The Oakland Police Department released a public safety advisory warning of an increased number of armed robberies and carjackings happening throughout the city.
The advisory reads: “The crimes are happening across Oakland at various hours. In some recent cases, armed individuals intentionally collide their vehicles with the vehicles of unexpected victims in hopes of getting the victim to stop. In other incidents, the armed individuals block the victim’s vehicle to prevent them from leaving. The armed individuals then rob the victims of their personal property. In some cases, the victims have also been carjacked.”
In lieu of criminals maybe being prosecuted, the department included the following safety tips in the advisory:
- Always keep your vehicle’s doors locked and windows rolled up when driving, especially in high-risk areas.
- If you are involved in a vehicle collision and believe you are in danger, call the police immediately.
- If you are being followed or believe you are in danger, drive to the police station, or a well-lit and populated area and call the police.
- Do not be distracted by electronic devices.
- Be discreet with your property; this includes purses, phones, jewelry, and other valuables.
Oakland PD says if you are a victim or have information regarding those who may be responsible for these violent crimes, please call 510-238-3326.
This advisory comes on the heels of Alameda County DA Pamela Price facing protests and a call for her recall. The criticism stems from her response to a family whose 2-year-old toddler was murdered in a suspected gang shooting on I-880 in Oakland. Along with a 15-month-old girl getting shot in the city’s Little Saigon neighborhood.