PSA Beware of Pickpockets Targeting in Chinatown and 5th & Market Area.
Hey Everyone.
Because of the recent released statements from SFPD on the arrests of three pickpocket suspects/possible pickpocketing ring targeting victims in Chinatown, I want to raise more awareness and share my mother's experience of pickpocket thefts happening in the city. My mother, 65 had experienced two separate pickpocket attempts in Chinatown and another near 5th & Market by a different group of pickpockets.
In the first incident, my mother was grocery shopping in Chinatown on Stockton & Broadway. When two pickpockets (As described by my mother, one large size black woman and one medium size curly hair latin woman) attempted to steal from her while she was distracted. She caught them in the middle of the attempt, and one of the pickpockets even tried to claim the money belonged to them. Once police were threatened to be called, they dropped the money and quickly left the area.
In the second incident near the 5th & Market outside of Macys, my mother noticed suspicious individuals following her. These individuals stood unusually close and began unzipping her bag. Because she stayed alert, she noticed her bag being moved and confronted these individuals. Once again she was able to stop the attempted pickpocketing before anything was stolen.
Luckily, my mother is safe and nothing has been stolen but I still worry about future victims having to experience this and potentially having their safety put at risk because of this rampant spree of pickpocketing in our city.
I personally believe that these experiences suggest a possible pattern of pickpockets specifically targeting older Asian Americans who may be seen as vulnerable or distracted in crowded public areas. I may be wrong but after witnessing the Asian hate crimes throughout COVID in 2021-2022. Anything is possible.
Please remind your family members, community members and friends especially elders.
- Keep wallets, phones, and bags secured.
- Avoid carrying cash openly.
- Stay aware of people standing unusually close or possibly following you.
- Importantly report these pickpockets immediately to SFPD.
I hope this community awareness post could be shared around and help prevent others from becoming victims. I understand that personal safety comes first, but if you happen to witness pickpocketing, please help if you can. That could mean stepping in and confronting the suspects, or assisting victims with reporting the incident to the police.
I hope our Chinatown community, alongside fellow communities in the city can continue to stay safe, be aware, and stay united against crimes that causes harm to our communtiy members.
-A San Francisco Native who loves his city and his community.