Oakland, with a population of 400,000, experienced a significant surge in crime in 2023, with 15,000 reported car thefts, equivalent to one for every 30 residents. This marked a 45% increase in motor vehicle thefts from the previous year, the highest in at least 15 years. Additionally, the city saw a 38% rise in robberies and a 23% increase in burglaries. This crime wave has prompted discussions about the city's leadership and public safety policies, with some citizens driving an effort to recall Mayor Sheng Thao. The understaffed Oakland police department has been overwhelmed by a 21% spike in violent crime, which has affected their ability to respond to the car thefts.
Oakland saw 15,000 car thefts last year - equivalent to one for every THIRTY of its residents: Understaffed police department says it's too busy dealing with 21% spike in violent crime to help https://t.co/5dhxdq6Ywl https://t.co/MKTbAMtP0j
In Oakland, one car was stolen for every 30 residents last year. That's the highest at least 15 years and a 45% increase from 2022. What's going on? https://t.co/vJvtDQAV75
In Oakland, one car was stolen for every 30 residents last year. What's going on? https://t.co/v9YIkz6R2l
New: In Oakland, one car was stolen for every 30 residents last year. What's going on? https://t.co/MDwlezlpsm
Driving the effort to recall @MayorShengThao: “According to the recent stats, Oakland robberies increased by 38% from 2022 to 2023, while burglaries increased by 23% and motor vehicle thefts increased by 45%.” https://t.co/lRpdlAlfs5
Oakland has a population of 400k. They had 14,000 cars stolen in 2023. Think about that next time you vote. @MayorShengThao https://t.co/MV6cgbAH0p