Following several recent robberies, the San Francisco Police Department’s Park Station issued a crime alert today (Wednesday, August 8) asking people to use caution when using their cell phones.

Captain Greg Corrales (Photo: Rick Gerharter)

“We are flooding the area with plainclothes and uniformed officers,” the emailed alert says. “I have committed to staffing the Divisadero Street beat.” The message, which points to several recent incidents that have occurred along Divisadero, isn’t signed, but it appears to come from Park Station Police Captain Greg Corrales. Park Station includes part of the Castro district, Haight-Ashbury, and other neighborhoods.

The email highlights five incidents that have occurred since July 28, including one in which a gun was shown.

“We are working 24/7 to address this serious situation,” the message says. Police also advise, “If confronted by assailants, do not resist.”

Reports from police across the city indicate that robberies involving cell phones are common. In many of the cases, suspects threaten their victims with guns.

“There are people that know the identity of these remorseless robbers,” the Park Station email says. People may provide tips anonymously by calling the station’s anonymous tip line at (415) 731-2865.