Temescal neighborhood is on watch

Lee Edwards co-chair of the local Neighborhood Crime Prevention Council for Temescal said crime was down, but residents should be aware of gang retaliation conflicts near the Bushrod community on the neighborhood’s southern edge.

Oakland and Berkeley Police Departments are working together to get the those involved off the streets.

“We’re very on top of it,” said Paul Brekke-Miesner the neighborhood services coordinator who serves as a liaison between the Oakland Police Department, city officials and concerned citizens.
There were five burglaries last month in Temescal.  Four of them involved forced entry when the residents were not at home.

Officer Mayumi Taylor gave the group some insights into the burglar’s strategy.

“You leave at scheduled times.  You’re working, so they know that you have stuff and you’re gone. I’ve been watching you, so I’m going to kick in your door.  There is nothing to stop me from breaking in,” she said.

To reduce the likelihood of burglary Taylor suggested that residents make forcible entry a challenge.  She recommended screen doors and thorny defensive plants like Rose bushes planted under windows.

Another issue for Temescal residents to be aware of Edwards said, are the growing number of 18- wheeler trucks and recreation vehicles (RVs) parked along 51st Street.

At one point Edwards counted up to eight trucks, and some had been parked for multiple days at a time. He said this happens primarily between Shattuck Avenue and Shafter Avenue.  Edwards also spotted a double trailer truck filled with soil parked on 51st Street for two weeks.

While this kind of parking is not illegal, cars that appeared to be abandoned can be cited for towing.

If the vehicle in question has been in the same place for more than 72 hours a resident can call parking enforcement at 510-238-3099 and ask for the vehicle to be tagged for future towing.

A representative from the non-emergency line warned that it could take a few weeks for cars to be removed.