Capt. Sandra Tong: Police Beat

Holiday Safety Tips

Holiday shoppers often fall prey to opportunistic crooks. By following some safety tips, hopefully you will eliminate the chance of becoming a victim this holiday shopping season:

· If you must carry a purse, try to keep your keys and wallet separate. Purse snatchers do not stop to see what's in the purse before fleeing the area with their loot;

· When using public transportation, make sure the zippers and snaps on your purse or backpack are securely fastened and try to keep your purse in front of you so you can see it at all times. Carry wallets in front pants pockets. This will make it more difficult for pickpockets on crowded buses or trains to remove items from your possession;

· Don't leave packages and other valuables visible in your automobile. If you must put something of value in your trunk, do it before you get to your destination. It makes no sense to hide something if you make a public display of where you're hiding it;

· Pay attention to your surroundings, especially when using ATM machines;

· When shopping at night, park in staffed parking lots and walk in well-lighted areas. If possible, especially at night, try to go shopping with a companion. More often than not, it's the lone shopper muggers like to prey upon.

Be Aware of Your Surroundings

In late September through late October, there have been reports of a suspicious individual frequenting the district. The suspicious male approaches the victim and attempts to engage the victim in conversation - often with sexual overtones. This individual is described as a white male in his late 20s or early 30s, weighing about 200 pounds, wearing blue mirror sunglasses and a sweatshirt.

Be aware of your surroundings and individuals on the street or sitting in vehicles. Practice individual safety by traveling in groups and on well-lit or well-traveled streets. Never hesitate to call the police if you see an individual matching the above description or any individual that you feel is acting suspicious towards you or someone else. The non-emergency police number is 553-0123; in an emergency, call 911. If you have information, you may call the Richmond Station tip line at 668-7387.

Robbery Series

Richmond Station and the SFPD Robbery Detail are working diligently to apprehend a suspect responsible for a series of strong-arm robberies near Pacific Heights. To date, there are possibly six muggings attributed to one suspect between Oct. 3 and Oct. 20. Victims have described the suspect as a black male, 30 to 40 years old, about six-feet tall and 180 to 250 pounds. He has a mustache and wears dark clothing.

The man responsible for these crimes has proven to be extremely violent. Please notify police if you have any information about the suspect at the numbers previously listed.

Auto Burglar Caught in the Act

On Oct. 10, two of Richmond Station's finest officers proved how rewarding experience, teamwork and diligence can be in confronting a rash of auto thefts in their area. Officers Alvaro Schor and Charles Tanaka have been working together in the Richmond District One Car Sector (Pacific Heights/Western Addition) for several years. On this particular night they were focusing their attention on what appeared to be an increase in auto thefts.

Schor and Tanaka knew the perpetrators were partial to older Toyotas, so they canvassed the area for a few to keep their eyes on. Sure enough, a band of thieves started casing one of the Toyotas the officers had set up observation on. Together with other Richmond District officers, Schor and Tanaka waited until all three suspects unlawfully entered a locked Toyota before closing in on them and arresting them for auto burglary. This is the type of effort and teamwork that I'm proud to say I see at Richmond Station on a daily basis.

Community Meeting

The next community meeting will be held at the Richmond Station's Community Room on Nov. 18, at 1 p.m. There will be guest speakers from the Richmond District Advisory Council and the Richmond District Resource Center for Seniors and Disabled Individuals.

Capt. Sandra Tong is the commanding officer at the Richmond Police Station.