For Immediate Release: December 13, 2023
OPD News:
OPD Sees a Significant Reduction in Crime in the Fruitvale Neighborhood
One month after implementing a strategic plan aimed at curbing crime in the Fruitvale area, the Oakland Police Department has seen an overall decrease in violent and property crimes by nearly 25% combined.
Today, Captain Jake Bassett presented these encouraging statistics in a news conference held in the Fruitvale, emphasizing the dramatic 32% reduction in violent crime. Breaking down the numbers further, robberies saw a 43% decrease, and aggravated assaults dropped 25% since the Fruitvale crime suppression plan started on November 8, 2023.
When looking at property crimes, thefts are down 63%, and burglaries decreased by 29%. The only exception was an increase of 19% in vehicle thefts. Captain Bassett attributed the positive outcome to the Fruitvale Crime Suppression plan rolled out last month. The multi-faceted approach includes dedicated traffic enforcement officers, additional foot patrols, the continued presence of the Trust Building Officer, deployment of the highly visible Community Resource Vehicle, collaboration with community members, and enhanced patrols by law enforcement partners.
Acting Deputy Chief Casey Johnson also highlighted that since October of this year, crime is down citywide compared to the previous 90 days. OPD saw a significant decrease in Area 1(Chinatown, Uptown, and Jack London Square) where robberies decreased by 42% and auto burglaries were down 32%. In East Oakland, specifically the Hegenberger Road and 98th Avenue corridor, OPD’s seen a 43% decrease in auto burglaries and a 49% decrease in thefts.
Chief Johnson also credited the department’s auto burglary suppression, dedicated overtime burglary suppression details, and support from our elected officials as a cause for the decline in crime.