New numbers released by the City of Alameda and the Alameda Police Department for the month of February 2024 show that vehicle theft continues to be a problem for Alameda. Over the last six months, reports of vehicle theft have seesawed from month to month, while observing an overall downward trend. February’s reports totaled 123, up from 114 in January 2024, but down from a high of 137 stolen vehicles reported just four months earlier in October 2023.
Vehicle collisions also increased over previous months, with a total of 66 reported in the city during the month, an jump of more than 25%. Robberies also doubled from the previous month, with 10 reports made. Assaults and arrests were both down slightly from the month before, while reports of catalytic converter theft and recovered stolen vehicles held steady. APD officers issued 106 traffic citations and 51 warnings during the month.
APD’s monthly reports, posted to the City’s website, now employ the FBI’s National Incident-Based Reporting System, which provides granular details of many different types of offenses. From these figures, we learn that the most common type of larceny or theft offense in the city during the month of February was theft from a motor vehicle, with 73 reports, followed by shoplifting, with 56 reports taken. Two reports of arson were taken, along with 49 reports of vandalism or property damage, 11 reports of identity theft, and 21 drug and narcotic violations.
There were seven reports of weapons law violations, two of kidnapping or abduction, five for DUI, and eight for burglary. Conversely, the data include no reports of extortion, welfare fraud, or animal cruelty, as well as no reports of homicide or rape.
February 2024 APD Crime Statistics
| Sep. 23 | Oct. 23 | Nov. 23 | Dec. 23 | Jan. 24 | Feb. 24 | Change Jan. – Feb. | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arrests | 70 | 90 | 67 | 68 | 84 | 71 | -13 | -18.31% |
| Collisions | 53 | 64 | 48 | 65 | 48 | 66 | 18 | 27.27% |
| Auto Thefts | 127 | 137 | 118 | 135 | 114 | 123 | 9 | 7.32% |
| Recovered Stolen Vehicles | 105 | 153 | 99 | 112 | 109 | 107 | -2 | -1.87% |
| Robberies | 16 | 13 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 10 | 5 | 50.00% |
| Catalytic Converter Thefts | 6 | 10 | 16 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 0 | 0.00% |
| Assaults | 6 | 6 | 3 | 10 | 9 | 8 | -1 | -12.50% |
| Calls for Service | 5,651 | 5,544 | 5,116 | 5,273 | 5,301 | 5,234 | -67 | -1.28% |
| Reports Taken | 720 | 789 | 682 | 774 | 734 | 717 | -17 | -2.37% |
The department also highlighted recent incidents.
Grand Theft: During the month of February, officers responded to ten thefts of vehicle wheels, like incidents reported in previous months. Hondas and Toyotas appear to be the most popular targets for these thefts. APD is directing patrols to areas where the thefts appear to be concentrated. To help with the issue, Alameda locations of O’Reilly Auto Parts are offering a 10% discount on wheel locks while supplies last.
Armed Robbery: On February 8, APD officers responded to a report of a robbery on the 2300 block of Lincoln Avenue. A person entered a business, displayed a firearm, and demanded money from an employee. The robbery occurred 10 minutes prior to the victim reporting the incident. The investigation continues, no arrests have been made.
Fatal Collision: Shortly before 1 p.m. on February 11, officers responded to a collision at the intersection of Lincoln Avenue and Ninth Street, where a motorcyclist collided with a vehicle. The adult motorcyclist sustained major injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the vehicle remained at the scene and cooperated with the investigation.
Vehicle and Pedestrian Collision: Also on February 11, just after 8 p.m., an adult pedestrian crossed the street against a red light at the intersection of Santa Clara Avenue and Broadway as a motorist proceeded into the intersection, resulting in a collision between the vehicle and pedestrian. The pedestrian sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to a local facility for medical attention.
Vehicle and Bicycle Collision: On February 25, just before 6 a.m., officers responded to a collision involving a person driving a vehicle and a bicyclist at the intersection of Webster Street and Lincoln Avenue. The bicyclist sustained minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital as a precaution.
Investigation Update: On December 6, 2023, officers responded to a report of a home invasion robbery at the 1400 block of Benton Street. Three individuals entered three different residences while the victims were inside their apartments and stole property. On February 20, APD and the United States Marshals Service conducted three arrest operations in three counties, which resulted in three arrests and the recovery of a firearm. There are no outstanding suspects.
Next Beat Meetings
The APD will hold three beat meetings in April.
| Beat(s) | Date | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13 / 14 | Tue. April 9 | 5 p.m. | West End Library, 788 Santa Clara Ave. |
| 11 / 12 | Thu. April 18 | 5 p.m. | 850 W. Midway Ave. |
| 21 | Tue. April 23 | 6 p.m. | Mastick Senior Center, 1155 Santa Clara Ave. |
Adam Gillitt is the Publisher of the Alameda Post. Reach him at [email protected]. His writing is collected at AlamedaPost.com/Adam-Gillitt.
