With thousands of homeless wandering downtown, street dangers in the City By The Bay is now at a constant high level. The recent crime happened when reporters set cellphones, purses and other items in a parked car that were shown on video as they were stolen. The fast-working, window-smashing thieves were not caught.

When travels take you to San Francisco and any other large world city, always obey personal safety rules. Keep your parked car locked, preferably in a commercial garage. Carry wallets in buttoned or zipped pockets. Keep strapped handbags secured under elbows. Always be alert, and at night, walk only with at least one companion on well-lighted busy streets.