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Emeryville Hit By Increase in Local Crime

John VanLandingham
Connection Staff
May 2008

Even with New Police, Citizens Should Be

Vigilant Around Town

A team of robbers held up an Emeryville restaurant late last month, taking an undisclosed sum of money and frightening patrons in what police say is part of an increasing trend of violent crime along the East Bay’s Interstate 80 corridor.

No injuries were reported in that Adeline Street robbery and Emeryville police are conferring with Oakland investigators about two individuals they have in custody who might be part of the team or somehow connected to the robbers, Emeryville Police Chief Ken James said.

Those suspects in custody in Oakland include a 16-year-old boy and a 22-year-old man who may or may not be linked to the Emeryville robbery, James cautioned.

They just might be part of a larger group or even copycats, he said.

Several armed robberies marked by as many as four or five suspects coming in and taking over the business while they take the money have occurred recently in Oakland and Berkeley, causing Mayor Ken Bukowski to remark that Emeryville is not immune to the violence afflicting its neighbors.

“It’s disturbing. More violent robberies, getting meaner,” Bukowski said.

“I wish we could patrol crime outside Emeryville But now we have a lot more (police officers) to accomplish things,” he added. In February Emeryville added seven new officers to the police force, bringing the Department up to fully authorized levels.

James said Emeryville occasionally is the scene of an assault or a mugging, but infrequently.

“Our biggest crime is shoplifting. We do experience some robberies, but lately it seems it’s not only us but everyone else up and down the I-80 corridor. We’re seeing things like street level robberies such as the kind where three or four suspects will approach and rob an individual by simulating a gun or threatening or just brute force,” he added.

Bukowski and James believe that the addition of seven new officers, bringing the department to full force, will put a damper on street crimes.

“People are not going to exhibit bad behavior when they see a big black and white patrol car with lights coming down the street,” James said.

James added, however, that no police department has the resources to place officers on every corner. Residents have to be the department’s eyes and ears and report any suspicious activity no matter home trivial it might seem.

In the five restaurant robberies reported since the end of March, three were in Oakland, another was in Berkeley and the latest was in Emeryville.

The method of operation was similar in all the cases. A group of armed bandits enters the restaurant, displays weapons, takes diners and workers captive and then takes money from employees, diners and the safe, news accounts report.

Attention is being paid to street crimes in the development of Emeryville’s new general plan. Crime is one of the topics carefully evaluated when street lighting and building design are considered, Bukowksi said.

He added a plea for the city to consider increased street lighting on its east side, an improvement Bukowski said he has been urging for some time.

James said there are many steps Emeryville residents can take to reduce their chances of being a victim of a street robbery.

“Part of a recent news story about a mountain lion being spotted in Hayward cautioned people not to run away but to stand their ground and make themselves appear much larger. It’s the same thing with protecting yourself from humans.”

“Make yourself very large. Walk with confidence. Walk in well-lit areas, try not to walk alone when you go to your car,” he said. “If confronted by a robber, comply with his demands. Struggling with a robber could be fatal.

“Regardless of whether crime is on an upswing, victimization is a constant factor and people need to be more alert. You need to know your surroundings and keep a sharp eye out,” James said.

Residents should not leave valuable items visible in their cars. Locked or unlocked, the cars can be entered and the items stolen in a few seconds. Place valuables in the trunk.

“Be responsible for yourself and do what you can to minimize your chances of being a victim,” James advised.

Residents and merchants interested in learning more about what they can do to avoid being victims of violent crime or thefts may call the department’s crime prevention department at (510) 596-3718.

John VanLandingham is a writer for The Emeryville Connection. If you have a question or comment, please contact him at ecocnews@gmail.com