California Congressman Adam Schiff is the latest victim of a smash and grab in San Francisco

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Yesterday, Democratic congressman and now senatorial candidate Adam Schiff learned firsthand about the crime in San Francisco, which has chased away so many residents, tourists and business travelers alike, myself included. RELATED: Insane: Illegal tow truck tries to hook and lift car with couple in it while stopped at a red light in San Francisco

According to the San Francisco Chronicle, Schiff’s car had been parked in a San Francisco garage while he visited the area for a couple of days of appearances. “Thieves swiped the bags from his car while it sat in a downtown parking garage.”

If Adam or his handlers had read any of my tips, then they would have known to never leave anything of value in their car while visiting the Bay Area. Here are just a few of my tips from the last couple of years:

–Smash-and-grabs are out of control – especially in California. Here’s a new trick to keep your belongings safe

–Traveling to California? Here’s how to prevent smash and grabs from ruining your vacation

–If you visit California don’t make these huge mistakes, otherwise the California dream will become a nightmare

The gist of these tips is this:
1. Never leave anything of value in your car. That’s the first and most important thing.

2. If you do leave something of value in your car (sometimes you have no choice), make sure it’s hidden, either under the seat or under a black sheet or black tablecloth so it camouflages with the floor. It’s always a good idea to keep one of those in your car, just in case. Here’s more on that tip.

3. Don’t ever open your trunk to get something out when you arrive at your destination because people might be watching you. Always get what you need out of the trunk before you get where you’re going.

GOOD TO KNOW: According to insurance company Wawanesa, “Airports and the surrounding areas are hot spots for San Francisco smash-and-grab. Parking around cafes and diners on common routes to and from the SFO or the OAK airports is hit multiple times daily. Tourist attractions, too, attract bippers as thieves look for people who are less aware of the dangers.”

The Chronicle said that Schiff took the incident in stride and instead of wearing a suit to a dinner in Burlingame (near SFO), he wore a vest.

The good news is, per SF Chronicle: “Crime statistics this week showed larceny — the type of theft that includes auto burglaries — plunged by 35% in the first quarter of 2024.”

But there’s no doubt this incident isn’t going to help the city or the state shed their bad reputation when it comes to smash and grabs. But hopefully, the incident raises awareness for travelers about how to protect themselves and more importantly, motivates politicians to do more to fix the problem.

KEEP READING:

–8 Ways to Save Money on Gas
–12 Ways to Save Money on Baggage Fees
–The Unsurprising Way Travel Experts Save Money on Food When Traveling 
–How to Save Money With a Secret Third Carry-On
–Here’s How You Can Really Save Money on Your Next Car Rental

Want more travel news, tips and deals? Sign up to Johnny Jet’s free newsletter and check out these popular posts: The Travel Gadget Flight Attendants Never Leave Home Without and 12 Ways to Save Money on Baggage Fees. Follow Johnny Jet on MSN, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube for all of my travel posts.