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San Francisco police warn of pickpockets

Anyone with plans to be out and about at night in San Francisco is being warned to be on the lookout for thieves.

Police said there has been a rash of thefts of wallets, purses and especially smart phones.

A KTVU crew on Friday night spotted numerous signs posted in bars in the Castro district warning patrons to keep their valuables with them at all times.

Police said those who frequent bars and nightclubs are the prime targets of pickpockets.

Thieves are particularly looking for wallets and smart phones.

One man who fell victim said all it took was a matter of seconds.

"I turned my head for no less than 10 seconds, I turn back around and my $500 dollar Droid phone was gone," he said.

The staff at 440 Castro told KTVU it's taking steps to protect its patrons by offering a coat check.

"It's easy to lose track of where your things are," said bartender Anthony Thomas. "We've cracked down and are a lot more aware of what's going on."

Security guards at the Ruby Skye Nightclub near Union Square reportedly caught a pickpocket Monday night.

The thief had grabbed five cell phones woth approximately $1,700.

Police called the thefts a crime of opporunity.

"They're looking for the moment that somebody leaves and walks away from their belongings," said officer Carlos Manfredi.

Police said the best thing people who go out at night can do is to be alert.

They suggested using a buddy system to look out for each other.

_{Sat, 28 Jan 2012 07:14:09 -0800}

Man fatally shot in West Oakland

A man was fatally shot in West Oakland Friday night.

The incident happened at about 9:30 p.m. at 9th and Center streets.

A neighbor told KTVU she heard at least 10 gunshots.

The victim was pronounced dead at the hospital.

No arrests have been made.

_{Sat, 28 Jan 2012 06:49:21 -0800}

Map of Bay Area on Facebook offends some residents

A map of the Bay Area, apparently meant as a joke, has made its rounds on Facebook and has offended some people.

The map certainly requires a thick skin. For instance, east Contra Costa is labelled child molesters, white trash, and meth labs.

Some of the parents watching youth soccer Friday night in Pittsburg said they weren't amused.

The parody map is irreverent to some, insulting to others.

Oakland is called a "State Park." San Francisco is divided into tourists, Asia, Hippies and Gay Town U.S.A. Richmond is labeled "More Oakland" and Berkeley gets its usual left-leaning credits to include Tree Huggers, Vegans, Recycled Nuts and Asian Student.

One San Ramon resident noted lives in the area called "Hell."

Bay Area resident Peter deLowe said he didn't like the map.

"It's a parody, offensive parody," said deLowe who added he put the emailed map in his trash bin.

A Castro Valley man chuckled at how the East Bay takes its knocks, referring to it as Bikers Gangs and Meth Labs. He was interviewed outside a liquor store, located right next door to a gun store.

Bay Area bridges are labeled "Parking," with the Golden Gate Bridge morbidly called "Dead Bodies." The Delta is characterized as "Sewer."

For one father, the map offers a teachable moment. Alfonso Rojas said in the 10 years he's lived in Pittsburg he's seen the city improve, so he didn't appreciate the stereotypical slam.

"My kids (are) growing up here. I'm happy to be in Pittsburg, and I don't think the map is the thing. The map is just wrong," Rojas said.

The creator of the map is unknown. There is also a similar map of the entire United States with similar characterizations called Redneck Simplified Map on the Internet.

_{Sat, 28 Jan 2012 06:08:59 -0800}

News Source: MedleyStory More Local News Stories