SFPD Announces Arrests Made In Most Recent Retail Theft Operations in the South of Market Neighborhood since Increased Enforcements at the Beginning of This Year 25-158

104 suspects arrested and cited between September and December

The San Francisco Police Department announced 104 arrests and misdemeanor citations in the most recent targeted blitz operations and enforcement on combating organized retail crime targeting businesses within the jurisdiction of SFPD Southern Station between September and December this year:

• 81 misdemeanor citations were issued for Petty Theft (490.2(a) PC). Numerous subjects were simultaneously cited for narcotics-related violations discovered during the investigation.
• 23 subjects were arrested and booked into San Francisco County Jail for varying offenses, including:
  • Robbery
  • Petty Theft with 2 prior convictions
  • Conspiracy to commit crime
  • Vandalism of fire safety equipment
  • Theft-related warrants
  • Arrest Warrants for other felonious crimes
  • Probation violations

SFPD Southern Station uniform officers and SFPD Organized Retail Crime Taskforce plainclothes officers have worked closely with store employees and loss prevention teams to identify retail theft offenders frequenting their establishments. Some of the suspects were arrested and cited during the crime in progress.

Employees of grocery stores, convenience stores, and retail stores assisted SFPD officers with executing these blitz operations. Through the course of investigations, employees have reported a high number of theft incidents targeting their stores, and suspects at times became violent towards store employees.

Since the beginning of this year, SFPD Southern Station and citywide blitz enforcement operations have been working closely with businesses and merchants on employing both high-visibility patrols, targeted and strategic increased enforcement initiatives to deter theft and hold offenders accountable.

“Ensuring businesses have a safe environment to thrive has been one of SFPD’s top priorities,” said SFPD Police Chief Derrick Lew. “Our message is clear: If you commit a crime in San Francisco, you will be held accountable. SFPD has been deploying additional resources and conducting targeted retail operations to combat these offenses within the Southern Police District. I want to thank the hard work by our SFPD police officers, retail businesses, and their employees for their continued partnership to keep our neighborhoods safe.”

The Southern District encompasses the South of Market area, the Embarcadero, China Basin, Mission Bay, Treasure Island, and Yerba Buena Island.

“San Francisco will not tolerate criminals attacking hardworking employees trying to make an honest living, nor will we tolerate the theft of merchandise,” SFPD Southern Station Captain Amy Hurwitz said. “No matter how small the dollar amount may be, if an individual has prior convictions for theft and decides to steal again, they will be held accountable and brought to jail. These crimes have a profound impact on the cornerstones of our community, which are our businesses. These suspects are jeopardizing the safety of those working and visiting for legitimate reasons. I want to thank our hard-working officers who continuously staff these blitz operations and diligently pursue crime to ensure the city is a safe place for businesses and shoppers.” 

As part of funding awarded by the Organized Retail Theft Grant Program (BSCC 1170- 23) through the Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC), SFPD is committed to addressing the issue that has greatly affected our community. Our officers have made dozens of ORC arrests in recent months and will continue to conduct these operations throughout San Francisco to reduce theft at local businesses.

The San Francisco Police Department thanks our business partners in the Southern Police District for their continued assistance. The overall success of these operations would not be possible without their collaboration, along with the dedication of Southern Station police officers.

SFPD remains committed to holding criminals accountable across the city. These operations will continue for the foreseeable future. The SFPD recognizes there is much more work to be done and looks forward to partnering with additional business establishments to combat organized retail thefts that impact our businesses and the safety of their employees the most.