After Crime Surges, Governor Gavin Newsome Sends 120 Highway Patrol Reinforcements to Oakland, California

Crime and lawlessness has been "out of control" in Oakland, California according to a consultant who worked for Oakland's former Mayor Libby Schaaf, which has resulted in Gavin Newsome sending 120 California Highway Patrol to the city to try and get the surging crime under control.

California Highway Patrol Ford Interceptor Vehicle; credit: Raymond Wambsgans; CC BY-SA 2.0 DEED

POLITICO reported on Thursday that California Governor Gavin Newsom has announced the "alarming and unacceptable rise in crime" and sent 120 California Highway Patrol to Oakland to try and get the crime and lawlessness taking place under control.

Several businesses and companies have had enough of crime in the city, such as car break-ins, burglaries, and robberies. 

In-N-Out Closes Oakland Location Due to Crime

CNN reported on 24 January 2024 that In-N-Out, a fast-food burger chain, decided to close the Oakland, California location in January. The chain cited in a statement: “despite taking repeated steps to create safer conditions, our customers and associates are regularly victimized by car break-ins, property damage, theft, and armed robberies.”

CNN cited that "burglaries were up 23% and motor vehicle thefts were up 44% in 2023 compared to 2022. Violent crime increased 21% in 2023 over 2022, according to the Oakland Police Department.

SFGate reported that the 120 California Highway Patrol officers sent to Oakland and the Greater East Bay will assist local police with rising crime.

Governor Gavin Newsom said:

“As crime rates across California decrease — including right across the Bay in San Francisco — Oakland is seeing the opposite trend. What’s happening in this beautiful city and surrounding area is alarming and unacceptable.”

Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao thanked Gov. Newsom for his decision to send 120 CHP officers to Oakland. 

She said:

“As we work to improve public safety, I’m grateful for Governor Newsom for providing these critical law enforcement resources that are a game-changer in helping us hold more criminals accountable and make Oakland safer.”