The Piedmont Police Department said in a post on social media that a strong-arm robbery occurred on July 12 at 4:58 p.m. in the area of Rose Avenue and Echo Avenue. Police said the victim believed she was followed home from a bank in Oakland. According to police, upon parking at her house, two subjects wearing masks and hoods approached the victim’s car, broke the window, and grabbed her purse. The victim struggled with the subjects to retain her purse and suffered minor injuries from glass cuts. The suspects fled in a silver BMW towards Piedmont Avenue.
The Piedmont Police Department is actively investigating this crime and requests any information be reported at (510) 420-3000. Be mindful of your surroundings and report suspicious activity promptly to the police.
Oakland police issue public safety notice on July 12 about increase in home invasion robberies
From OPD: The Oakland Police Department is seeing an uptick in home invasion robberies in some areas, including Laurel, North Hills, Joaquin Miller, and the Greater San Antonio neighborhoods.
In recent cases, armed individuals forcibly entered the residences by kicking in doors, threatening the victims, and taking the victim’s personal belongings before fleeing the residence.
OPD is actively investigating each of these home invasion robberies. If you are a victim or have information regarding these incidents, please call 510-238-3326.
To reduce your risk:
–Ensure all doors and windows are properly secured. Consider reinforcing doors with a security bar or a door brace.
–Strengthen home security by installing a security system with motion detection, surveillance cameras, and alarms.
–Use outdoor lighting with motion sensors.
–Trim hedges and shrubs around entry points to eliminate potential hiding spots.
–Do not open your door to strangers without verifying their identity.
–Create an emergency plan to include a safe meeting point.
–Join or initiate a neighborhood watch program in your community.
Earlier in June, the Oakland Police Department said there had been an uptick in robberies associated with ATMs: