OPD Reports a Nearly 30% Drop in Crime in First Quarter of 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 1, 2026
OPD Reports a Nearly 30% Drop in Crime in First Quarter of 2026
The Oakland Police Department (OPD) is seeing a 29% decrease in overall Part I crime from January 1 through March 31, 2026, compared to the same period last year. Part I crimes include homicides, aggravated assault, rape, robbery, and burglary.
Violent crime is down 22%, with significant drops in the following areas:
• Homicides: down 39% (23 to 14)
• Aggravated Assaults: down 13% (678 to 588)
• Robberies: down 30% (537 to 374)
• Rape: down 50% (46 to 23)
• Burglary: down 54% (2,424 to 1,124)
Although overall crime has decreased, OPD remains vigilant in tracking and addressing slight increases in residential robberies and incidents involving weapons other than firearms or knives.
“We recognize these statistics may not reflect the experiences of those impacted by crime, and we take that seriously,” says Chief James Beere. “At the same time, many residents report feeling safer, reflecting strong partnerships between the community, city leadership, and OPD. We encourage victims to report incidents to access support and strengthen public safety.”
"When we forge a truly comprehensive partnership by uniting violence prevention, crisis response, community voices, and public safety, we create the conditions for safer communities and lasting reductions in crime,” said Mayor Barbara Lee. "Seeing crime trends move downward is proof that these strategies are making a real impact. But our work is far from finished.”
Besides the drop in crime, OPD has also:
• Conducted 66 human trafficking investigations, resulting in 81 arrests
• Recovered more than 310 firearms so far this year
OPD is firmly committed to building on this progress through our ongoing 90-day crime reduction plan, which includes targeted enforcement of illegal dirt bikes and ATVs, and action against illegal sideshows. Also, increased patrols focused on robberies and shootings, and enhanced presence at events throughout May.
Additionally, OPD is partnering with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Drug Enforcement Administration on a 60-day enforcement effort to reduce firearms in our communities.
