Oakland carjackings are on the rise, police alert drivers

Carjackings are on the rise across Oakland, prompting the Police Department to issue an alert this month. 

In some cases, victims have been approached while sitting at stop lights. In others, carjackers have brazenly crashed into vehicles to force drivers out of cars, which they then steal.

In January, the East Bay Times reported a woman was attacked by a carjacker after parking in the driveway of her Havenscourt home around 8:15 p.m. In a bizarre twist, someone shot the carjacker as he was driving away. According to the report, the carjacker was hospitalized in critical condition and the victim was treated for head injuries. Police were still looking for the shooting suspect. 

A March 5 alert posted on the Police Department’s web page, says the recent carjackings mostly have been crimes of opportunity and involved more than one suspect. 

In a December post, Oakland police said carjackings were up nearly 40% in 2020. That alert noted many of the victims were delivery and ride-share drivers. 

To reduce your risk of being carjacked, police offer these tips:

• Do not get out of your car if you don’t feel safe.
• If involved in an accident, pull into a gas station, business or other well-lit area and call 911.
• Park in areas that are well-traveled and lit. 
• Have your keys ready before you get to your car. 
• Keep your car doors locked and your windows up.
• Don’t leave your car with the motor running.