A surge in crime is plaguing San Francisco, with even the city's most affluent neighborhoods now experiencing a rise in robberies, burglaries, and other criminal activities. Historically, these issues were largely confined to specific areas, but according to Tracy McCray, president of the San Francisco Police Officers Association, the situation has drastically changed.

In an interview with Fox News, McCray highlighted the alarming increase in larceny, robbery, assault, and motor vehicle theft between 2020 and 2022, citing official police data. She emphasized the brazen nature of these crimes, with perpetrators often acting in broad daylight, seemingly unafraid of consequences. "Hot prowls," burglaries committed while residents are home, are also on the rise.

McCray pointed to incidents where criminals have smashed car windows and casually stolen luggage, demonstrating a concerning lack of fear of apprehension. She noted that these crimes are now impacting wealthy areas like the Marina, North Beach, and Pacific Heights, which were previously considered relatively safe.

A recent incident involving a group of seven thieves stealing over $100,000 worth of merchandise from a San Francisco store underscores the severity of the problem. A survey of Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) riders revealed that a significant percentage of residents know someone who has been a victim of crime on public transport, highlighting the widespread nature of the issue.

McCray also expressed concern about the open-air drug use in the city, comparing the current situation to the peak of the crack epidemic in the 1980s. She described witnessing individuals openly using drugs and exhibiting severe mental health issues, emphasizing the need for greater support and resources to address these complex challenges.