Smartphone Theft On Rise In Oakland

Howard Jordan announced Wednesday the department's officers have arrested 34 people in connection with robberies in the past month.

Oakland's police chief says his department is working hard to get a handle on the city's rash of street robberies.
Howard Jordan announced Wednesday the department's officers have arrested 34 people in connection with robberies in the past month.
And they've identified two different robbery crews that police believe have been responsible for many of the cases. The chief says the target continues to be electronics - namely smart phones.  OPD has received reports of 144 stolen smart phones since June; in most of the cases, the thieves have been armed.
Police are urging the public to be on guard.
"Our analysis has shown victims in most cases are women or people that are distracted by the use of cell phones whether talking on the cell phone or texting while walking," Jordan said.

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