There is lots of discussion on NCPC, neighborhood association, and local organization lists of local crimes: burglary, robbery, vandalism, mostly.  Some communities feel frustrated because they believe the same criminals are committing crimes in their area and many have organized neighborhood watches.  In the interest of sharing information, OL will occasionally share some of the intelligence on this topic--feel free to add or comment. (The go-to resource for many in this area is Oakland Crimespotting, an interactive map with three years of data that visualizes crimes reported to the OPD and which pulls from their police blotter.)

(Note: OL is reporting what is being discussed; we have no information on what is factually accurate, read in that spirit.)

RECENTLY REPORTED: SUSPICIOUS CARS CRUISING NEIGHBORHOODS

SeeClickFix report: Burglary alert: White Ford Van Casing Area - Plate #5A86873, North Oakland, 57th & Genoa area:

White Ford van, Plate #5A86873, containing 4 males, one with a drill, seemingly casing the area. Van will pull up, park for a while, observe, drive away, and return.

Renee K. Sykes, Neighborhood Services Coordinator, Oakland Police Department:

Green Mazda, Plate # 6BST369, The driver is a female, with two male teenagers in the vehicle.  One of the teenagers is the passenger, the other one is breaking into the homes. The OPD report says "If you see this vehicle, please call the police. Let the dispatcher know this vehicle may be responsible for residential burglaries in the neighborhood."

San Pablo Golden Gate Improvement Association (SPAGGIA), Yahoo Groups:

Dark Brown/Grey 1987 Nissan Maxima Station Wagon-Plate # 5VHB331, Stanford & 55th area, Baker & 62nd

Helpful resources for individuals:

Newly revised Home Security Tips checklist improved by the CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design) Working Group (a collaboration of staff from various city departments, particularly OPD and CEDA Planning).

http://www2.oaklandnet.com/oakca/groups/cityadministrator/documents/form/dowd005540.pdf

Read about the block, neighborhood, citywide approach to community policing through the new Public Safety portal of the City of Oakland website:

http://www2.oaklandnet.com/Government/PSP/index.htm