SAN FRANCISCO -- NBC11 reporter Cheryl Hurd became a part of the news story she was assigned to cover after her laptop computer was stolen in a smash-and-grab.

Hurd was doing a story in San Francisco's Western Addition about smash-and-grab robberies and was sitting inside an NBC11 news van when she became a victim of a smash-and-grab robbery herself.

Three people opened the door to the van and grabbed the computer off of Hurd's lap, Hurd reported.

The Western Addition is a hot spot for smash-and-grab robberies, Hurd reported.

Resident Earl Wells said he sees smash-and-grab robbers standing on corners, watching for people to park their cars in the area.

San Francisco Supervisor Ross Mirkarimi said he's tired of seeing broken glass peppered along the streets because cars have been broken into. He said the city is not doing enough, and that he expects more from officials and law enforcement to help resolve what he called a crisis.

Al Casciato of the San Francisco Police Department said he disagrees with Mirkarimi's comments. Casciato said he thinks the police department has been doing a "tremendous job" and that any commentary about the officers should be taken in full context.

Hurd said that the smash-and-grab items are generally sold to buy guns, drugs and other items that support gang activity.