Following Gov. Gavin Newsom’s recent deployment of 120 California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers to Oakland and the East Bay area this month, state officials have announced the arrests of 71 suspects, recovery of 145 stolen vehicles, and seizures of four firearms linked to violent crimes, according to a Feb. 14 news release by the governor.
Suspects face charges including possession of stolen property, drug possession, auto theft, driving under the influence, and felony gun possession, and some were arrested on outstanding warrants. One suspect was a man who stole from the East Bay Apple Store in a widely circulated video of the smash-and-grab, during which dozens of iPhones were taken, according to the news release.
Building on the recent success, more unannounced operations alongside local law enforcement in high-crime areas are expected to “aggressively” seek out criminals in the East Bay, according to the announcement. The Alameda County District Attorney’s Office will oversee prosecution.
“Crime will not go unchecked in Oakland and East Bay neighborhoods. I’m grateful for the men and women of the CHP who are assisting in the local-led effort to turn the tide,” Mr. Newsom said in the news release.
Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao, who is currently subject to a recall effort as crime rises and businesses leave, said she was grateful for the state’s collaboration with local crime-fighting efforts.
“The City of Oakland is hard at work turning the tide — increasing law enforcement investigations, increasing police recruitment, and investing in community and violence intervention efforts. … I’m grateful for Gov. Newsom for providing these critical law enforcement resources,” she said on X.
Last month the only Denny’s location in Oakland closed after 54 years, citing concerns over increased crime, while In-N-Out is scheduled to close in March for the same reason. Nearby Black Bear Diner also closed last year, and Sugarsweet Bakery, also in Oakland and in business for four years, closed in late January due to crime.
“Among other things, rampant crime, low foot traffic and decreased sales has made it impossible to carry on,” founder and pastry chef David Benton posted on Instagram.
To quickly turn things around, California is temporarily boosting law enforcement in the two areas by nearly 900 percent. The deployment of license plate readers and specialized CHP units, such as K9s and air support, will contribute to the efforts, according to the same announcement.
What state officials are calling the “surge operation” is intended to target auto theft, retail crime, cargo theft, and violent crime. An earlier partnership between city and state law enforcement yielded 100 arrests and 193 stolen vehicles recovered in Oakland alone. In San Francisco a similar such operation has led to 460 arrests, 5,263 citations, and over 18.1 kilograms of fentanyl seized, according to the announcement.
The state has also led efforts to improve education, according to Mr. Newsom, including mandating and funding after-school programs, awarding grants to Oakland’s youth coaches, and providing tuition-free community college. Also, multiple grants have been awarded to bring new outdoor recreational facilities and arts and culture to the city through beautification efforts, he said.
