Burglars rampage through Oakland convenience stores using vehicles
- Two separate burglaries occurred in Oakland on July 10, 2025, where vehicles were used to gain entry.
- In one incident, a clerk reported a loud crash as a black SUV was driven into an Ampm store.
- The rise in such criminal activities raises concerns about community safety and the viability of local businesses.
In the early hours of Thursday, July 10, 2025, two convenience stores in the Oakland area of California were struck in separate incidents of burglary where suspects used vehicles to break in. The first incident occurred just before 2 a.m. at an Ampm store located on Hegenberger Road, close to Interstate 880 and the Oakland Coliseum. A clerk heard a loud crash and discovered that a black SUV had been driven into the store. Initial investigations suggested that the perpetrators were targeting the ATM machine, a feature that the store had been previously robbed of before. Shortly thereafter, another Ampm store was targeted at 106th Avenue and MacArthur Boulevard in East Oakland, where a stolen SUV was again used to ram into the establishment. As of the time of reporting, details regarding whether any items were stolen during this second incident had not yet emerged, nor if these two burglaries were linked. This trend of break-ins involving vehicles demonstrates an alarming pattern of criminal behavior affecting the local economy. Reports from local authorities indicated that these types of burglaries have been increasing recently, creating a sense of unease among business owners and the community that relies on small businesses for goods and services. Many of these establishments play a crucial role in the livelihood of local residents, making them vulnerable targets for crime. This situation raises critical questions about the safety measures in place to protect these businesses and the broader implications of such losses on the community’s economy. The impact of these burglaries extends beyond just the immediate theft of cash or goods; they also create long-term effects on community trust, police presence in the area, and the viability of maintaining small businesses. Entrepreneurs and small business promoters have voiced concerns over how persistent criminal activities can jeopardize the existence of these critical local businesses, thereby affecting job opportunities within the community. Ensuring the safety and security of small businesses requires focused efforts from law enforcement agencies, coupled with community engagement to help bring an end to such criminal practices. Consequently, the police and community partners are expected to evaluate strategies to enhance security measures, increase patrols in vulnerable areas, and engage in dialogues with business owners to discuss preventive measures. Collective efforts may be needed to restore a sense of security and order, helping to ensure that local businesses are not only protected but also thrive in a supportive environment.