A San Francisco sheriff deputy’s gun and a police officer’s star were stolen Friday morning from a Visitacion Valley home, marking yet another firearm theft from law enforcement in The City.
The burglary of a home on the 300 block of Tocoloma Avenue was reported at 7:35 a.m. Friday, according to police. The thefts included a 9 mm Glock pistol, which was secured in a lock box, as well as two loaded magazines. The theft also included the deputy’s duty belt, a bullet proof vest and other items. A San Francisco police officer’s star was also taken.
San Francisco Sheriff’s Department spokesperson Eileen Hirst said she believes the property was that of a San Francisco sheriff deputy’s and the department is trying to verity the details.
The issue has grabbed headlines in recent months because of several high profile thefts from automobiles, including law enforcement officers.
Last month, the gun of an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent was reported lost in San Francisco.
And last year, the gun used to kill Kate Steinle as she walked on Pier 14 with her father was determined to be stolen in San Francisco from the car of a Bureau of Land Management agent.
Another gun, used in the Golden Gate Park killing of a Canadian tourist last year, was also stolen from a vehicle. However, that gun was not owned by a law enforcement officer.
These recent incidents sparked legislation from Supervisor David Campos mandating all guns left in cars be secured in a lock box.
Violators could be charged with a misdemeanor, spend up to six months in jail and pay a $10,000 fine. The law exempts local law enforcement if they have policies of their own. The law does not apply to on–duty law enforcement from outside jurisdictions.
Read more criminal justice news on the Crime Ink page in print. Follow us on Twitter: @sfcrimeinkCrimeDavid Camposdeputy sheriffgunlock boxSheriffSPFDstolen law enforcemtent weaponVicki Hennessy
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