SAN FRANCISCO—The San Francisco Police Department announced that skates and several figure skating dressed that were stolen during an auto burglary have been recovered. According to the SFPD, on January 8 at approximately 8:00 p.m., an auto burglary transpired on the 1600 block of Webster Street. During the burglary, a suitcase containing figure skating dresses and ice skates belonging to a professional ice skater were taken.
Authorities launched an investigation after the victim filed an online report. District Station personnel located evidence that provided several leads in the case that was performed by the Burglary Detail. On January 14 at approximately 4:45 p.m., members of Central Police Station’s Street Crimes Unit conducted an investigation which provided additional details leading investigators to recover the stolen skates and figure skating dresses. The SFPD is working to reunite the victim with her property.
The recovery of the stolen items was a joint effort of the SFPD Investigations Bureau, Burglary Detail and District Station personnel and is part of the Department’s ongoing strategy to reduce auto burglaries. This strategy includes the “Park Smart” crime prevention program, intended to educate the public about the importance of not leaving valuables in parked cars. SFPD District Station captains and the Burglary Detail have been working with community and business groups to inform the public on crime prevention strategies aimed at reducing auto burglaries. The number of foot beat officers has been doubled in an effort to help deter crime, make arrests and educate local communities regarding crime prevention tips.
Members of the Patrol Bureau Task Force (PBTF) which was disbanded in August 2017 have returned to assignments at District Stations where they are sharing their expertise on apprehending auto burglary suspects with patrol and Street Crimes Units. These Street Crimes Units and station investigators handle a majority of auto burglary investigations and collaborate with investigators in the Burglary Detail to focus on serial auto burglars, thefts involving firearms and high value theft cases. The SFPD is working with the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office on matters involving serial offenders to bring possible cases to trial.
In January 2018, San Francisco Police Chief William Scott announced that Mission and Taraval Stations have each been assigned an officer whose job entails dealing with property crimes. These property crime liaison officers will focus on crime prevention, tracking and sharing crime statistics and assisting investigators in solving property crimes within their District. The eight remaining District Stations will assign property crime liaison officers in the coming months.
Authorities are still investigating the auto burglary. Anyone with information is asked to call the San Francisco Police Department’s 24 Hour Tip Line at (415) 575-4444 or Text a Tip to TIP411 and begin the text message with SFPD. Tipsters may remain anonymous.
Written By Casey Jacobs
