The California Highway Patrol recovered hundreds of stolen vehicles and made nearly 200 arrests in the past eight weeks as part of undercover sting operations in Northern California’s East Bay, according to Gov. Gavin Newsom.
“Carjackers, drug traffickers, and thieves need to be arrested and held accountable for their crimes,” he said in an April 10 press release.
In total, there were 181 arrests, 414 stolen vehicles recovered, and over 30 “crime-linked” firearms seized.
“Through continued partnership with our allied law enforcement agencies in the East Bay, we are improving public safety and helping to restore peace of mind to hard working Californians,” said California Highway Patrol Commissioner Sean Duryee in the same announcement.
Beginning in February, state officials launched such “surge operations” targeting auto theft, retail crime, cargo theft, and violent crime. In San Francisco a similar such operation has led to 460 arrests, over 5,200 citations, and over 18.1 kilograms of fentanyl seized, according to a February announcement by Mr. Newsom’s office.
In March, 480 “high-tech” cameras were also installed in Oakland and on state freeways in the East Bay to help track criminals in real time, officials said.
“This new camera network will help us stop crime and hold more suspects accountable,” Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao said in a March statement by the governor’s office announcing the additions.
Waves of crime have left the area in retreat mode as more businesses continue to close.
Three restaurants in Oakland have closed this year citing increasing crime, including Denny’s—after 54 years in business—In-N-Out, and Sugarsweet Bakery.
“Among other things, rampant crime, low foot traffic and decreased sales has made it impossible to carry on,” Sugarsweet Bakery founder and pastry chef David Benton posted on Instagram in January.
