Alleged serial thief mostly after art struck three times at Mission co-op

In a troubling series of events, Project Artaud in San Francisco experienced three break-ins within a week, leading to the theft of artworks worth around $20,000. The thief broke into the building by taking keys from lock boxes, stealing various pieces from multiple artists. Javier Manrique, one of the artists affected, identified the suspect as a man in his late 20s captured on security footage. The incidents, which occurred after a spring open-studio weekend, have caused anxiety among the artists, prompting some to remove their work from communal areas. The cooperative, home to artists since 1971, typically showcases vibrant artwork in its hallways, but the recent thefts have led to a somber atmosphere.

Manrique expressed concern over the impact on artists' participation in future events. The San Francisco Police Department has yet to address the situation or provide updates on the investigation. The thefts highlight the vulnerability of artist spaces, especially during nighttime hours.