Capt. Sandra Tong: Police Beat

Beware, be safe from robbers I wish all of you a wonderful spring season.

The SF Police Department is focusing our enforcement citywide on auto burglaries. It is no fun to return to your car after a night on the town, or a day in the park, and discover your window broken. As you check further, you notice that your camera or laptop is now missing. If you are really lucky, you might only be missing a pair of sunglasses or spare change.

If this hasn't happened to you personally, you probably know someone who has been a victim of an auto break-in.

The good news is this crime is preventable. For the most part, auto burglars are looking for visible loose items. Any type of bag left out in the open is fair game. Backpacks, briefcases and computer bags are the most likely candidates for burglars. However, a gym bag with stinky clothes could be the catch of the day.

Do not leave any items in plain view. If you can lock items in the trunk, do so. Many cars have a trunk release in the passenger compartment, so if the release can be locked, lock it. If you are driving a van or SUV, store items out of sight. Many vans and SUV's have some type of locking storage container. Use it! Keep necessary important papers in your glove compartment and lock it! If your car stereo has a removable faceplate, remove it.

Whenever possible, park your car in a well-lit area with plenty of traffic nearby. Always lock your car, and keep the windows rolled up. Never leave your vehicle unattended with the keys in the ignition, even for a second. And, do not hide a spare key on your car, as thieves know where to look for them.

The next Community/Police Forum will be held on Tuesday, April 17, at 7 p.m., at the Richmond Police Station's community room. The guest speaker will be Thomas Lee, who will give a presentation on the city's new 311 system.

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