San Francisco unveils new measures to combat rising car break-ins in tourist areas

The San Francisco County government meeting on July 4, 2025, focused on addressing the rising issue of car break-ins, particularly in tourist-heavy areas. Several community members and officials expressed their concerns about the increasing frequency of these crimes and the impact on both residents and visitors.

A key speaker, representing the Stop Crime San Francisco group, highlighted the urgency of the situation, noting that car break-ins are not only affecting tourists but also local residents. He shared a recent incident involving tourists from Beijing whose vehicle was broken into shortly after they parked. This incident underscored the broader problem of crime in the city, which has seen a significant uptick in property crimes, particularly since certain offenses have been classified as misdemeanors.

Richard Hashimoto, president of the Japan Town Merchants Association, echoed these sentiments, sharing his experiences with break-ins at the Japan Center Garage. He emphasized the frustration felt by local businesses and the potential loss of revenue due to declining tourist visits, attributing this decline to safety concerns. Hashimoto also criticized the lack of signage to warn visitors about the risks of leaving valuables in their cars.

Kathy Weidner from the San Francisco International Airport reported on successful measures taken to reduce car break-ins among rental vehicles, including signage and reminders for passengers not to leave valuables in their cars. This initiative has reportedly led to a decrease in break-ins at the airport.

Community members also suggested practical solutions, such as increased surveillance through cameras in high-risk areas and better data collection on crime statistics to inform prevention strategies. Helene Frakes, a local resident, pointed out the importance of addressing escape routes used by criminals, while Lydia Casorla urged for more public awareness campaigns to remind residents and visitors to secure their vehicles.

The meeting concluded with a consensus on the need for legislative measures to combat the rise in car break-ins. Supervisor Yee noted the effectiveness of surveillance cameras as a tool for crime prevention and discussed the potential for city-supported initiatives to enhance neighborhood safety.

Overall, the discussions highlighted a community united in its call for action to improve safety and restore confidence among residents and tourists in San Francisco. The proposed measures aim to address the immediate concerns of rising crime while fostering a safer environment for all.