With car burglaries spiking across the city, Oakland police will launch a pilot program on Friday that uses social media for reporting auto break-ins while they are happening.
The Oakland Police Department’s recently created account @OaklandAutoBurg on Instagram & X allows direct messages reporting auto burglaries in progress.
“If you see something suspicious, DM the details of individuals, & vehicles, and the crime’s location. DON’T attempt to stop the crime!” the department announced on its new X account.
Details can include descriptions of individuals, vehicles, or license plates, along with the location of the crime.
“If it’s safe, snap a pic/video from a distance,” the department advises.
As of Oct. 22, 11,382 auto burglaries were reported in Oakland so far this year — a 36 percent increase over the same period last year, according to the latest weekly crime report by the department.