Captain's Message:
Many years ago, a new bicycle was the Christmas gift of choice for most kids. By Christmas afternoon, everyone with a new bike was pedaling around the block. Within a few weeks, stories of bikes being stolen began to circulate in the neighborhood. Now, let's fast forward to the present. Laptops, i-phones and other electronic devices are the gifts of choice for kids of all ages. But history tends to repeat itself. When you display, play or use your newly received gift in public, on MUNI or near transit routes, criminals are eager to play the role of Grinch and steal your gift from you. The criminals aren't as stealthy as the storybook Grinch. They will brazenly snatch your i-phone from your hand, they will punch you and grab your backpack or they will pull a gun a take your laptop.
It's important to to be aware of your surroundings. Don't bury your head in your i-phone. You must avoid using these electronic devices in public. Although you see everyone else using theirs in public, it's a false sense of security. The criminals will follow you on foot or in a car and strike when the opportunity is in their favor. If you must use your i-phone in public, keep your back against the wall. You will have a 180 degree view of your surroundings, and criminals can't walk up from behind.
Stay safe,
Captain Louis Cassanego
