Burglary crew targeted SF homes under construction, say police

SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) — San Francisco police said they recovered more than $4,000 in stolen construction equipment — along with alleged break-in tools — after arresting a burglary crew that targeted homes under repair throughout the city.

The three men suspected in the burglary and fencing operation normally struck overnight, said police.

Police said the suspects range in age from 45 to 64 years old and are residents of San Francisco, Wilton and South San Francisco. They face several charges, including receiving stolen property.

Police said the trio is tied to at least four burglaries at home construction sites that occurred early last Friday.

The locations hit are listed by investigators as:

• 1700 block of 38th Avenue
• 3200 block of Moraga Street
• 1700 block of 40th Avenue
• 1700 block of 42nd Avenue

“Officers conducted surveillance on the suspects and observed them switching license plates on a vehicle used to commit burglaries throughout the city across the Taraval, Ingleside, Park, Richmond, Northern, Mission and Bayview police districts,” said police in a statement to KRON4.

Police said they were later caught in the act as they handed the stolen property to a fencing suspect. “Officers witnessed the transfer of a large number of tools from one vehicle to another.”

Despite the arrests made, this remains an active case. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact San Francisco police at (415) 575-4444 or text a tip to TIP411, starting the message with “SFPD.”