Day 48 of the 16th St. Plaza Crackdown shop workers see slight change, but only at the plazas

Since the deployment of a mobile SFPD unit in March, shop workers near 16th and Mission streets have noticed a decline in illegal activities, particularly in the plazas. Cristy Garcia from Cricket reported that overcrowding from vendors selling stolen goods has decreased, although some chaos still occurs during sunny weather. Moe, a phone repair technician, corroborated this observation, stating that fewer vendors are selling stolen cigarettes and alcohol. However, another employee raised concerns that illegal activities have just relocated to nearby alleyways, questioning the permanence of the change. Girlie Pineda from Dollar and Up emphasized the positive impact of police presence on her sense of safety, especially at night when drug dealing and robbery occur.

The local community hopes the mobile unit will continue its presence as warmer weather increases foot traffic in the area. The ongoing situation reflects broader issues of public safety and community policing. Workers express a desire for sustained improvement in their working environment.