Full Notification

 
For Immediate Release: March 13, 2024
 
 
Public Safety Advisory: OPD Responds to Uptick in Robberies
The Oakland Police Department (OPD) is making progress in reducing most crimes citywide. Despite this trend, incidents of robberies remain elevated including a recent increase in smash-and-grab robberies citywide, specifically targeting individuals inside their vehicles. These types of incidents represent a small percentage of overall robberies.

In several recent cases, victims were either sitting in their vehicles or stopped while driving when approached by one or more individuals. The suspect(s) break the victim’s passenger side window and grab their belongings from the passenger side. Despite the victims' attempts to retain their items, the suspects overpower them and leave with the stolen items.

OPD is actively investigating and tracking this current trend. Due to the ongoing nature of this investigation, OPD cannot disclose details on specific operations, however, commanders have begun deploying additional officers to areas of the city that have experienced the surge in armed robberies.  

We are issuing this safety advisory to keep our community informed.

OPD is encouraging anyone who is a victim or has information regarding any of these incidents to please call 510-238-3326.
 
REDUCE YOUR RISK:

• Always scan the area and watch for suspicious individuals, as suspects are targeting distracted drivers.
• Remain Calm. Do not resist.
• When possible, store your items in your truck or under your seat.
• If you are being followed, drive to a safe place, including the police department or fire station, and call 911.

 
As of March 10, 2024, burglaries have decreased by nearly 50% in the City of Oakland, with 1,853 incidents compared to the same period last year, during which there were 3,480 burglaries. However, robberies have increased by 32%, totaling 715 incidents this year, compared to 540 robberies during the same time period last year.
 
Working together, we can make Oakland Safer!!