Crime down in Oakland: State partnership recovers more than 880 stolen vehicles

Public safety work throughout the Bay Area – Oakland, San Francisco, and surrounding communities – reflects the work of state, local and federal law enforcement to keep communities safe. As these efforts continue to yield positive results, the state will work with its local partners to determine whether to expand the partnership to focus on more regional application.

“Our ongoing efforts to suppress crime in the region are having a significant impact. Through increased patrols, community engagement and targeted operations, there has been a notable decrease in criminal activity in Oakland and the East Bay,” said Troy Lukkes, CHP Deputy Commissioner. “We remain committed to the safety and security of communities throughout California and will continue to work tirelessly to reduce crime.”

How we got here

The CHP operation in Oakland began in February 2024 and later that month, 145 stolen vehicles were recovered, 71 arrests were made and four crime-related firearms were seized. Today’s announcement is part of Governor Newsom’s ongoing efforts to improve public safety in the East Bay and surrounding areas, including through a Peak cogeneration operation and enhanced enforcement focused on combating auto theft, merchandise theft, retail crime, violent crime and high visibility traffic enforcement. Recently, the governor announcement State installs network of 480 high-tech cameras in Oakland and East Bay to help state and local law enforcement identify crime-related vehicles using timely information and alerts real.

In San Francisco, violent and property crimes are significantly decreasing Year after year. The CHP and California National Guard continue to work as part of a multi-agency special operation to improve public safety, target fentanyl trafficking, disrupt the city’s supply of this deadly drug, and hold accountable operators of drug trafficking networks.

Investing in Oakland

In March, the governor released Caltrans’ 10-point action plan to support the city’s efforts to improve street safety and beautification. The comprehensive plan outlines concrete steps the state is taking to further support the city through blight reduction efforts, homeless encampment resolutions, community outreach initiatives, employment opportunities and others beautification and security efforts. A detailed overview of state investments in Oakland and Alameda County is available. here.

Fight crime

California has invested resources and personnel to fight crime, help residents hire more police officers, and improve public safety. Earlier this year, Governor Newsom called for new legislation expand criminal sanctions and strengthen policing and prosecution tools to combat theft and eliminate professional criminals who profit from break-ins, retail thefts and car burglaries. In 2023, under the Californian program Real public safety planthe governor announced largest ever investment to combat organized retail crime in state history, an annual report 310% increased proactive operations targeting organized retail crime, and special operations through the State to fight crime and improve public safety.