Most people are at least familiar with the traditional Neighborhood Watch concept of neighbors looking out for fellow neighbors and calling police when suspicious characters appear or unusual activity occurs.  The concept of a Business Watch however is pretty new to many, though it is based on exactly the same principles.  Individual businesses on a block, or in a geographical area, join together to exchange information, promote safety and enhance security for everyone.

The Castro Business Watch (CBW) program started in June of 2012, as part of an initiative by Castro Community On Patrol, and at present is open to any businesses from Eureka Street in the West, to Church Street in the East; and from Duboce Street in the North to 19th Street in the South.  Participation in the program is entirely free, though membership does require that each business attend a formal CBW monthly meeting to receive a program orientation from a member of the San Francisco Safety Awareness For Everyone (SF-SAFE) group.  At present, 22 different businesses and 6 different community organizations have joined the CBW, but many, many more have expressed a sincere interest in participating and it is hoped a majority will be active members by the end of 2013.

Similar to each residential Neighborhood Watch program, the CBW is recognized by the City and County of San Francisco and by the San Francisco Police Department. This is important, as it helps the CBW to advocate on behalf of the entire group through the auspices of the CBW organizational captains who are chosen from the group members.  Castro is fortunate to have a number of very effective lobbying groups, such as the Merchants of Upper Market and Castro (MUMC), Castro Community Benefits District (CBD), and numerous neighborhood associations, and CBW joins these other groups in having an important voice in matters of safety and security.

One of the first concerns raised by business members was street violence and vandalism, and in response CBW has been recommending the selective installation of evidence quality security cameras and digital recorders.  The costs of such systems have come down significantly over the years, a benefit of miniaturization and consumer demand, while the inherent benefits for the business owner are well known and recognized.  CBW is working to encourage all businesses to have at least one external camera to protect their store front, but also capture images of the sidewalk and street in front of their business.  Such cameras have been instrumental in providing quality images to investigators in numerous cases throughout the year.  Cameras by themselves do not necessarily deter crime or criminals, but high quality images can help police track down perpetrators and can help the district attorney to prosecute cases.

The CBW is only part of the overall neighborhood effort to improve safety and enhance security for everyone.  It is however, and important part, and we encourage you to let the current member businesses know how much you appreciate their participation and concern for overall community safety.  The current CBW members are :

  • Cliff’s Variety Store
  • Citizen Clothing
  • Puff n Stuff
  • The Body Shop
  • Sunglass Hut
  • Phantom
  • Mudpuppy’s Castro
  • Wells Fargo Bank
  • Brand X Antiques
  • Swirl
  • Human Rights Campaign
  • Books, Inc.
  • Fitness SF
  • Johnston Tax Group
  • 17th and Noe
  • Orphan Andy’s
  • Philz Coffee
  • Chaps
  • Smoke Plus
  • Outfit
  • Castro Community On Patrol
  • Community Patrol USA
  • Castro Community Benefits District
  • Duboce Triangle Neighborhood Association
  • SF LGBT Community Center
  • San Francisco Patrol Special Police – Castro

If you would like more information, or would like to join the CBW, please contact info@CastroPatrol.org or call 415-ASK-CCOP.