Mean streets: San Francisco workers get bulletproof vests

San Francisco city employees responsible for enforcing street vending regulations have been provided with bulletproof vests due to an increase in death threats. Public Works inspectors, who inspect food carts and verify permits, have been targeted with verbal and physical attacks, including assaults and threats on their lives. The city has taken this step as part of its efforts to address street vending issues, such as the fencing of stolen goods and drug-related activities in downtown areas. Despite receiving state grants to tackle retail theft, the problem of fencing in the black market persists.