SFPD investigating rash of camera robberies in Golden Gate Park

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- Police in San Francisco's Richmond District are investigating a rash of camera robberies at a viewing site at Stow Lake Golden Gate Park.

The most recent incident happened just last Saturday when a photographer was robbed as she was taking pictures of the birds. Witnesses say a car pulled up where about three dozen people were gathered with their scopes and cameras, and a couple of teens got out and pushed the photographer down, stealing her $2,500 camera and tripod.

"This man ran up, knocked her to the ground. she has a huge gash on her arm, took the camera and the tripod and jumped into the car and got away," nature educator Nancy DeStefanis said.

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This incident is on the heels of two other recent similar robberies. Park patrol promises to extend hours of their surveillance, saying they will now provide patrols between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. on the next two Saturdays when the heron ladies are there with their tours.

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Police have a license plate of the suspect vehicle and are investigating the incidents.

ABC7's Vic Lee will have a full report on the investigation at 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. Click here to follow him on Twitter.