[jedberg]

In other countries, like South Africa, private security is a big industry. Since everyone knows the police are easily bribed, buildings hire private security. I stayed at an AirBnB in an apartment building, and they had 24 hour, onsite, heavily armed security. Who also helped us with our bags!

I suspect SF may move towards this model soon. You can already see it around Union Square. They are hiring off duty cops to monitor the stores.

[stjohnswarts]

1 off duty isn't going to be able to stop these flash mob breakins. I imagine they could be very effectual in apartment building and such though.