Acclaimed comedian Dave Chappelle, during a recent performance in San Francisco, asked what the f*** has happened to this place and suggested that it needs its own Batman. While his joke may have gotten some laughs, the escalating crime rates in the city are no laughing matter.
San Francisco Police Department’s (SFPD) records show a concerning upward trend in both property and violent crimes, with larceny theft leading the charge.
As defined by the SFPD, this category includes acts such as shoplifting — a crime that is becoming increasingly common, as shown by numerous videos posted online featuring thieves unashamedly walking off with goods from retail stores.
The surge in lawlessness has seemingly found support among some city leaders.
Notably, former district attorney George Gascón, his now recalled successor Chesa Boudin, and others with progressive leanings have advocated for a softer approach to crime — promoting policies to reduce sentences and limiting the use of bail.
Dean Preston, a self-proclaimed “Democratic Socialist” and San Francisco Supervisor, is pushing for a law that would prevent security guards from even drawing their firearms in defense of property.
Preston argues that it is wholly inappropriate for our laws to allow a weapon to be used in defense of property.
This stance is tied to a controversial incident involving the fatal shooting of an alleged shoplifter, Banko Brown, during a confrontation with a security guard.
These proposed legal changes are drawing criticism from some corners.
A prominent voice in the tech industry, entrepreneur Joe Lonsdale, reacted to Preston’s proposed law, saying, “SF leaders are essentially giving a green light to robbery. In a free country, a security guard should absolutely have the right to protect you and your property with a gun.”
Echoing this sentiment, Twitter CEO Elon Musk chimed in, questioning who would remain in San Francisco if security guards are unable to protect stores, offices, homes, or even themselves.
Meanwhile, San Francisco’s small-business owners express concerns not merely about shoplifting, but about a broader issue — the increasing instances of disruptive behavior.
According to a recent poll, the prevailing issues include the escalation of mental illness and drug abuse on the streets, which is affecting their ability to retain staff, and the lack of prompt response from police, which is emboldening shoplifters and affecting staff morale.
Even as Dean Preston laughably attempts to position himself as a staunch defender of small businesses, his proposals seem to neglect the very businesses that are victims of the escalating thefts and crimes.
The restrictions on the actions of licensed security guards appear to undermine the limited deterrent potential these guards currently pose.
As San Francisco grapples with rising crime rates and its streets are increasingly resembling an open-air drug market, there is concern that lawmakers’ next move might be to prohibit security guards from drawing their weapons under any circumstance.
Amidst this deteriorating situation, it seems that San Francisco may have to find its own ‘Batman’ after all. T
he real question remains: who will step up to restore order in this once beloved city?
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