There is enhanced police presence in San Francisco's Union Square and other shopping areas after a series of brazen lootings took place at several high end stores Friday night.
Mayor London Breed and police Chief Bill Scott announced Saturday that the city plans to block car access to Union Square and flood the area with officers to deter future looters.
Despite elevated concerns, tourism officials told KCBS Radio it's a good thing that more police are in the area and the public should have no concerns about shopping at Union Square.
"Businesses are suffering, but consumer confidence is probably what is most damaging," Rodney Fong, San Francisco Chamber of Commerce President, said. "San Francisco is a tourism city that depends on tourism. 20 million visitors per year are so important to our economy, so we want to make sure that we send a message that San Francisco still is a great place to visit."
Police officers have been stationed throughout the area including several on horseback.
"I think people enjoy seeing police presence," Fong said optimistically. "I think people enjoy seeing policemen on horses. I think they enjoy seeing and knowing there are eyes out."
Brazen robberies at Union Square stores go back many years, but none as extensive as Friday night.
The chain of lootings did not end Friday. A Walnut Creek Nordstrom was ransacked by 80 or more vandals in a terrifying attack Saturday night.
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