Local Office Building Targeted by Thieves Amid Rising Crime Concerns
- Burglars forced their way into 16 small businesses in East Oakland's Hegenberger corridor.
- The break-ins involved kicking down doors and causing significant damage.
- Such crimes raise concerns about safety and security in the neighborhood.
In a troubling incident, thieves broke into an office building after clearing out a nearby podcast studio, raising alarm among local tenants. The break-in occurred through a back door, with one tenant, who had just moved in, expressing her fears about the safety of the location. "You think she's going to want to stay here with this happening to her? I don't think so," remarked Houston, highlighting the impact of ongoing crime on tenant retention. Business owners reported significant losses, including laptops, construction tools, and cash, with one individual lamenting the theft of irreplaceable video footage. The pervasive sense of insecurity in the area has left many feeling that crime is becoming normalized. "We live in a place where people just feel like they can get away with crime," said Gordon, reflecting the frustration of those affected. The situation is exacerbated by the presence of encampments near the office building, which workers and customers must navigate to access their workplaces. Houston noted that the only reason the encampments have not expanded further is due to proactive measures taken by the community, such as placing blocks to deter parking on sidewalks. With limited footage of the burglars available, the community is left grappling with the aftermath of the break-in and the broader implications of rising crime in the area. "I feel so down right now," Houston added, capturing the sentiment of many in the neighborhood.