Castro District Business Owners Collaborate to Combat Rising Crime
Business owners in San Francisco’s Castro District convened this past Tuesday to discuss a growing concern: the increasing incidence of crime, particularly burglaries. Local entrepreneurs expressed their frustrations over repeated thefts and sought concrete actions from city leaders.
Local Business Experiences with Crime
One prominent voice at the meeting was Claude Gratianne, the proprietor of ZGO Perfumery, located at the intersection of Castro and 19th Streets. Gratianne recounted his business facing burglary attempts four times, with the most recent break-in occurring just over a week ago. “They tried as hard as they could to get through but we have very strong glass,” he stated in an interview with CBS News Bay Area.
Despite having installed reinforced glass, security cameras, and an alarm system in his shop, Gratianne indicated that the thieves failed to gain entry during the last attempt. Nonetheless, police were alerted just as the suspects fled, leading to a high-speed pursuit through the city. “It’s a miracle that nobody was killed,” he remarked, highlighting the urgency of the situation. The fate of the suspects remains uncertain, as Gratianne mentioned he did not follow up on whether they were apprehended.
Concerns from Other Local Establishments
Another business owner, Eduardo Juarez, who runs La Tortilla on 18th Street, voiced similar apprehension. His restaurant faces significant challenges, particularly given the violence that erupted recently at a nearby Walgreens, where an employee engaged a shoplifter with a knife. “You are afraid to come to work because I start every morning early and I have to be very careful because, well I am afraid something will happen,” Juarez expressed.
Both Gratianne and Juarez have reached out to city officials and the police, urging for increased support and resources to combat local crime. Juarez shared his frustration after approaching the Castro Police Station and being directed to Supervisor Rafael Mandelman, yet seeing no tangible improvements in security.
Collective Action for Change
Given the lack of response from city authorities, the business owners are banding together to amplify their voices. They believe that a collective appeal will better capture the attention of local government and expedite necessary changes to enhance safety in their neighborhood. Gratianne summarized the sentiment by emphasizing the need for decisive action: “We do need to stop it. We’re willing to take the actions it takes to prosecute the criminals if they’re caught. It’s a matter of catching them.”
Conclusion
The meeting illustrates a community determined to address the challenges posed by rising crime rates. With local businesses coming together to demand action, the hope is that city leaders will respond effectively to ensure a safer environment for both business owners and patrons in San Francisco’s Castro District.
