Category: News

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