For Immediate Release: January 26, 2023
OPD NEWS:
OPD Makes Multiple Arrests in Power Tool Robberies
Over the last four months, the City of Oakland experienced a spike in armed power tool robberies. So far this year, the Oakland Police Department (OPD) has investigated four of these violent cases.
On January 24, 2023, OPD’s Violent Crime Operations Center (VCOC) and the US Marshals, made an arrest of an individual linked to several power tool robberies in Oakland.
On January 10, 2023, another individual, unrelated to the arrest noted above, was taken into custody for a separate incident involving a power tool robbery.
Investigators in OPD’s Criminal Investigation Division (CID) continue to work diligently on both of these cases and are connecting with law enforcement agencies in other cities to determine any possible association to open power tool robbery cases in their departments.
With the current trends and patterns of armed power tool robberies, construction and service contractors are easily identifiable because of their company logos on their work vans and trucks.
Please consider the following tips in an effort to ensure your safety.
Reduce Your Risk:
• Always be aware of your surroundings, especially when loading/unloading tools from your work van or truck.
• Always close the windows and lock the doors when leaving your vehicle.
Track Your Tools:
• Engrave your name or company’s name, as well as your phone number, on your tools.
• Remove the batteries from your tools. This makes selling them more difficult.
• If you leave your tools in an open area, lock them up with harden-steel security chains and high-quality padlocks.
• Add GPS trackers to your tools.
• Never leave your tools in plain view in the backseat of a vehicle or the bed of a truck.
OPD’S Commitment:
• OPD Commanders continue to deploy additional officers in the parts of Oakland that are impacted by the spike in these armed robberies.
If you are a victim or have information regarding those who may be responsible for these violent robberies, please call (510) 238-3426.