Reported thefts climb one-third above April, but remain well below 2023 peak
Statistics released this week by the Alameda Police Department [1] reflect the ongoing trend of see-sawing numbers of vehicle theft reports each month. After a nearly 25% drop from March to April with a low of 74 [2], reports of vehicle thefts jumped back up by just under 33% to a total of 98 in May. Despite these vicissitudes, the overall number of vehicle thefts reported per month has continued to trend downward since a peak of 137 in October 2023.
[3]
The number of stolen vehicles recovered by APD increased from 83 to 94 in May. Other reports of crimes remained at similar levels to the previous month, with 94 arrests (+3 from April), 10 robberies (+1), and seven assaults (+1).
Officers took a total of 5,625 calls for service (+4 over the previous month) and took 707 reports, an increase of 70 over April’s numbers.
On the streets, APD officers issued 83 traffic citations and 61 warnings. They recorded 67 vehicle collisions, five fewer than in April. Seven DUIs were reported during the month.
Other numbers of note include two reports of arson, 13 reports of burglary, 58 reports of shoplifting, and 75 reported thefts from a motor vehicle. Officers took seven reports of credit card and ATM fraud, 41 reports of property damage and vandalism, 10 weapons violations, and 32 drug and narcotic violations, including equipment violations. There were also six reports of sex crimes—one of forcible rape, two of forcible sodomy, and three of forcible fondling.
The month saw no reports of homicides or manslaughters, nor any purse-snatchings, human trafficking, immigration violations, gambling, or prostitution.
Of the 94 arrests made in May 2024, only one was a juvenile; 43 of the arrests were made for felonies, the rest were made for misdemeanors, infractions, and other violations.
| Dec. 23 | Jan. 24 | Feb. 24 | Mar. 24 | Apr. 24 | May 24 | Change Apr. – May | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arrests | 68 | 84 | 71 | 114 | 91 | 94 | 3 | 3.30% |
| Collisions | 65 | 48 | 66 | 69 | 72 | 67 | -5 | -6.94% |
| Auto Thefts | 135 | 114 | 123 | 94 | 74 | 98 | 24 | 32.43% |
| Recovered Stolen Vehicles | 112 | 109 | 107 | 99 | 83 | 94 | 11 | 13.25% |
| Robberies | 7 | 5 | 10 | 5 | 9 | 10 | 1 | 11.11% |
| Catalytic Converter Thefts | 6 | 5 | 5 | 8 | 15 | 8 | -7 | -46.67% |
| Assaults | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 1 | 16.67% |
| Calls for Service | 5,273 | 5,301 | 5,234 | 5,468 | 5,621 | 5,625 | 4 | 0.07% |
| Reports Taken | 774 | 734 | 717 | 700 | 637 | 707 | 70 | 10.99% |
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APD May 2024 notable incidents
Assault with a Deadly Weapon: On the morning of May 2, officers responded to the 1700 block of Webster Street for the report of an assault with a deadly weapon. During a verbal argument, the suspect used a hatchet to try to strike the victim. The suspect was taken into custody without incident.
Vehicle and Pedestrian Collision: Shortly after noon on May 3, officers responded to the intersection of Central Avenue and Alameda Avenue for a collision between a person driving a vehicle and a pedestrian. The motorist failed to yield to the pedestrian who was in a marked crosswalk and collided with the pedestrian who was transported to a local hospital with unspecified injuries.
Theft: On the evening of May 16, officers responded to the 2700 block of Fifth Street for an individual being detained by loss prevention officers at a store. The suspect was stopped while attempting to exit the store with merchandise that had not been paid for. Officers discovered the suspect was in possession of a loaded firearm and narcotics, and arrested the individual for multiple offenses.
Vehicle and Bicyclist Collision: On the morning of May 21, officers responded to the 1900 block of Encinal Avenue for a collision involving a motorist and a bicyclist. The initial investigation revealed that the cyclist, traveling southbound, was struck by a motorist attempting to make a westbound turn. The bicyclist complained of pain and was treated at the scene.
A complete monthly summary of Alameda Police data can be found online at the Alameda Crime Activity [5] page.
Adam Gillitt is the Publisher of the Alameda Post [6]. Reach him at [email protected] [7]. His writing is collected at AlamedaPost.com/Adam-Gillitt [8].