JOIN YOUR NEIGHBORS RECEIVING OUR FREE MONTHLY NEWSLETTER!

    In the News

    • OPD Interactive 90-day Crime Map

      Want up to the minute crime reports in your area? The Oakland Police have an interactive crime map running now at:
      https://data.oaklandnet.com/Public-Safety/90-Day-Crime-Map/kzer-wcj5/data
      You can zoom, pan, and click on each crime to get more info.. Check it out… -URNA

    • July 6, 2017 – URNA Announces Strategic Partnership with Bay Alarm for 24/7 Patrols

      In June 2017, URNA announced that Patrols were changing. We liked our patrol service, however the company providing the patrols divested their business in Oakland, so we had to search for alternatives. One unique aspect of the URNA boundaries is that there are a lot of residences that contract for services with Bay Alarm – a long time provider of security services in Oakland. Bay provides patrol services as well with 24/7 patrolling in well-marked cars, GPS tracking, a local well organized dispatch center and multiple cars serving the N. Oakland area.

      URNA has started a strategic partnership with Bay Alarm as of July 1, where Bay will provide the patrol services to our area and URNA members. The cost of the patrols is less than our previous “Full Member” rate and we have crafted an “Associate Member” reduced set of services too for the same rate as before. We think our members and residents of the area will appreciate the service and of course we encourage all URNA members to make the switch. Bay will also take over billing to free up URNA volunteers to do other security minded projects. We will transition to a contribution model for those services as well as using cash on hand and some referral fees from Bay.  

      IF YOU ARE A URNA Member: you will have receive emails about how to make the switch and fill out required Bay Alarm paperwork.

      IF YOU ARE NOT A URNA Member: You can still join URNA as a new member and receive a joining DISCOUNT (one month free) from Bay.

      ALL URNA members will also be offered discounts on other Bay services as an option, such as alarm install or monitoring.

      Bay provides excellent services and we encourage all URNA boundary households to consider joining the patrols services from URNA/Bay!

      Please see the JOIN NOW tab for information on the differences between FULL and ASSOCIATE Memberships.  There are a lot more questions that you likely have as well, and many are answered in a followup email when you request to join URNA. There is of course no obligation to join by requesting.

      Regards,

      URNA volunteers

    • June 29, 2017: URNA Patrols are Changing..

      URNA Patrol services are changing! If you are an URNA member, you will receive several emails to this effect with instructions about how to continue your membership with these changes. Additionally THIS WEBSITE WILL BE UNDER CONSTRUCTION to reflect the changes for several weeks!

    • June 15, 2017: Auto Burglary Prevention Tips from OPD

      OPD has seen an increase of auto burglaries occurring throughout the day and evening hours. Please be advised of the following when parking your vehicle on the street:

      • Never leave anything in public view: Phones, laptops, cords/adaptors, bags (diaper, gym, makeup), clothing, groceries, loose change, packages, mail/identity information, bank/credit card slips.
      • Windows and doors: Roll them up, lock them.
      • Keys: Never leave them in the ignition or in the car even for a quick errand.
      • Anti-theft devices: Use them to secure steering wheel or brake pedal. They are proven deterrents.
      • Alarms: Activate them when you leave the vehicle.
      • Avoid parking in isolated or poorly lit areas.

      Reporting
      Inform the police immediately. For property crimes that have already occurred, call the Oakland Police non-emergency number (510) 777-3333 or submit a Crime Report Form online at www.oaklandpolice.com.

      If a life is in danger or for crimes in progress call 911 or program your cell phone to (510) 777-3211.

      Stay Safe,

      Felicia Verdin
      Oakland Police Department
      Neighborhood Services

    • May 6, 2017 Rockridge News article about Safer Rockridge and URNA associations/patrols

      We made it into the news! Rockridge News anyway. This article appeared in May 6 issue and describes patrol efforts by Safer Rockridge and Upper Rockridge Neighborhood Association. Best way to read is using your PDF reader and the link below since it is a scanned image. Rockridge_News_Patrol_Article_May2017 in PDF…

    • May 19, 2017: Montclarion News reports debate over OPD budget at recent meeting.

      Montclarion News reported that, at a recent town-hall meeting on the city of Oakland’s budget, a debate about police budget emerged. Two social justice groups urged the cutting of police budget, one suggesting by up to 50%. Vice Mayor Annie Campbell-Washington was resolute about maintaining OPD budget and URNA meetings with her have stressed the need for more OPD presence, not less. But it shows the range of opinions city-wide…

    • May 19, 2017: 17 new officers join Oakland police, smallest class in years

      OAKLAND — Even though it’s the smallest Oakland police academy class in years, the 17 new officers who graduated Friday were hailed by Chief of Police Anne Kirkpatrick as “the best of the best.”

      For the full story, please see its publication in the East Bay Times:
      http://www.eastbaytimes.com/2017/05/19/17-new-officers-join-oakland-police-ranks/

    • May 7, 2017: Significant Arrest, Area 2

      Community Resource Officer Anthony Hutzol from Oakland Police Department
      Hello everyone,

      I am the CRO for Beat 12 for those of you who don’t know me.

      I am writing this message to advise the public in area 2 (Beats 8-14) that a very significant arrest in relation to a string of strong-arm and armed robberies occurred on May 7th.

      Keen-eyed Oakland PD Officers working patrol in area 2 observed a vehicle which had been described by robbery victims as a “getaway vehicle.” They conducted a vehicle stop on the vehicle in the 3600 block of Broadway.

      The vehicle turned out to be a stolen vehicle from Missouri.

      The vehicle stop resulted in three arrests of Oakland adults for a variety of offenses including possession of a loaded firearm, warrants for robbery and burglary, and possession of stolen property, and the stolen vehicle.

      Thank you for your attention everyone and please be safe.

      CRO 2
      Editor Note: We(URNA) are Area 2, Beat 13

    • May 4, 2017: New OPD Police Chief Kirkpatrick Announces Command Staff

      Chief Anne Kirkpatrick, who took the helm on Feb. 27, has selected her deputy chiefs. As reported by Rockridge Patch here: https://patch.com/california/rockridge/police-chief-announces-command-staff

    • Apr 29, 2017: Meeting between Neighborhood Associations and OPD/City Council

      Did you know that there are SEVEN different Neighborhood Associations in the Rockridge area of Oakland? And we’re talking security-focused groups that hire patrols, offer security advice, etc., just as URNA does. What does this mean? Well, you probably know already – that our area could use more of a police presence to aid in crime prevention, but that is not the reality now, so we’ve all started efforts to make up the difference. There are a few good signs, and on April 29, URNA and six other Oakland neighborhood patrol groups met this with OPD Deputy Chief Darren Allison, Captain Randy Wingate, Our CRO (Community Resource Officer) Kristine Jurgens, City Council-members Annie Campbell Washington and Abel Guillen, a representative from Dan Kalb’s office (he was traveling), along with Patricia Rose – our NSC (Neighborhood Services Coordinator), to discuss crime trends and ways to improve coordination with OPD.
      Some Oakland stats first – Good news/bad news:
      The good news is that OPD is budgeted for 797 officers and staffing is currently up to 753 officers. Since Mayor Schaff took office the staffing increased from 600 – 753 officers! Good progress, although some analysis recommends 1200 officers for a city of our size.
      The bad news is that Oakland faces significant challenges in its 2017-2019 budget, which projects a $32 million deficit. The budget does include a third police academy to bring staffing up to the authorized number. Other items:

      OPD had monthly meetings with security companies in past and we’re looking into re-starting those, likely with a quarterly meeting frequency.
      AREA CRIME Stats are available anytime on City web site. Here is the link for AREA 2 stats. (URNA: We are in Area 2 and Police Beat 13X – FYI)

      Deputy Chief Allison and Captain Wingate also spoke about:

      Citizen home camera video can be very helpful for identifying suspects in crimes! Urged all to use the Oakland CAMERA REGISTRY (click to see info below)
      “Ceasefire” efforts focusing on the highest-risk individuals have helped drive down crime in Rockridge and the Oakland hills.
      CHANCES OF ANOTHER OFFICER ON BEAT 13: New OPD Chief Kirkpatrick open to looking at the deployment model – in place since 1970s. So, it is possible, but hard to judge…
      OPD Priorities: Obvious that they prioritize physical harm or the risk of it in responding to calls. If you call in a crime, make that your priority too. (Example: A robbery will have slower response than a robbery with possible robber on premises, etc.)

    • Feb 10, 2017: Monthly Crime Statistics posted for beats 12Y and 13x(URNA)

      February 10, 2017: The monthly crime statistics for January 2017, for beats 12Y and 13X, are now available on http://rockridgencpc.com, under Resources > Crime Stats and Maps > Rockridge Crime Trends 2017-2018. Here’s a direct link to the page: http://tinyurl.com/gt32u7w

      Note: URNA members/residents are in beat 13X…

    • Feb 10, 2017: House illegally occupied in Upper Rockridge – Feb2017

      We urge all URNA members to join NextDoor.com to keep abreast of neighborhood incidents… Below are several posts about an unusual “squatter” situation that occurred on Jan 31 on Acacia Ave: (posted with permission)

      FEB 1, 2017:
      SECURITY ALERT: – Originally posted Feb 1 to Upper Rockridge area…

      The house at 6276 Acacia – bank owned and empty for several months – has been taken over by illegal occupants as of a few days ago.

      The Oakland Police were notified by the Sotheby’s real estate agent, but they cannot evict them without an eviction notice, since they were able to get into the house and have utilities turned on so as to let them claim occupancy.

      The URNA SC3 security patrol has been notified and you should also notify any private patrols you have contracted. Please be aware of your security and that of your house.

      Update: Feb 3: Chase Bank has now hired an attorney to file eviction. But the process can take a while – likely 30 days or so. Neighbors mobilized but unhappy!

      FEB 10, 2017:

      As reported on Nextdoor last week, albeit somewhat unevenly, an empty home on Acacia Avenue was broken into and occupied by several individuals on or about January 29.

      Initial reports and an update last night from the real estate agency which had the house on the market appeared only in the Upper Rockridge section of Nextdoor, so many adjacent homeowners and neighbors have not been notified of recent circumstances.

      In the interest of sharing this update with a wider group of nearby neighbors, here’s a summary compiled from the immediate neighbors involved in this situation:

      “Yesterday, squatters occupying the home at 6276 Acacia were removed from the premises by Oakland Police and agents of Chase Bank (who hold the deed to the house). The squatters were allowed to remove some belongings, and the property was secured overnight by a private security detail.”

      As this is an ongoing situation, some families are keeping their kids indoors and/or having them picked up at school so as to keep them away from the property while the situation stabilizes.

      Perpetrators of this break-and-enter apparently had false documents drawn up to establish residency. Allegations are that they are associated with a movement known as the “Moorish Nation,” a group that believes they are not beholden to American laws. There is a fringe of this group that is known to specialize in fraud, forgery and identity theft (per Wikipedia). There is also a shell corporation identified here in Oakland that is apparently used to give these guys a corporate front.

      Credit is due to a dedicated and active group of neighbors on Acacia who sprung into action immediately, contacted agents, bank, district attorney and OPD. I believe their swift response was key to re-securing the property. Still, continued vigilance is advisable as the intruders are professionalized criminals. Good news is that after sitting unoccupied for many months, there are now ratified buyers for the house. Hopefully they will take lawful possession with all due speed.

    • Holiday Safety Tips from OPD

      Posted on NextDoor Nov 2016 by Oakland Police Dept.

      During the Holiday Season, there is often an increase in shopping and package deliveries. Unfortunately, we also experience an increase in thefts. Regarding package thefts, delivery companies unable to contact residents often leave packages at the doorstep of homes. Opportunistic thieves target these unattended packages.

      In an attempt to mitigate package thefts, OPD recommends contacting the delivery company if you are expecting a package. Some tips include:

      • Coordinating the time of delivery with a time someone will be home;
      • Requesting the delivery company to not leave packages if no one is home (leaving a notification slip instead);
      • Requesting that packages be placed in a predetermined, concealed location; or
      • Shipping packages to alternate location where someone can receive the package

      Motion lights, surveillance systems, and security monitoring signs may also help in deterring thefts.

      If you plan to travel during the Holiday Season, avoid flagging your email or social media sites with “out of town” messages. If would be thieves come across the message in some manner, they could see it as an opportunity to commit residential burglaries.

      When out shopping or dining, please be aware of your surroundings and do not leave valuables or packages in your vehicle (even for a short time).

      Below are links and attachments for additional safety tips:

      Holiday Safety:
      http://www2.oaklandnet.com/oakca1/groups…

    • Robbery Prevention Tips from OPD – Nov 2016

      Robbery Prevention Tips – Posted by Oakland Police Dept. on NextDoor 11/21/16
      Community Programs Supervisor Felicia Verdin from Oakland Police Department · 4h ago
      Crime prevention is a responsibility we all share. The following is offered as an aid to reduce your prospects of becoming a victim.

      Your Demeanor
      • Trust your Instincts – If you sense trouble, get away as soon as possible.
      • Show Confidence – Walk at a steady pace, keep your head up and avoid carrying lots of packages…It can make you look defenseless.
      • Don’t Look Like an Easy Target – Robbers want someone who will provide the least resistance. If you look like you know where you are going, walk with your head up and eyes alert, you will most likely be left alone.
      • Be Observant.
      • Remain Alert and Observe People Around You. Know who is walking behind and in front of you. Things to watch for include suspicious persons or vehicles, people who are wearing inappropriate clothing for the weather, and people just loitering around.

      BART stations
      • Avoid walking alone at night near stations. Try to walk with others from the station to your car.
      • Avoid making cell phone calls while on BART or bus. If you must make a call, sit near the driver.

      The street
      • Scan the area before getting in and out of your vehicle and while loading/unloading items.
      • Be aware of who is around you. If someone behaves suspiciously, avoid that person. Go inside a business or other public place with a crowd. 
      • If you must make a call, go to a safe space, make your call, and then conceal your phone.

      On the Road
      • Know your destination and have a planned route of travel.
      • Keep your car in gear, doors locked, windows rolled up.
      • Stay alert and aware of your surroundings, especially at intersections and stop lights.
      • Park in areas that will be well lit when you return.
      • There is safety in numbers! Walk with friends or in a group.
      • If you are lost, find a public place, like a service station, to read your map or ask for directions.
      • If you are being followed, don’t drive home or get out. Drive to the nearest police station, open store or business for help. Try to note the license number and description of the car and persons following you.
      • Don’t advertise. If you are out at night, don’t wear expensive or fancy looking jewelry. This is an invitation to trouble.
      • If someone tries to get in your car while you are stopped – drive away quickly.
      • Walk in open, well lit areas.
      • Avoid carrying a purse, if you can. If you must, carry your purse securely and close to your body. Do not allow your purse to hang free from your hand.
      • Check the interior of your vehicle and surrounding areas before entering your vehicle.

      At home
      • Never open your door for those you don’t know.
      • Do not advertise that you live alone.
      • If you are in your front yard and view a person behaving suspiciously, quickly go inside and lock your doors.
      • When you move into a new home, change the locks.
      • Keep your curtains or shades closed at night.
      • Don’t leave notes on your door announcing when you will be home.
      • Keep outdoor lights on at night.
      • If you are in a car, stay in the car with locked doors and windows. Either use a cell phone to call someone to escort you inside, or drive away and come back later.

      ATM
      • Use ATMs in well lighted, populated areas. Store and bank ATMs during the day are best.
      • Scan the area. If you see a person loitering for no apparent reason, go to another location.
      • If you see something strange during your transaction, push cancel, take your card, and leave.
      • After the transaction, be alert. You’ll have cash in hand making you a possible target. Scan the area. Leave immediately. If you suspect danger, promptly enter the nearest store or building.

      For Additional Resources
      Create or join a Neighborhood Watch group.
      More information: (510) 986-2715 or www.oaklandnet.com/neighborhoodwatch

    • Rockridge News. 2/6/16. Security Patrols to Continue, with Survey Results.

      See full issue at http://urna-oak.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/rn02.16.pdf (pages 5, 13).

    • Royal Canadian Mounted Police Gazette. 4/15/16. Panel with David Lorie.

      http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/en/gazette/how-can-the-public-play-a-greater-role-supporting-operations

    • Rockridge News. 1/3/15. Patrols at Year 1 by Paul Liu.

      http://urna-oak.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/rn01.15.pdf

    • San Francisco Magazine. 6/3/14. Interviewed: Paul Liu.

      http://www.modernluxury.com/san-francisco/story/the-thin-blue-privatized-line?page=2

    • Rockridge News. 4/5/14: Safer Rockridge update.

      Full issue at http://urna-oak.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/rn04.14.pdf (pages 4, 13)

    • Rockridge News. 2/8/14. Paul Liu on patrol effectiveness.

      Full issue at http://urna-oak.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/rn02.14.pdf (page 9).

    • NBC Bay Area News. First at archive.org on 1/21/14. Interviewed: Paul Liu, Steve Kirsch.

      http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/21000-Raised-for-Private-Security-in-Oaklands-Rockridge-District-229552981.html

    • Rockridge News. 12/7/13. Letter to the editor from Laura Counts, Nicole Aruda and Susette Min, with response from Paul Liu and the other patrol organizers.

      Full issue at http://urna-oak.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/rn12.13.pdf (pages 2, 12)

    • Contra Costa Times. 11/6/2013. Security Patrol Summit, including Paul Liu.

      http://www.rockridge.org/news/three-guys-step-help-deter-crime
      Full issue at http://urna-oak.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/rn11.13.pdf
      (page 6)

    • Oakland North. 11/5/2013. Interviewed: Ellen Kim.

      http://oaklandnorth.net/2013/11/05/private-security-divides-temescal/

    • KTVU TV. 11/4/2013. Interviewed: Steve Kirsch.

      http://www.ktvu.com/news/news/crime-law/rockridge-patrols-duty-monday/nbhZw/ [Link no longer works, not available on archive.org]

    • ColorLines Magazine. 11/2013. Interviewed: Steve Kirsch.

      http://colorlines.com/archives/2013/11/oakland_private_security_patrols.html

    • East Bay Express. 10/16/2013. Interviewed: Vince Mackey, Justin Horner.

      http://www.eastbayexpress.com/oakland/whos-patrolling-the-patrols/Content?oid=3738796

    • Huffington Post. 10/9/2013. Interviewed: Steve Kirsch.

      http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/10/09/oakland-private-security_n_4072801.html

    • NPR Marketplace. 10/8/2013. Interviewed: Dave Groves.

      http://www.marketplace.org/topics/tech/oakland-neighbors-turn-crowdfunding-security

    • Next Big Future. 10/7/2013. Interviewed: Steve Kirsch.

      http://nextbigfuture.com/2013/10/crowdfunded-security-in-oakland-it-is.html

    • TechPresident. 10/4/2013. Interviewed: Steve Kirsch.

      http://techpresident.com/news/24395/oakland-neighbors-crowdfund-private-security

    • KQED radio. 9/25/2013. Interviewed: Paul Liu. Media not available.

    JOIN OTHER LIKE-MINDED Upper Rockridge Neighbors who GET OUR FREE URNA MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

    Stay informed!
    Learn about neighborhood safety tips/issues including:

    Enter your Email and stay on top of things,

    Newsletter Subscribe!