State law enforcement recovers over 400 stolen vehicles in Oakland and East Bay

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: The California Highway Patrol has recovered 414 stolen vehicles, made 181 arrests and seized more than 30 crime-related firearms as part of undercover undercover investigations and law enforcement operations in the East Bay over the past eight weeks.

OAKLAND – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the results of targeted law enforcement operations by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) in Oakland and the East Bay that resulted in the recovery of 414 stolen vehicles, the seizure of 31 crime-related firearms, and the apprehension of 181 suspects related to organized crime, car thefts and other crimes.

WHAT GOVERNOR NEWSOM SAID: “Car thieves, drug dealers and thieves must be arrested and held accountable for their crimes.” The state will continue to support local law enforcement in Oakland and throughout California to effectively combat criminal activity and hold perpetrators accountable.”

“Eight weeks into our ongoing operation in Oakland, the men and women of the California Highway Patrol continue to show results,” said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee. “By continuing to partner with our law enforcement allies in the East Bay, we are improving public safety and helping to restore peace of mind to hardworking Californians.”

During the ongoing law enforcement operation, the CHP arrested suspects for, among other things, possession of stolen property, auto theft, transportation of narcotics, drunk driving and weapons possession, as well as outstanding warrants. The CHP continues to conduct covert operations and uniformed patrols and coordinate with allied local law enforcement agencies. The first surge of CHP was announced by the governor on February 14, 2024.

How we got here: Today's announcement is part of Governor Newsom's ongoing efforts to improve public safety in the East Bay, including through a temporary high-power CHP deployment and increased enforcement efforts focused on combating auto theft, cargo theft, retail crime, violent crime and traffic enforcement focus on high visibility. Late last month, the governor announced that the state is installing a network of 480 high-tech cameras in Oakland and the East Bay to help state and local law enforcement identify crime-related vehicles using real-time information and alerts to support.

INVESTING IN OAKLAND: In March, the governor released Caltrans' 10-point action plan to support the city's efforts to improve street safety and beautification. The comprehensive plan outlines actionable steps the state will take to further support the city through disease control efforts, homeless encampment resolutions, community outreach initiatives, employment opportunities and other beautification and safety efforts. A detailed overview of the state's investments in Oakland and Alameda County can be found here.

FIGHTS CRIME: California has invested $1.1 billion since 2019 to fight crime, help locals, hire more police officers and improve public safety. Earlier this year, Governor Newsom called for new legislation to expand criminal penalties and strengthen police and prosecutorial tools to combat theft and catch career criminals who profit from robberies, retail thefts and carjackings. In 2023, as part of California's Real Public Safety Plan, the Governor announced the largest investment to combat organized retail crime in the state's history, a 310% annual increase in proactive measures to combat organized retail crime, and special operations operations across the state Combating crime and improving public safety.

B-roll footage of CHP operations in Oakland is available for download and media use Here.

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