Crime Plagues East Bay Businesses
In recent weeks, business owners in Oakland and Alameda have found themselves at the center of a wave of brazen burglaries and robberies. Despite claims from law enforcement that overall crime rates are down, the reality for those targeted paints a different picture. A string of bold thefts has left local entrepreneurs frustrated and considering drastic measures.
Gas Stations Targeted in North Oakland
Early on a Monday morning, masked robbers descended upon a gas station on MLK Junior Way at 55th Street near Children’s Hospital in North Oakland. The robbery unfolded with alarming speed as the perpetrators cleared shelves, stole nearly 2,000 packs of cigarettes, and even attempted to make off with an ATM machine. They utilized trash cans to facilitate their theft, ensuring a quick and efficient escape. The incident didn’t stop there; the neighboring gas station, owned by the same individual, Arash Salkey, was also targeted.
Salkey, a veteran gas station owner with ten years of experience operating in Oakland, expressed his frustration with the escalating boldness of these criminal acts. “The profit margins are so low, I’m even considering not carrying cigarettes anymore,” he stated. Salkey owns four gas stations in the area and has implemented various security measures, including installing security gates and bollards to prevent vehicle break-ins. Despite these efforts, thieves have continued to exploit vulnerabilities.
Persistent Threats and Escalating Tactics
At another of Salkey’s locations on High Street, a robbery less than two weeks ago showcased the tenacity of the criminals. Despite the presence of a bullet-resistant barrier, thieves managed to break through and steal all the cigarettes on display. For Salkey, it feels like a never-ending “cat and mouse game” as he struggles to stay one step ahead of those targeting his businesses.
Burglary Statistics and Public Perception
While Oakland police report an 8% decrease in robberies year-to-date, the perception among business owners and employees is far less optimistic. In Alameda, police confirmed several burglaries already this year involving cars being used to ram storefronts after hours. Though burglaries in the city reportedly dropped by 41% in 2024 compared to the previous year, high-profile incidents have left many questioning these statistics.
For residents and workers, the data does little to ease their concerns. A former gas station employee in San Leandro, who chose to remain anonymous, shared her decision to leave her job due to safety fears. “You’re not going to come and steal cigarettes and put my life at risk,” she explained.
A Growing Crisis for Business Owners
Salkey, like many other business owners in the area, is at his wit’s end. He has taken his concerns to city leaders and law enforcement, writing letters to the mayor and approaching Oakland Police Department with his frustrations. However, he feels his pleas have fallen on deaf ears. “Everyone talks a big game and has a great solution, but there’s no proof in the pudding,” he lamented. If the crime wave continues unchecked, Salkey warns he may be forced to shut down his stores in both Oakland and Alameda.
Conclusion
The recent surge in robberies and burglaries across Oakland and Alameda has left business owners feeling vulnerable and unsupported. Despite police assurances that crime is decreasing, the lived experiences of those targeted suggest a growing crisis that demands immediate attention. Without meaningful action and effective solutions, more business owners like Salkey may be compelled to leave the area, further impacting the community and its economic stability. For now, the frustration and fear persist, leaving many to wonder what, if anything, can bring about lasting change.
