The California Highway Patrol announced Wednesday that more than 2,000 stolen vehicles have been recovered in Oakland in the eight months since extra officers were sent to the East Bay to tackle crime.
According to a statement from Governor Gavin Newsom’s office, the operation that began earlier this year led to the seizure of 2,123 stolen vehicles, the arrest of 1,125 suspects and the recovery of 110 illegal firearms.
“California has made robust investments to support the Oakland community by cracking down on crime and creating programs that help prevent it. Our recent work in Oakland should send a strong message that lawlessness and crime will not be tolerated in our state,” Newsom said. “I thank our CHP officers for their work on the ground to make the East Bay safer for all its residents.”
In February, Newsom deployed 120 CHP officers working with Oakland to address the increase in violent crime, along with auto theft, shoplifting and sideshows.
Nieuwsom increased the number of CHP officers deployed to the East Bay in Julywhich quadrupled the number of officers in four months. According to the CHP, the most recent increase has resulted in a 57% increase in arrests, a 44% increase in stolen vehicle recoveries and a 188% increase in gun seizures compared to the previous period of three months.
Most recently a crackdown on several sideshows in Oakland last weekend led to the arrest of 22 suspects and the seizure of 36 vehicles.
Around 3:15 a.m. Saturday, a CHP antenna spotted a sideshow near 98th and Edes Avenue in East Oakland. Officers on scene pursued a participating vehicle and were able to arrest two suspects.
According to authorities, the vehicle was impounded for 30 days.
Later that evening, a CHP helicopter found an afterthought on West Ground Avenue under the I-880 freeway in West Oakland. Police said onlookers shone lasers at the plane before 14 people were arrested and six vehicles were towed.
Additional arrest warrants have been issued in connection with the weekend sideshows, which will result in more vehicles being seized, the CHP said.
“We remain committed to making sure the streets of Oakland are safer for everyone, and we will continue to use every tool at our disposal to enforce the law and protect our residents,” said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee.
