Union Square's Accused $18,000 Shoplifter Finally Arrested

Photo byMrinal RaionUnsplash

Union Square in downtown San Francisco has been hurting for a while. I don't buy the "Doom Loop" narrative. But I do agree that Union Square, and San Francisco in general, has a serious theft problem.

Case in point? An arrest that happened this week.

San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins announced charges against Mark Farmer, who is accused of participating in a string of retail thefts in Union Square and nearby areas since December 2023.

Farmer allegedly attempted to steal around $18,000 in goods from stores including Bloomingdale's, Lululemon, Gap, and Athleta.

He was arrested by SFPD on September 18 and pleaded not guilty to all charges during his arraignment on September 24. The DA's Office requested high bail, citing public safety concerns. Bail was set at $100,000, and Farmer remains in custody, with his next court date scheduled for October 7, 2024.

The DA's office has emphasized the importance of stricter measures in deterring large-scale retail theft, which has plagued the area. Union Square has been a hotspot for organized retail theft, and authorities have been ramping up efforts to crack down on these incidents. This case is part of a broader initiative to address the growing retail crime wave in the city.