Car burglaries in Oakland have been reaching new heights, leaving tourists feeling helpless and frustrated as they become victims of widespread thefts. One such incident occurred yesterday, when a father and son visiting from Ohio had their rental car broken into at the prominent In-N-Out restaurant on Oakport Street, just minutes within their arrival, according to KTVU. The pair managed to track their stolen iPad to San Francisco, but found themselves powerless when police said they could not assist.
IN & OUT: Video shows car burglars targeting rental car near @innoutburger on Oakport, a hotspot for thieves. Among items taken was iPad that later pinged in SF. @oaklandpoliceca took report. Victim, visiting Bay Area from Ohio, speaks out. 5:10, 6:20, 7:15 p.m. @KTVU pic.twitter.com/HwV5a6E7fv
— Henry K. Lee (@henrykleeKTVU) July 4, 2023
Mark Day and his son had recently landed at Oakland International Airport and were looking forward to a quick bite at In-N-Out. They claim to have taken necessary precautions, locking their valuables in the trunk of their rental car, as suggested. However, it took only 15 minutes for thieves in a separate vehicle to smash their rear window and snatch their belongings. What followed was a chase to recover their stolen goods, which led to a dead end when the police could not provide a warrant for a search in a different jurisdiction, leaving the family feeling exposed and vulnerable.
While car burglaries can happen anywhere, Oakland's In-N-Out on Oakport Street has become an alarming hotspot for this type of crime, forcing visitors to take extra precautions and stay vigilant when parking in the area. The city has faced growing concerns over safety due to an increase in break-ins, some instances causing physical damage to vehicles, resulting in costly repairs and a feeling of unease among both tourists and residents.
The father and son maintained a positive outlook on their trip, stating that they enjoyed their time in Oakland despite the unfortunate circumstances they encountered at In-N-Out. Their story is, unfortunately, one of many as Oakland continues to grapple with an epidemic of car burglaries from which no visitor is immune.
