Yesterday, San Francisco Police arrested Eduardo Cuidad, a man suspected of multiple Muni-based pickpocketings and probably connected to "a handful of other suspects" who work the bus lines to lift credit cards and gift cards from unsuspecting passengers.

Cuidad was particularly fond of the notoriously crowded 38-Geary line, where it took "a combination of Muni surveillance cameras, plainclothes officers and investigators" to bring him in. Good to know the Muni cameras are actually recording crimes these days, at least.

Authorities point out that the most pickpocketing reports come from "lines that run through downtown" (so: most of them) as well as the Muni Metro light rail. On the 38-Geary alone, 22 thefts were reported in 2010 and holiday congestion is only making it easier for opportunistic thieves.

As Mr. Muni voice says: "On crowded buses always remember to guard your purses and wallets." (Did we quote that right?)

[SFExaminer]