Bay Area/ Oakland

Oakland Police Seize Nearly 200 Vehicles in Sideshow Crackdown; Multiple Cities Involved

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Published on December 17, 2025
Oakland Police Seize Nearly 200 Vehicles in Sideshow Crackdown; Multiple Cities InvolvedSource: Oakland Police Department

In their relentless effort to clamp down on illegal sideshows, the Oakland Police Department has reportedly seized nearly 200 vehicles this year. These actions have been bolstered by the Flock Camera System, aiding the OPD in tracking down the participants of these unsanctioned events. According to a social media post from the Oakland Police Department, most of these vehicles were not registered in Oakland, suggesting a widespread issue that extends beyond city limits.

Recent seizures include five vehicles connected to a sideshow that occurred last month at the Port of Oakland. With the aid of nearby agencies, the OPD located these vehicles scattered across cities, including Oakland, Martinez, San Jose, and Vacaville, illustrating the draw of sideshows has for enthusiasts across the region. Additionally, vehicles from Antioch and San Francisco have been linked to an unrelated sideshow and a police evasion incident, indicating a regional challenge that local law enforcement is addressing together.

The Oakland Police Department sternly warns that "If you participate in illegal sideshows in Oakland, your vehicle can be towed and held for 30 days." This measure, as highlighted in their announcement, underscores the determination of the department to ensure the safety of the city's streets. While the thrill of sideshows might entice some, the consequences posed by the OPD are clear and consequential.