Western Reader
In the heart of California’s Bay Area, a new wave of crime is sweeping across the tranquil waters.
Residents of Oakland and Alameda are grappling with an alarming surge in boat thefts, as ‘pirates’ have begun to plague the harbors. This unexpected twist in criminal activities has left the community shocked and deeply concerned.
The rise in piracy is believed to be linked to the escalating homeless crisis in the area. Over the past few years, Oakland and San Francisco have seen a staggering increase in homelessness, with numbers soaring by over 50 percent since 2015.
It is suspected that individuals from these makeshift encampments along the estuary may be involved in the thefts, either using stolen boats or targeting them to support their drug habits.
The easy access to drugs and the lack of law enforcement in these encampments created a fertile ground for such criminal activities to flourish.
“Oakland faces rash of ‘pirates’ as thefts hit boats and docks as crime spikes in Bay Area”https://t.co/mB12EYQWjw
— Julia 🇺🇸 (@Jules31415) September 3, 2023
Boat owners have reported witnessing high-speed chases on the water between thieves and police boats.
One eyewitness recounted, “A couple weeks ago, I saw, for the first time, a high-speed chase on the water with police boats pulling over another boat that was speeding away.”
The question on everyone’s mind is, where are these pirates getting these expensive small boats?
Damon Taylor, a local resident who keeps a sailboat near the Jack London Aquatic Center, has observed that outboard motors are currently the most sought-after item. He noted, “You’ve got to figure a brand new, small 10-horsepower engine is $10,-15,000. So, even in the black market, they can probably get a couple thousand.”
The Oakland Police Department, despite its best efforts, is struggling to keep up with the rising tide of piracy.
Currently, only two full-time officers are assigned to marine patrol. The department acknowledges the need for more patrols and is working in conjunction with the Alameda Police Department to address the spike in crime.
Night-time patrols have been initiated along the waterfront, but boat owners and residents are urging authorities to allocate more resources to combat the piracy problem.
Biden’s America: Oakland and Alameda Residents Report Surge in Boat Thefts as ‘Pirates’ Plague California’s Bay Area Harbors https://t.co/BbegSx3Wob
— Brad Porcellato (@BradPorcellato) September 4, 2023
The frequency of these incidents has reached alarming levels, with boat owners reporting thefts on a weekly basis. The thieves often strike at night, adding an extra layer of fear and vulnerability for boat owners.
Marina resident Emmanuel Ievolella told CBS, “It’s every week. Every week somebody’s missing something. From their boats or either their dinghies or their outboard motors or from their cars.”
This surge in piracy is a stark reminder of the challenges facing our nation under the current administration.
As we navigate through these troubled waters, it is crucial that we address the root causes of this crisis and ensure the safety and security of our communities. Welcome to Joe Biden’s America, where the tranquility of our harbors is disrupted by a rising tide of piracy.
This article appeared in TheDailyBeat and has been published here with permission.
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