San Francisco's new Ikea store reported a robbery to police one day before its grand opening by mistake, according to a company spokesperson.
The alert was broadcast via the Citizen crime reporting app on Tuesday afternoon. The app monitors police scanners to detect active emergencies and crime.
An Ikea spokesperson said staff made the report in error.
"We are enthusiastically getting ready for tomorrow's opening," the spokesperson said. "Co-workers are testing store systems."
"Say what you will about San Francisco, we are incredibly committed to the bit," quipped one Twitter/X user, posting a screenshot of the Citizen robbery alert.
say what you will about San Francisco, we are incredibly committed to the bit https://t.co/2X5DayrXIQ pic.twitter.com/kSGYziazgI
— Kane 謝凱堯 (@kane) August 22, 2023
San Francisco Police Department did not respond to requests for comment on the robbery report by publication time.
The opening of Ikea in San Francisco has been hyped as a shot in the arm of San Francisco's struggling Downtown. The store opens to the general public on Wednesday morning and has already held several soft openings and press events for invited guests.
The store’s “small-space living” concept and layout is built around San Francisco city life, meaning shoppers won’t be able to leave the new Ikea with a brand new bed or a desk in tow, but they can order it in-store.
Asked about concerns surrounding petty theft and shoplifting, market manager Arda Akalin previously told The Standard the company has laid out a comprehensive security plan that it will adjust after the store’s first few months in operation.
“We have our own risk team; it’s very standard in every Ikea store,” Akalin said. “But we also have a third-party external security company. We will have the security guards here, in certain places like the checkouts, restrooms and entrance.”