(KRON) — The cost of new security gates and cameras is becoming very familiar to small businesses dealing with theft. One business owner is spreading awareness on social media to get the word out.
“Unfortunately, we've seen an increase in shoplifting lately,” Post.Script owner Chandler Tan told KRON4.
Chandler Tan posted surveillance video on TikTok after two shoplifting incidents occurred at San Francisco stores in the same week last month. Video shows people walking around, stuffing items into their jackets and pockets and leaving the store.
Tan opened her store four years ago when the pandemic began, and retail thefts and robberies were on the rise in San Francisco.
But city leaders say overall crime numbers in the city are down in February 2024.
Comparing February 2024 to the same month last year, the city saw a 37% decrease in thefts, including car break-ins and retail thefts, a 20% decrease in burglaries, and a 20% decrease in thefts, according to a report from San Francisco Mayor London Breed's office. It is said to have decreased by 14%. % reduction in robberies.
Post.Script is located on California Street off Fillmore, near high-end fashion stores and restaurants that are also targets for retail theft.
According to San Francisco Police Department crime data, the North Police Department, which covers the Post.Script District, is expected to see a decline in theft and robbery in 2024.
Mr Tan filed a report with the police so that they could track crime data. SFPD told KRON4 that shortly before 1 p.m. on February 23, the department received a report of shoplifting at Tan's store – an unknown female was inside the store and stole merchandise.
Crime may be on the decline, but the cost to the small businesses where it occurs remains high. Ms Tan said she received an outpouring of support from her customers after posting her own experience.
SFPD has not made any arrests at the time of this report. Anyone with information is asked to contact police.
