Robbers Target Women in Oakland Retirement Community

OAKLAND – Residents of Westlake Christian Terrace, a retirement community near Lake Merritt, are grappling with a troubling rise in robberies, primarily targeting elderly women. Charles Dolin, a long-time resident, described the situation as "horrific," detailing how assailants have been ambushing women as they leave the complex for shopping trips. Dolin recounted witnessing an attack firsthand, emphasizing the vulnerability of the elderly in the neighborhood. According to Oakland police, there have been 25 reported robberies in the area, prompting a response that included several arrests. This week, authorities announced the apprehension of three groups involved in these crimes, resulting in the arrest of seven juveniles and one adult. Dolin expressed disappointment that many of those arrested were young individuals, highlighting a concerning trend in the nature of these attacks. Despite increased police patrols in the area, Dolin remains skeptical about the long-term effectiveness of these measures. He noted that while there has been a lull in significant attacks recently, the underlying issue persists. "The point is these people still have to go out and go shopping," he said, stressing the need for ongoing vigilance and protection for vulnerable community members. As the community seeks solutions, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of its residents, particularly the elderly, who continue to face the threat of violence in their daily lives.