Some downtown San Diego business owners met with city leaders this week to express concern about crime both in and around their establishments.
Owners who spoke to NBC 7 on Friday said the majority of the crimes being discussed are committed by homeless people.
“Employees have been yelling at customers in the front of the store, throwing things at us, using the restroom in front of the store, which has been the main issue lately,” said David Deal, owner of D3 Home Modern Furniture.
San Diego City Attorney Mara Elliott attended a meeting with business owners and concerned residents to share information about how her office prosecutes cases and tips for keeping the community safe.
“City prosecutors file charges when a business owner identifies a suspect and police have the evidence necessary to prove the suspect's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt in court,” Elliott said in a statement to NBC 7. “Meetings like last night's are extremely helpful in informing prosecutors, police and citizens about the roles they play in keeping our communities safe.”
Deal said some store owners have lost business because of crime and the fear of it.
“We have a crack shack on the corner, so it does affect people,” Deal said, “They come towards us, but if there's a homeless person yelling and yelling, they can hear it downstairs and it stops them from coming to see us. So it does affect our business.”
