San Francisco has become known for its high rates of car burglaries, as evidenced by U.S. Rep. Adam Schiff having his luggage stolen from his parked car in a downtown garage. Schiff, who was attending a fundraising dinner dressed more casually than the other attendees due to his stolen formal clothing, did not comment further on the incident as it is under investigation. Despite a decrease in reported auto break-ins in the city, broken car windows and thefts are still prevalent, with over 3,000 thefts reported in September 2022 alone.
San Francisco’s police chief announced an initiative to crackdown on auto smash-and-grabs in August, leading to a decrease in reported break-ins from nearly 900 in February to 1,850 in July. Schiff, a former federal prosecutor, gained national recognition for his role in prosecuting former President Donald Trump during his first impeachment trial. He emphasizes his commitment to reforming the criminal justice system and ensuring the safety of California families and communities on his campaign website.
Following the burglary of a prominent member of Congress, Schiff was subject to social media criticism, with one user on the platform X blaming Democrats for the incident. The theft of Schiff’s luggage recalls a similar incident involving former U.S. Sen. Barbara Boxer in July 2021, where she was robbed and assaulted in nearby Oakland. This incident highlights the struggles that the San Francisco Bay Area cities are facing in terms of crime rates, particularly related to car break-ins and theft.
Despite the ongoing issue of car burglaries in San Francisco, residents and visitors are constantly reminded to remove valuables from parked cars to prevent theft. The prevalence of vehicles with broken windows and scattered glass remains a common sight in the city. Schiff’s experience serves as a reminder of the importance of taking precautions to prevent becoming a victim of auto break-ins, even for high-profile individuals like members of Congress.
While Schiff did not elaborate further on the incident, it underscores the need for continued efforts to address the issue of car burglaries in San Francisco. As a former federal prosecutor and prominent figure in the Democratic party, Schiff’s firsthand experience sheds light on the challenges faced by residents and visitors alike in the city. The crackdown on auto smash-and-grabs initiated by the San Francisco Police Department has shown some success, but more work needs to be done to ensure the safety and security of individuals and communities in the area.
