SF officials insist city is safe after recent thefts, urge shopping local for holidays

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- Monday night in the Castro District of San Francisco, dozens came out to see the annual holiday tree lighting ceremony.

San Francisco Mayor London Breed and State Senator Scott Wiener both spoke, urging people to shop local. Both again, reassured people that San Francisco is safe.

The mood that night was holiday excitement and hope.

"But we're coming back!" said emcee Donna Sachet.

RELATED: Mayor Breed says changes will be coming to SF after brazen Union Square robbery

"We are in the midst of our economic recovery," said San Francisco Mayor London Breed.

Dozens came out, some in their own holiday flare, to see the tree all lit up. But outside that glow are a number of empty Castro storefronts, many of which closed during the coronavirus pandemic.

"Sad that businesses were lost, but there are those businesses that are hanging on for two years," said Sachet.

Now, local businesses both small and large, are dealing with another threat -- store burglaries like the one seen at Louis Vuitton in San Francisco's Union Square.

VIDEO: SF Louis Vuitton store decimated after massive smash-and-grab robbery

Multiple suspects have been arrested after a Louis Vuitton store in San Francisco was hit by thieves.

It's one reason why SFPD has made recent changes.

"Now when you go out to Union Square you see officers and you feel okay about shopping," said San Francisco Deputy Police Chief David Lazar.

"It's a very visible way for the city to make clear that we're not going to tolerate this," said State Senator Scott Wiener.

Mayor Breed told us those changes are making a difference.

"We're doing everything we can and so far we haven't had any major incidents that have occurred," says Breed.

RELATED: Tourists 'shocked' by spree of organized thefts in SF; industry fears crime will deter visitors

But while some may still fear coming to or shopping in San Francisco due to COVID or safety concerns, one Castro business owner told us there is improvement happening.

"I think San Francisco is one of the number one places in the world," said Petros Fanourgiakis who owns Aegean Delights. "I feel like now it's picking up a little bit."