Mayor Breed Kicks Off Safe Shopper Initiative for the Holiday Season in Union Square

San Francisco, CA - Today Mayor London N. Breed joined Marisa Rodriguez, CEO of the Union Square Alliance, City public safety leaders and partners, business and community leaders to kick off the 2024 Safe Shopper initiative in and around Union Square for this year's holiday season.

Like in previous years, the Mayor has directed the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) to deploy additional police and community ambassadors to the area to enhance public safety and maintain a safe shopping experience for visitors, workers, and residents.

Year-to-date larceny cases have dropped 40% citywide, with crime dropping in every category across San Francisco. As Mayor Breed has ramped up police staffing and recruitment, and rolled out new technology to deter and stop crime, the City has seen a:

• 14% decrease in violent crime
• 33% decrease in property crime

In the Central Police District alone, which includes Union Square, SFPD reports a larger reduction in crime in 2024 so far compared to the same time period in 2023, including:

• 9% reduction in violent crime
• 46% decrease in property crime
• 51% decrease in larceny

Under the Safe Shopper initiative, the City will work with the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) to limit points of entry in Union Square with some street closures to automobile traffic as added safety measures. In addition to a ramped-up police presence in and around Union Square, the City plans to increase patrol in parking garages by SFPD, Park Rangers, and other security personnel. More SFPD Community Ambassadors will be deployed to Union Square as part of the Safe Shopper initiative.

"Thanks to the work from our Police and public safety partners, and the investments we have made to improve public safety, San Francisco continues to see its lowest crime rates in a decade," said Mayor London Breed. "The holiday season is a critical time for our retailers, small businesses and hotels, and we must continue to use every tool and resource we have to prevent and stop crime from happening so that people will feel safe coming to work in Union Square, and for the thousands of visitors we will welcome over the course of the next two months, they will feel safe as well. Our goal every holiday season is to make San Francisco the destination for people to come visit, eat, and shop, and have incredible experiences with family and friends."

Last year, Mayor Breed announced a $17 million state grant to combat organized retail theft, including $15 million in funding to support SFPD's work, as well as the District Attorney's Office efforts to staff up and target retail theft operations.

The grant also supported the purchase and installation of 400 automated license plate readers to cover 100 intersections throughout the City, which recently surpassed 300 cameras installed.

"Officers will be fanned out around Union Square this holiday season to ensure it's fun and safe for everyone," said Chief Scott. "Our officers have done a tremendous job driving down crime and making San Francisco one of the safest big cites in the nation."

The grant also supports the District Attorney's Office with funding for a full time dedicated Assistant District Attorney and a full-time dedicated District Attorney Investigator to prosecute retail theft crimes in San Francisco.

"I am proud to once again join Mayor Breed, the San Francisco Police Department and our many community and business partners to ensure a safe holiday experience," said District Attorney Brooke Jenkins. "Law enforcement has new tools available this year to help protect the safety of the public and ensure that those who come to our city and engage in crime will be identified, arrested and prosecuted."

In June, Mayor Breed announced the HEART Plan,which focuses on new and continued investments to revitalize the City's hospitality, entertainment, arts and culture, retail, and tourism areas (HEART) in the premier retail and hospitality districts of Union Square and Yerba Buena. The action plan contains a series of specific actions supported by legislation and public funding, including $4 million for increased safety ambassador deployment in Yerba Buena and Union Square.

The Union Square Alliance will once again host Winter Wander-land. This activation drew over 1.6 million attendees to the area in 2023. In 2024, Outside Lands producer Another Planet Entertainment has committed to bringing free outdoor concerts to downtown public spaces, including Union Square, for three consecutive years.

Aside from the annual events and new activations, the City has prioritized security in the area through public safety investments at the square and its underground garage, including improved lighting, increased police patrols, park ranger outreach, and additional ambassadors to oversee additional security tasks, janitorial duties, and customer service.

"Union Square is where San Francisco shines brightest for the holidays," said Marisa Rodriguez, Chief Executive Officer of the Union Square Alliance. "Whether it is visiting the iconic Great Tree, shopping at our retail stores, or creating cherished memories on the Winter Walk, we want to make sure everyone feels safe and welcomed here in Union Square. We are grateful to work with the Mayor's Office, the San Francisco Police Department and all our City partners on this important initiative."

For decades, Union Square has been known as an international destination for quality retail shopping, luxury hotels, world-class cultural institutions, vibrant public spaces, and exceptional dining. This year, Union Square will welcome thousands of visitors to enjoy some of San Francisco's most beloved holiday traditions, including the Safeway Holiday Ice Rink presented by Kaiser Permanente, which kicked off earlier this month and runs through January 20, 2025; the Winter Wander-Land and Winter Walk, which will be activated from December 13 - December 22; the Macy's Great Tree, and beloved SPCA Holiday Windows featuring rescue animals; and the Bill Graham Menorah, December 25 - January 2.

"Union Square is more than a shopping destination-it's a symbol of San Francisco's resilience, community, and vibrancy," said Phil Ginsburg, General Manager of Recreation and Parks. "Thanks to Mayor Breed's leadership and the dedication of our park rangers and public safety teams, this cherished plaza remains a welcoming space where locals and visitors alike can gather safely to celebrate the season. Union Square shines brightest when we all work together to protect and uplift it, ensuring that the heart of our city continues to beat strong this holiday season and beyond."

"Union Square is a great place to visit any time of year, but the holidays are always extra special," said OEWD Executive Director Sarah Dennis Phillips Thanks to the Mayor's investments and to the work of our City partners, this year's holiday season will be exceptional. I encourage everyone to come Downtown to support our shops and restaurants, check out the Let's Glow SF light projections, catch a show at one of our theaters and soak in San Francisco's unique holiday spirit."

###

Public link

Please use the above public link if you want to share this noodl on another website.