San Francisco Sun

San Francisco, CA – The San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) is expanding efforts to use technology to disrupt auto break-ins and other crimes throughout the city. They are also publishing a new website to provide transparency about technology usage and educate the public about these efforts.

The recent deployment of new drones and automated license plate readers (ALPR) alongside bait cars and plainclothes operations are proving to be successful tools as auto break-ins continue to drop, now down 57% in 2024 compared to last year.

SFPD is also launching new transparency tools to inform the public about the use of this new technology. The department has created a page on its website where it will post its most current policy on drone use along with monthly flight logs.

A recent drone deployment led to the arrest of three armed auto burglary suspects who stole luggage from a family’s vehicle parked along the Embarcadero on August 22. SFPD officers were alerted about the suspect vehicle by the city’s new Flock Automated License Plate Reader cameras. The drone captured the burglary in progress and followed the suspect vehicle through parts of the city, avoiding a police chase. Officers disabled the vehicle and arrested all three suspects. The property was returned to the victims.

This case highlights how technology can work together to assist members of SFPD who are consistently making arrests leading to a drop in all categories of crime this year.

This expanded use of technology has helped ramp up enforcement, leading to further drops in reported break-ins this summer. San Francisco has seen the lowest rate of break-ins in years, including lower than during the pandemic when tourism had evaporated.

72% decrease in auto break-ins in June ‘24 compared to June ‘23

70% decrease in auto break-ins in July ‘24 compared to July ‘23

“The use of game-changing technology is helping our officers be more efficient in making arrests and holding people accountable,” said Mayor London Breed. “The results we are seeing from our use of technology are not just about numbers; it’s also about its impact on people’s lives. When our officers can use tools not only apprehend those who break the law but return stolen property to victims of crime, then we are making a difference.”

“Our hard-working officers now have the technology they need to make more arrests and drive crime down in San Francisco,” said Police Chief Bill Scott. “Tools like drones and ALPR work together as a force multiplier for our officers. I look forward to new and innovative ways we can continue using technology to keep the public safe.”

“More than two years ago I asked SFPD to explore using drones for emerging public safety challenges, including sideshows,” said Supervisor Rafael Mandelman. “Earlier this year, I joined Mayor Breed asking SF voters approve Prop E. With its passage, SFPD has access 21st-century technology combat auto break-ins organized crime rings initial results promising Congratulations thanks Mayor Breed Chief Scott insistence giving police tools keep San Franciscans safe.”