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Consulate-General of the Republic of Singapore in San Francisco

Safe travel in San Francisco

The Singapore Consulate-General wishes everyone safe holidays! Here are some tips that will help keep you and your loved ones safe while travelling in San Francisco.

Last updated 6 November 2025

According to news reports, smash-and-grab car break-ins have reached epidemic levels in San Francisco in recent times (see projects.sfchronicle.com/trackers/sf-car-breakins for more information).

To be prepared:

  • Ensure that travel documents and valuable possessions are not on public display or left unattended in vehicles (especially rental vehicles), even if it is only for a short while. This is particularly so for popular tourist destinations and shopping areas (e.g. outlet malls). Consider moving your vehicle to a different location each time you load packages in the trunk. Try to use parking lots where there are parking attendants.

  • Always be aware of your surroundings. Stay alert when using electronic devices.

  • Keep your wallet in a hard-to-reach place and carry only the cash and credit cards that you will need to complete your shopping.

  • If someone demands your purse, wallet, or packages, surrender them, make note of the suspect’s description and direction they flee and call 911. Items can be replaced.

  • Shop with a companion, especially after dark, whenever possible.

View the Safe Shopper Video released by the San Francisco Police Department at https://vimeo.com/193432718.

For more tips on personal and vehicle safety, please visit San Francisco Safety Awareness for Everyone (SAFE) at https://www.sfsafe.org.

Infographic: "6 Theft and Break-in Safety Tips When Your Car Is Parked" with car, street light, keys.

Infographic: SFSAFE