The Oakland Police Department could use your help.
Not only is the department losing 80 officers but it has been tasked with trying to find scores of vandals and looters who struck downtown Oakland on July 8 following the involuntary-manslaughter verdict given to a former BART officer for the killing of 22-year-old Oscar Grant.
Dozens of businesses were looted and damaged by a splinter group of demonstrators following the verdict and 78 people were arrested. But some got away.
Thursday Oakland police released pictures of pictures of people suspected of being involved in the looting and damage and the department is looking for the public's help in identifying the culprets. Those who are identified will likely face charges of burglary, looting or theft.
Police published a total of 15 photos of some of the suspects. The majority of the photos were taken outside a Foot Locker shoe store and Sears store on Broadway. The Foot Locker appeared to have been hit the hardest by looters, who broke into the store and stole shoes and other items.
The photos were taken by surveillance cameras, Internet postings and video taken by officers, according to the department.
"We want to send a message that this is not a playground to steal," Oakland police Officer Jeff Thomason told Bay City News.
Anyone who can identify someone in the pictures is asked to call the Oakland Police Department's tip line at 510-777-8814.
They are offering a $1,000 reward.
