Here’s how San Francisco leaders and BART officials plan to keep shoppers safe this holiday season

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) — Take a stroll through downtown San Francisco and the sights and sounds of the holidays are everywhere.

With Thanksgiving and the biggest shopping time of the year just days away, city officials are stepping up efforts to keep people safe.

“During the holiday season last year, you couldn’t come to this area without running into a police officer and guess what, that’s what will happen again this year,” the San Francisco police chief said. , Bill Scott.

Many will remember 2021 when dozens of people robbed and looted high-end stores in Union Square.

An image of San Francisco that city officials are eager to eradicate.

“I know there are often a number of videos that keep going viral trying to paint a very harsh picture of our beautiful city, but I’m here to tell you that things have changed,” the mayor said. London Breed.

MORE: What stores are open, closed on Thanksgiving Day 2022?

When shoppers enter the city, officials hope they’ll begin their journey at places like the newly renovated Powell Street BART station.

Some of the improvements include better lighting throughout the station, as well as new glass barriers around entry points.

“The men and women of our department and the SFPD are very committed to the safety of our passengers and shoppers and to making this experience a great one,” said Bevan Dufty of BART’s Board of Directors.

The new features aim to improve the drivers’ experience and their feeling of safety.

These upgrades are a way to win over commuters new and old as they explore the city at a special time of year.

“Overall, I like BART. BART has been very convenient for me getting to and from Alameda and San Francisco,” said BART pilot Phillipa Rolle.

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