Capt. Sandra Tong: Police Beat

Gung Hay Fat Choy
The Lunar New Year (Year of the Monkey) came early this year.

On Jan. 22, Richmond Station hosted the extortion prevention and personal safety campaign for the 2004 Lunar New Year. Members of the community, SF SAFE (SafetyAwareness For Everyone), Safety Network, Chinatown Youth Center (CYC), Neighborhood Safety Partnership, Tyrone Jue from the Mayor's Office of Neighborhood Services, SF Supervisor Jake McGoldrick, former Police Chief Alex Fagan and members of the media joined me at the Tat Wong Kung Fu Academy, at 601 Clement St., for this special event.

Following the press conference, SAFE, CYC and members of the police department distributed information pamphlets to businesses along the Geary Boulevard and Clement Street corridors addressing general crime prevention tips and how to report incidents to the police.

Crime Report
We've noticed an increase in the number of residential burglaries in the past few weeks in the Richmond. There are, generally speaking, two methods to gain entry into a premise: Forced entry and unlawful entry. The first method is self-explanatory. The latter method is when a crook takes advantage of an opportunity to enter a building by going through open doors or windows.

The first method is more difficult to prevent; however, reinforced door jambs, good window locks and security systems are a few of the ways which forced entry burglaries can be prevented. The best way to prevent unlawful entry burglaries is to limit the crook's opportunities. That means properly securing doors, windows (including rear windows) and garages.

If you are interested in a free home security consultation of your premise, contact SF SAFE at 673-7233. Please report any suspicious activity in your neighborhoods by calling SFPD dispatch at 553-0123 (non-emergency) or 911 for emergencies.

Auto Booster Captured
Richmond Station caught a habitual auto booster in Golden Gate Park Jan. 23. Officers from Richmond Station were diligently pursuing the arrest of a parolee known for perpetrating numerous auto burglaries in Golden Gate Park - the Stow Lake area in particular - over the past several months. The suspect was especially adept at targeting tourists who are more likely to keep valuables - extra cash, cameras, etc. - in their cars. Officers Lorie Brophy and Gary Mendribil were searching the park for the suspect on Friday, Jan. 23, when he unwittingly walked into Brophy's path as she was patrolling on a bicycle. I bring this to your attention to illustrate the motivation and dedication of the officers at the Richmond Station.

Homicide Investigation
On Friday, Jan. 23, an incident occurred in the intersection of Sutter and Broderick streets in which a person was killed and another possibly wounded. The SFPD Homicide Detail is investigating the incident and is requesting that anyone with information call either Inspector Casillas at 553-1149 or Inspector Walsh at 553-9122.

Traffic Fatality
On Jan. 27, at approximately 3:30 p.m., an 84-year-old man was killed by a motor vehicle as he attempted to cross Park Presidio Boulevard at California Street against a red light. It is very important that pedestrians, as well as motorists, comply with the rules of the road. Please be a responsible pedestrian and motorist to help make traffic safer in our district.

Community Meeting
As I stated in last month's article, in an effort to increase community participation at the monthly meetings, January's Richmond District Community Forum meeting was at St. James Episcopal Church. There was a good turnout for the meeting, with a lot of new faces. The idea of moving the meetings to other locations in the district looks promising. If you are interested in hosting a future meeting and have the facilities to accommodate a large group, feel free to contact me at Richmond Station (666-8000). February's meeting will be at the Richmond Station on Tuesday, Feb. 17, at 1 p.m. Richmond District Safety Network Community Organizer Tim Himes will give a presentation on how to strengthen your community.

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