Full Notification

Robbery Prevention and Awareness

Victims of recent street robberies in Oakland were most often targeted for their known possession of smartphones or tablets. Factors, such as the victim’s awareness of their surroundings, or ease of access to the personal electronic device to the suspect, may have contributed to the likelihood of the crime occurring.

Although enforcement efforts have been focused in areas likely to deter crime and apprehend offenders, and these efforts netted nearly a dozen robbery or firearm associated arrests over this past weekend, incidents of robbery remain high. We are asking for the community’s awareness and assistance in order to further impact this trend.

Be Prepared to Report
Take the time to record the serial numbers of your personal electronic devices, and keep the information somewhere, or with someone, to access in case the device is taken in a robbery, burglary, or theft. Have this information available when making a report to police. Consider installing owner managed tracking software on applicable personal electronic devices to assist with recovery.

Target Deterrence
Always conceal what you have to steal. Visible phones or valuables, such as gold jewelry, are just like cash to a thief. Would you walk down the street with hundred dollar bills in your hand? Be aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts; avoid circumstances that intuitively make you uneasy or susceptible.

Reporting
Call the OPD non-emergency number, 777-3333, to report suspicious persons, vehicles or circumstances. Be as descriptive as possible. Even if the information is insufficient to cause a detention or arrest at that time, your information is valuable to establish investigative leads and make arrests. For an emergency crime in progress, call 911 or (510) 777-3211 by cell phone to be connected directly to the Oakland Police Department Communications Section. Dialing 911 by cell phone connects to the California Highway Patrol and may cause delay.

Call 535-GUNS = (510) 535-4867 to leave an anonymous message regarding illegal gun possession, use or sales. Statistics have shown that, often, suspects involved in gun crime, including armed robberies, have previous firearm arrests, ties to gun possession or to criminal gangs or activities where illegal firearm possession is chronic. We must become intolerant of individuals who illegally possess concealed weapons on our streets. Reporting gun crime BEFORE a violent crime occurs may be the best way to save a life - perhaps even the life of someone you know.