Golden State Today

In addition to local law enforcement efforts, with nearly all types of reported crime in Oakland down, state law enforcement officers have recovered stolen cars, seized guns linked to crimes, and arrested hundreds of suspects — all since February 2024.

OAKLAND – Following a recent announcement from Oakland officials showing a reduction in nearly all types of crime since last year, today Governor Gavin Newsom announced the California Highway Patrol (CHP) has assisted in recovering 887 stolen vehicles, seized 47 crime-linked firearms, and arrested 440 suspects linked to organized crime, carjackings, and other crimes.

This announcement comes on the heels of recent data released by the Oakland Police Department that reports a 33% drop in crime compared to the same time last year. Nearly all types of crime are down in Oakland, including burglary, robbery, car theft, larceny, arson, homicide, and assault.

“These results are a clear and concrete example of the effective partnership with state, local, and federal law enforcement in Oakland and the surrounding East Bay. Ensuring the safety and security of Oakland residents, we will continue to make our communities safer by taking down crime and holding individuals accountable,” said Governor Gavin Newsom.

Public safety work in the entire Bay Area region – Oakland, San Francisco, and surrounding communities – reflects the work of state, local and federal law enforcement to keep communities safe. As these efforts continue to show positive results, the state will work with its local partners on whether to expand the partnership to focus on more regional enforcement.

“Our ongoing crime suppression efforts in the region are making a significant impact. Through increased patrols, community engagement, and targeted operations, there has been a notable decrease in criminal activity in Oakland and the East Bay,” said CHP Deputy Commissioner Troy Lukkes. “We remain committed to ensuring the safety and security of communities throughout California and will continue to work tirelessly to bring down crime.”

CHP’s operation in Oakland began in February 2024 and later that month reported 145 stolen vehicles recovered, 71 arrests made, and four crime-linked firearms seized. Today’s announcement is part of Governor Newsom’s ongoing effort to improve public safety in the East Bay and surrounding areas through initiatives such as a temporary CHP surge operation focused on combating auto thefts among other crimes. Recently announced measures include installing a network of 480 high-tech cameras in Oakland for real-time identification of vehicles linked to crimes.

In San Francisco as well as across other parts of California like Alameda County significant reductions have been observed due primarily due diligence from multi-agency operations targeting not only street-level offenses but also large-scale drug trafficking rings involving fentanyl distribution networks.

In March Governor Newsom released Caltrans’ 10-Point Action Plan aimed at improving urban infrastructure encompassing blight abatement programs homeless encampment resolutions community outreach employment opportunities among others contributing towards holistic neighborhood revitalization projects within affected municipalities

California continues investing heavily into enhanced policing resources expanding legal frameworks necessary for prosecuting sophisticated criminal enterprises operating statewide further solidifying its commitment towards comprehensive public safety reforms initiated under Real Public Safety Plan yielding unprecedented results including an annual proactive increase by over threefold against retail theft operations ensuring robust deterrence mechanisms remain active deterring future illicit activities