Capt. Sandra Tong: Laurel Heights Robberies

A greeting to all as the spring season brings the sun and late daylight!

It isn't often that I have a crime alert, but this month I do. The information is meant to educate and alert all of you, rather than alarm you. If we are aware of what's occurring in our neighborhood, we can better recognize suspicious person(s) and activity and call the police. We rely on the community to help us police your neighborhood.

There is a small street robbery series that has been reported in the Laurel Heights area, at Arguello Boulevard and Jackson Street, Vallejo and Scott streets, and Cherry and Washington streets. Between April 8 and April 12, there were three street robberies between the hours of 10:20 p.m. and 12:30 a.m.

These incidents are classified as a robbery series because the suspect's description and modus operandi are similar. The robberies are of great concern because they involved the brandishing of a handgun, although there were no reported injuries. The suspect is described as a male, unknown race, 20 to 25 years old, thin build, six-feet--three-inches to six-feet-six-inches tall. He was wearing a black ski mask, dark pants and a white parka jacket with camouflage and fur around the hood.

Safety Tips:
When on the street, be alert and aware at all times. Keep good eye contact with the people around you and walk with confidence and purpose. Most victims will be targeted because they appear to not be paying attention to their surroundings;

• Practice the "buddy system." If possible, avoid traveling alone in areas that may be high risk. The motto "safety in numbers" is a good practice; á Report suspicious activity or person(s) in your neighborhood to the police. If there's a crime in progress, call 9-1-1. Otherwise, call 553-0123. Give the dispatcher the best possible description of the suspect(s), what is happening, and the last known direction the suspect(s) was traveling;

• Trust your instincts. If you feel uncomfortable or threatened by another person(s), seek help immediately. A whistle is a great device to have when you need to call attention to yourself;

• If you are a victim of a robbery do not resist and do not be a hero. It's better to lose your property than your life. Always try to stay calm and do not make any sudden movements to upset the robber. As well, try to get a good look at the robber, including race, age, clothing description and distinct characteristics, so you can describe the suspect later. Note the direction of the suspect's travel and try to get a description of the vehicle, if involved.

In today's world, there's always good news that reminds us that things are not always so grim. The officers at Richmond Station are making good arrests in the district, including:

• On April 13, at 10:30 a.m., a Richmond officer was on patrol in the area of Broderick and Pine streets when she observed an African-American male juvenile that matched the description of an auto burglary suspect that occurred on the 500 block of Presidio Avenue the day before. The victim identified the detainee and the 17-year-old suspect was arrested for auto burglary and possession of marijuana.

• On April 14, at 2:15 p.m., a neighbor called 9-1-1 to report three males going inside a house on the unit block of Willard Street North. Numerous Richmond officers and a dog unit responded to the burglary in progress. One suspect was taken into custody in the residence and the two other suspects fled in different directions. After a diligent search, a plainclothes officer took a second suspect into custody after a brief foot chase. The third suspect was taken into custody hiding in a back yard on the 200 block of Stanyan Street. The victim's stolen property was promptly recovered and the suspects arrested.

The next meeting of the Community/Police Forum is scheduled for Tuesday, May 16, at 1 p.m., at the Richmond Station's Community Room. We are hoping to have a guest speaker from the Bicycle Coalition, but it hasn't been confirmed as of presstime.

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