Police request residents’ help in search for thieves

Since July 25, at least 23 historic plaques have been stolen in Mission Hills, along with some in Bankers Hill, Balboa Park, and other areas.

Plaques stolen include:
• The Pioneer Park (children’s playground) plaque
• Six Inspiration Heights neighborhood markers (Sunset Boulevard and Alameda Drive), which are all original markers from 1909.
• Three Private Way markers, one from Sunset Boulevard and Witherby, and two from the top of Juan Street.
• At least nine individual designation plaques from Fort Stockton Drive
• Two from Washington Street (Griswold and Florence Apt. Buildings)
• A Temple Beth Israel plaque
• First Christian Science Church at the corner of Laurel Street and Second Avenue

The San Diego Police Department has said it will increase patrols and is also taking other measures, especially along Sunset Boulevard and the targeted Ft. Stockton Drive. SDPD has alerted neighborhood watch programs, and Crime Stoppers is offering a $1,000 reward.

Three homeowners have reported an “orange truck or SUV” on Tuesday between 3-4:30 a.m.along the 2100 and 2200 block of Ft. Stockton with three men inside it who appeared to be hiding something large. SDPD is asking Uptown residents to provide any other information they may have in order to help find the thieves.

A release from Officer David Surwilo, SDPD’s community relations officer, advises the following:

Don’t rule out any vehicle! Keep vigilant and look out your windows for anything you hear at anytime. Don’t assume that just because a truck or person appears to be a delivery service that it is. If you hear something, look, and if you see something that does not feel right call the police asap. Please do not call a friend or email someone else. If it looks or feels wrong, call the police.

“The only way this case will be solved is if the community stays vigilant and calls the police,” the release says. However, “no property… is worth being injured over. Personal Safety should always be your first thought. We need good witnesses not injured victims. All calls not considered to be at a priority of 911 level should be reported via (619) 531-2000. Report any and all suspicious activity to the police immediately at (619) 531-2000, and forward any information regarding this issue to Detective Brenner at (619) 692-4834 or by email at [email protected].