Capt. Richard Corriea: Auto burglaries on the rise

During the month of January, we experienced a significant increase in stolen autos in the district. We had 11 vehicles stolen in December and 28 in January. The January count includes eight Hondas and 10 Toyotas. The vehicles that were stolen tended to be older models, with 19 of the cars stolen manufactured between 1991 and 2001. A total of 24 were manufactured before 2003. Imports accounted for 23 of the vehicles stolen during January. As of late-February, we have had 35 vehicles reported stolen in the Richmond.

Thieves target older model cars for several reasons. Odds are that such vehicles often lack security systems and their ignition systems are somewhat easier to activate than vehicles currently manufactured. Thieves also know that older vehicles are less likely to be equipped with auto theft deterrent equipment, such as a "LoJack," which is a device that allows police to track and recover a stolen vehicle. Older cars are also targeted because there is a higher demand for parts from such vehicles.

The risk of having your car stolen is low, however, there are still steps you should take to reduce that risk. It is advisable for anyone with garage space to use it, especially if you own an older model imported vehicle. If you have to park on the street you should select overnight parking carefully. It is better to park where there are streetlights, foot traffic and residences on both sides of the street. If you have a choice, don't park overnight in front of a vacant building, far away from a streetlight or in front of a park or playground.

Be Aware of Elder Abuse

This column often contains information about financial elder abuse. Many of the incidents reported to Richmond Station involve the loss of a lifetime of savings. One study I reviewed recently suggests that for each report of financial elder abuse a government agency receives, at least four incidents go unreported. Moreover, while most of the reports that Richmond Station receives involve "cons" and lottery schemes by strangers, national data suggests that these types of crimes account for less than five percent of the total number of annual reports of financial elder abuse. The same study noted that "trusted professionals," family members and care givers accounted for 55 percent of the cases.

If you suspect financial elder abuse please notify the police immediately by calling 553-0123. You can also share your concerns by leaving a message on the Richmond Station's anonymous tip line at (415) 668-7387.

In an emergency always call 911.

To prevent frauds of all types San Francisco Safety Awareness for Everyone (SAFE) suggests the following ways to protect yourself:

1) Never give your personal information, checking account or credit card information out over the phone unless you initiate the call;

2) Always verify anyone who calls or comes to your house uninvited to provide any service. Check the phone book, the Internet or call information to acquire the number of the business and then call them;

3) Never contract with, or allow, unsolicited door-to door sales people or repair people inside your house without independent verification of who they are and whom they work for. Always get a written contract;

4) Do not clip or place outgoing mail in home mailboxes and always use secure postal mailboxes. Retrieve your incoming mail in a timely manner and report any questionable activities to the postal inspector;

5) Shred all statements, bills, cancelled checks and anything else that contains your personal or account information;

6) Remember, it is illegal for a legitimate sweepstakes to require any money up front before paying out winnings;

7) Real friends are not after your money or your credit;

8) Trust your instincts. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is;

9) Help yourself and help your neighbors. You are our best resource, our eyes and ears in the neighborhood. Get descriptions of suspicious people and their vehicles.

Watching out for one another is the best protection. San Francisco SAFE can assist in organizing neighborhood watch groups. Irina Chatsova, a SF SAFE crime prevention specialist, and I are focusing this year on increasing the number of neighborhood watch block groups in the Richmond. If you have questions about neighborhood watch groups, you can call Chatsova at 553-1968 (www.sfsafe.org) or me at 666-8030.

Last month, I wrote about an arrest in a robbery that occurred on Ninth Avenue at the end of December. The suspect remains in custody with bail set at $2 million. The preliminary hearing originally set for the first week of February has been postponed. The next court date is March 5, where I suspect they will set a preliminary hearing date. I will report next month on this case as it progresses though the criminal justice system. The district attorney handling the case was quite complimentary about the quality of police work in this case.

Please attend the next Community/Police Forum on March 9, at 7 p.m., at the Richmond Station's Community Room, which is located at 461 Sixth Ave. Our guest speaker will be Rob Mackenzie from SF SAFE, who will speak about crime prevention through environmental design.

The Richmond Station distributes an e-mail newsletter every Friday. To be added to this list, please e-mail us at sfpd.richmond.station@sfgov.org.

Also, please visit http://richmondforum.wordpress.com to see our Web site, where the current station newsletter, past editions and periodic public safety advisories are posted.

Capt. Richard Corriea is the commanding officer at the Richmond Station.