The latest month’s statistics from the Alameda Police Department (APD) show that the reduction continues in the number of stolen vehicles reported as well as reported thefts from vehicles, with over 21% fewer reports of each during the month of April 2024. However, catalytic converter theft reports are creeping back up—nearly double the previous month’s numbers—but with 15 reports total during the month, remain far lower than the peak reached before a theft ring was broken up in June 2023.
APD officers issued 230 traffic citations and 103 warnings to motorists in April. Collisions saw a small uptick, as did calls for service, but arrests and reports taken were down 20% and 9% respectively. Among the 91 arrests, 25 were for felonies, 66 were misdemeanors and infractions, and of those arrested, four were juveniles. Shoplifting reports increased 15% and identity thefts almost doubled. But reports of vandalism were down almost 25% and reports of narcotic and drug equipment violations were half that of the previous month. Finally, reports of assault, both simple and aggravated, dropped a combined 20%.
The City and APD make these and other statistics available on the Alameda Crime Activity page of the City of Alameda website.
| Nov. 23 | Dec. 23 | Jan. 24 | Feb. 24 | Mar. 24 | Apr. 24 | Change Mar. – Apr. | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arrests | 67 | 68 | 84 | 71 | 114 | 91 | -23 | -20.18% |
| Collisions | 48 | 65 | 48 | 66 | 69 | 72 | 3 | 4.35% |
| Auto Thefts | 118 | 135 | 114 | 123 | 94 | 74 | -20 | -21.28% |
| Recovered Stolen Vehicles | 99 | 112 | 109 | 107 | 99 | 83 | -16 | -16.16% |
| Robberies | 10 | 7 | 5 | 10 | 5 | 9 | 4 | 80.00% |
| Catalytic Converter Thefts | 16 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 8 | 15 | 7 | 87.50% |
| Assaults | 3 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 6 | -1 | -14.29% |
| Calls for Service | 5,116 | 5,273 | 5,301 | 5,234 | 5,468 | 5,621 | 153 | 2.80% |
| Reports Taken | 682 | 774 | 734 | 717 | 700 | 637 | -63 | -9.00% |
APD April 2024 notable incidents
Armed Robbery: On April 3, shortly before noon, officers were called to the 700 block of Buena Vista Avenue for an armed robbery report. An individual entered a business, selected items, and exited the store without paying for them. The suspect brandished a knife when confronted by employees. Officers located the individual and took them into custody.
Assault with a Deadly Weapon: On April 5, just before 1 a.m., officers were called to the intersection of Clement Avenue and Everett Street for an in-progress burglary. The victim reported an individual attempting to break into their vehicle. The victim interrupted the theft in progress, and the suspect fled in another vehicle. Then the suspect returned and discharged a firearm toward the victim, but no injuries were reported. No suspects have yet been arrested and the investigation continues.
Hit and Run Collision: On April 7 at 12:44 p.m., officers were summoned to the intersection of Broadway and Otis Drive for the report of a hit-and-run collision involving a person driving a vehicle that hit two pedestrians in a crosswalk, causing minor injuries. The driver fled the scene. No arrests have yet been made, but officers continue to investigate.
DUI / Vehicle and Pedestrian Collision: Later that same day, at 10:45 p.m., officers received a report of a collision between a vehicle and a pedestrian. When the officers responded to the intersection of Santa Clara Avenue and Park Street, they discovered that the pedestrian was struck in the crosswalk as the motorist made a left turn. The driver was determined to have been driving under the influence and was taken into custody.
Vehicle Fire: On April 8 at 7:30 p.m., officers responded to the Posey Tube for the report of a vehicle fire. Officers assisted with evacuations and traffic control during the incident. The fire was extinguished within 15 minutes. No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Animal Bite: On April 16 at 3:33 p.m., Alameda Fire Department (AFD) responded to an apartment complex in the 400 block of Central Avenue to provide medical attention to two victims who had been mauled by a dog. However, due to the dog’s aggression, paramedics were unable to reach the victims to render aid. AFD requested assistance from APD and Animal Control. APD staff discovered the dog roaming around the apartment complex’s property and requested residents and a neighboring school to shelter in place. Once the dog was secured, Animal Control transported the dog to the Animal Shelter. The two mauling victims were transported to a local hospital for treatment.
False Report of an Emergency: On April 17, shortly before 1 p.m., Alameda Police were alerted to a potential armed hostage situation at Encinal Jr. & Sr. High School. The school was placed on a lockdown and a search of the school was conducted. Officers completed their search by approximately 2:15 p.m. and determined that no suspicious activities or individuals were present. Preliminary investigations suggest this was likely a swatting incident. According to Wikipedia, “Swatting is a criminal harassment act of deceiving an emergency service into sending a police or emergency service response team to another person’s address.” Other news reports from that day indicate similar acts occurred in other jurisdictions.
Adam Gillitt is the Publisher of the Alameda Post. Reach him at [email protected]. His writing is collected at AlamedaPost.com/Adam-Gillitt.
