San Francisco Safety Tips, Crime Maps - Is It Bad Now?
San Francisco safety tips for tourists, locals and more. San Francisco crime map. Is San Francisco bad now? Is San Francisco safe to visit? Areas to avoid San Francisco
Should You Visit San Francisco Now?
San Francisco has been in the news for quite some time, and one topic that keeps surfacing is crime and safety.
Around 2022, things were pretty bad in San Francisco. Lack of tourism (covid) led to a shift in theft from targeting tourists to targeting residents. The other lens to consider is that there has been a rise in surveillance (Nextdoor posts, Ring cameras, Citizen App, and people recording crimes on their phone).
I am not saying this is ok, what I am saying is that it’s not an apples to apples comparison. Jails are overcrowded, there was a delay in our courts during covid, SFPD had reduced employment etc.
Is San Francisco Safe? Is SF Too Dangerous To Visit?
The other thing to consider is that SFPD has made it harder to report crimes (forcing people to make in-person reports).
Some people feel hopeless, some people don’t want to make reports because they think nothing will happen but regardless of the sentiment, always report crimes.
Collect the data, make the parties accountable for their (in)actions - SFPD, DA, Judges, and elected officials.
San Francisco Events, Things To Do Each Week
San Francisco Visitor Guides
An in depth guide on how to optimize your time here in San Francisco.
Related reads:
Is San Francisco Bad Right Now?
The media is partly responsible for the extra coverage of San Francisco. As one of the most liberal cities, right-wing media is eager to point the finger and make San Francisco look bad. Again, there is always room for improvement but when the national media companies are hovering over the city, this happens.
Ask around, ask your friends, colleagues about San Francisco. Don’t rely on the media.
Brazen crimes like retail theft (i.e. ramming into retail stores with vehicles) is high but things like assault and killings are down.
See for yourself.
That said, a lot of other states/cities are bussing unhoused folks, folks with mental illness to the West Coast.
See examples here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_homeless_relocation_programs_in_the_United_States
To support my work and allow me to create more free, helpful guides likes these for everyone to enjoy, feel free to buy me a coffee.
San Francisco Crime Maps, Most Dangerous Areas
https://www.civichub.us/ca/san-francisco/gov/police-department/crime-data
Areas like Fisherman’s Wharf, Lombard Street, Union Square are still popular for vehicle break-ins while areas can be problematic for garage break-ins, bike thefts, retail theft and more.
San Francisco Crime Rate (vs Other Cities)
“In 2022, the city's homicide rate was less than half the average for the 25 largest cities that reported comparable data.” -San Francisco Chronicle
Homicides per 100,000 residents was less than that of Sacramento, Bakersfield, LA, Fresno etc. -San Francisco Chronicle
The biggest crimes in San Francisco are vehicle theft/break-ins, garage break-ins, package theft etc. Crimes like aggravated assault are low compared other cities.
San Francisco Crime Dashboard
https://www.sanfranciscopolice.org/stay-safe/crime-data/crime-dashboard
San Francisco Safety Tips
Get off your phone, take off your earphones (especially when crossing streets, on the bus etc.)
Look both ways when crossing the street
Don’t leave anything in vehicles (not even for 1 minute)
Don’t leave your bag on the back of chairs, especially when dining outside, parklets etc.
Keep your wallet in front pockets
Use drop off points instead of leaving packages unattended outside your home, better yet, stop shopping at Amazon and support local businesses.
Understand what types of vehicles are targeted for break-ins (see below).
San Francisco Safety Tips For Pedestrians
Don’t enter crosswalks with time expiring.
Pay attention at crosswalks, look both ways when entering cross-walk.
Make eye contact with drivers when entering crosswalks, streets with stop-signs.
Wear reflective clothing or turn on camera flashlight when it gets dark and entering crosswalks. More tips below:
How To Be A Better Neighbor, Customer, Resident In San Francisco; Etiquette
San Francisco Etiquette Guide, Unwritten Rules Of San Francisco
Is San Francisco Safe?
San Francisco is safer than most major cities when it comes to assault and murder rates. Most crime in San Francisco revolves around car break-ins, garage break-ins and bike thefts.
Is San Francisco Safe For Tourists?
If you are aware of your surroundings and avoid a few places (especially at night), you will be fine. It is safe for the most part unless you leave stuff in your car, have tinted windows, rental cars or have out-of-state plates. More safety tips here.
Is San Francisco Safe For Women?
It’s pretty safe for women unless you plan on walking a lot at night, are distracted on your phone, have to frequent areas with high crime etc. For most women, this is not an issue.
Is San Francisco Safe At Night?
Some areas with sketchy alleys or lots of drug use can feel sketchy but it’s mostly fine if you avoid them, get off your phone, are aware of your surroundings.
TL;DR: Is San Francisco Bad?
Every city has its problems but not all have extra eyeballs as SF does nor do other cities bus people at the rate they do to SF and other West Coast cities.
Yes, the city can do better, should do better.
It’s not just one problem: it’s policing, staffing, it’s more effective programs, it’s addressing national issues and tackling problems arising from other states.
Things have greatly improved from 2022 but more improvement is needed. Things like drone usage from police, assistance from CHP to address drug trafficking and efforts to house unhoused people should continue to improve situations but it will take time.