
Oakland estuary boat owners in California have been enduring an increase in burglaries over the past months, with thieves targeting docked boats and stealing valuable items and engines. As the problem grows, the affected communities grapple with the search for solutions and a sense of security.
According to an article by KRON4, the Oakland Police Department, aware of the issue, admits it is struggling to find resources to combat this new wave of property crime as it prioritizes its focus on violent crime.
Residents have pointed at nearby homeless encampments as a factor contributing to the rise in thefts, reports the New York Post. An increase in homelessness in Oakland has led to people living in old, abandoned boats and allegedly using small recreational boats to commit these crimes.
Residents like Dan Hill told reporters he faced difficulties initially getting law enforcement involved in addressing the thefts.
Alameda Police Chief Nishant Joshi has revealed that his department, despite losing about 30% of its force over time due to attrition, is partnering with the Oakland Police Department and the Coast Guard in a "regional approach" to address the situation.