department to ensure safety and collaboration to maintain the public order and support the conditions for our neighborhoods to thrive. I am appreciative of the good work of our beat officers and their community policing approach that rely on their relationships and knowledge of people and businesses here”.
“I want to thank Supervisor Melgar for supporting Taraval Station Officers and being a strong proponent of community safety. The Taraval Neighborhood Team (TNT) in collaboration with our foot beat officers did an outstanding job of working together to identify Steven Gaffney and take him into custody. I hope it is a relief to community members and business owners along Ocean Ave to know an arrest has been made,” – Captain Nicholas Rainsford, Taraval Police Station.