In this March 13, 2021, file photo, San Francisco Mayor London Breed speaks at a rally in San Francisco. Anyone with information leading to the arrest and conviction of auto burglary ringleaders could receive a cash reward of up to $100,000, San Francisco’s mayor announced Tuesday, Oct. 19, 2021, in yet another push to battle crime in a city marked by highly visible vehicular smash and grabs, home break-ins and retail theft. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu, File)
San Francisco is offering incentives for any information regarding an ongoing series of organized car burglaries.
Earlier in the week, the city’s mayor announced a reward of up to $100,000 for anyone who can provide information regarding these “smash-and-grab” vehicle burglaries. Police have said they’re confident these crimes are being organized.
Meanwhile, reported vehicle break-ins have increased by 753 percent from May of 2020 to May of 2021, causing the mayor to ask for additional support.
Since the launch of that plan, we've seen a 37% reduction in auto burglaries, but break-ins remain all too common. These are not victimless crimes.
We're focused on holding the organized criminal groups that are responsible for the majority of these crimes accountable.— London Breed (@LondonBreed) October 19, 2021
“We know that this is bigger than just breaking into a car and finding things. It’s like finding things that you can sell to someone, who then sells it on a larger platform, sometimes online. There’s a market out there for this. So, we’re going to need a lot more help than locally here in San Francisco. We need state and federal support,” Mayor London Breed (D) stated.
For now, because these break-ins are occurring in broad daylight, the city has deployed more police officers in high targeted areas and more than $225,000 has been raised for the cause.
Source: One America News Network
