SF tourist attraction is hot spot for thieves

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- Criminals are taking advantage of one of the most scenic spots in San Francisco by committing "grab and go" robberies at the Twin Peaks parking lot.

The problem has become so bad at the Twin Peaks parking lot that there's now a police officer dedicated solely to area.

There have been almost 100 burglaries so far there. Twin peaks is always crowded with sightseers. Even a tour guide was victimized as she gave a midday tour.

"Literally I was 20 feet away looking at the view when I heard a crash and looked back. Someone had knocked in a window, stolen my purse, and drove off. It happened to another car at the same time. He stole all their passports," said tour guide Naomi Beck.

The thieves zoomed off in a silver car. 97 brazen car burglaries in the small scenic parking lot since June. Shards of glass sparkle everywhere on the pavement but the tourists don't seem to notice.

In some cases, they're not locking their cars.

"There's even more in the trunk," said tourist Earl Simmons. "Thanks for bringing it to my attention."

"They're hitting real fast. In some instances, less than a minute after the person exits the vehicle," said Lance Bosshard, San Francisco Police Inspector.

Police have assigned a full time inspector to investigate the break-ins but no big leads so far.

Eduardo Reynozo is a spray paint artist who works at the Twin Peaks parking area. He regularly has tourists bumming plastic bags off of him to cover their shattered windows.

"I park close. I don't leave my car far because I'm scared I could be robbed," said Reynozo.

"I imagine it's sad for tourists because they come for the beautiful view of San Francisco and come back to their car with sad news," said tourist Jacques Ligonie.