While we don't report on every crime that occurs in Hayes Valley and the Western Addition, we do our best to keep you informed about goings-on in the neighborhood.

Here's a selection of crimes that have occurred in the area since our last roundup in early March. All reports were provided by the SFPD, unless otherwise noted.

Auto theft increases in the Northern District

In the latest Northern Station community newsletter, police noted that there was a large increase in auto thefts in the Northern District in February. Many of the stolen vehicles were import sedans, most of them 10 to 15 years old.



To prevent auto theft, police say neighbors shouldn't leave their cars unlocked or running when unattended. Other advice: park in well-lit public areas, install an audible alarm or anti-theft device, don’t leave valuable personal property in the car, and report any suspicious behavior.

Car key robbery with handgun

On March 19th, a 24-year-oldwoman was walking at Page and Octavia streets around 3:30am when a male and female suspect, both 17-19, approached her from behind. The female suspect pulled her to the ground and demanded her property, and the victim fought to retain her purse. The male suspect then struck the victim with a handgun.

Both suspects fled on foot with the victim's car key. The woman suffered non-life threatening injuries, and was transported to the hospital.

House set on fire

On March 17th around 11:30pm, a neighbor knocked on a 38-year-old man's door on the 400 block of Hickory Street (between Laguna and Buchanan) to inform him that his house was on fire. SFFD responded and put out the fire, noting that it appeared that the fire had been set intentionally. No suspect was named, and no arrest has been made.

Bicycles and pants stolen from garage

On March 22nd around 3:30am, a 32-year-old man heard noises in his garage on the 700 block of Fell Street. He went down to investigate, and saw a 45-year-old man going through his property. The suspect fled on foot in an unknown direction; afterwards, the victim noted that bicycles and a pair of pants were missing. No arrest has been made.

Armed thief steals moving blanket from truck

On March 27th at 2pm, a man found another man sitting in his truck, which was parked at Fell and Oak streets. The victim, 65, was attempting to get the suspect, 28, out of his truck when the suspect made a stabbing motion with a knife through a partially opened window. The victim's son opened the driver's-side door, and the suspect jumped out of the truck and fled, taking a moving blanket with him. No arrest was made, and the victim did not suffer any injuries.

Man attacked from behind, kicked and robbed

On March 30th at 1:30am, a 60-year-old man was walking at Ellis and Laguna streets when he was approached from behind by another man, 25. The victim turned around, and fell to the ground when the suspect tried to to punch him.

The suspect climbed on top of the victim, and another 25-year-old man then came up and kicked the victim several times. One of the suspects then went through the victim's pockets, stealing his wallet (containing a debit card and cash) and cellphone. Both suspects fled on foot; no arrest was made.

Robbery from behind on Van Ness

Around 9pm on April 3rd, a 46-year-old man was walking on the 100 block of Van Ness Avenue (between Fell and Hayes streets) when two 16-20-year-old men approached him. One suspect pushed the victim, and both suspects then began hitting him. One of the suspects then took the victim's wallet from his pants, and both fled northbound on Van Ness Avenue. No arrest has been made.

Community meeting

Want to learn more about crime and safety in the neighborhood, and get involved? SFPD Northern Station's community meetings are held at the station (1125 Fillmore St.) at 6pm on the second Thursday of every month.

The next meeting will be on Thursday, April 13th, and SF Safe will be conducting a presentation about best practices when reporting crimes.

Did we miss anything? If you have any information on any crime or safety-related issues in the neighborhood, feel free to text Hoodline at (415) 200-3233.