Tourists Warned Of Increased Crime At Golden Gate Bridge

Anti-Auto Theft Warning Sign At Golden Gate Bridge
Photo credit KCBS Radio/Holly Quan

The numbers of car burglaries may be going down in San Francisco, but they're soaring over at the Golden Gate Bridge parking lots.

There have been 71 smash and grabs in those lots so far in 2019, compared to 38 at this time last year.

Vigilance is key, according to Golden Gate Bridge spokesman Paolo Cosulich-Schwartz, who advises leaving someone in the car for tourists who only plan to make a quick visit and take a photo.

"We're seeing burglars smash and grab windows in 10 or 15 seconds, and taking personal items that are visible," he said.

There are multiple signs all over the lots cautioning visitors not to leave anything in plain sight. 

But is putting up warning signs enough? Some tourists don't think so. 

"It's kind of weird," said Angie Roberts, who's visiting from Phoenix. "I don't think I've ever seen this many signs for break-ins." 

"If it's such a big tourist spot, I don't understand why they don't just post a bit more security," her husband Liam added.

"Yeah, even cameras, or anything," said Roberts. "It's weird too, because it's so busy. You wouldn't think there would be so many break-ins. I get it - but people got to be sneaky, with this many people around."

The couple didn't leave anything to chance, and stored all their stuff in the trunk of their car before they went off to enjoy the iconic view.

Even though there have been fewer car break-ins reported across the city — the numbers are still staggering — more than 1900 in June alone.