Oakland Gas Station Owner Calls Out Crime After Flash Mob Ransacking, Questions Police Underreporting

Sam Mardaie, owner of a ransacked Oakland gas station, speaks out about the city's crime crisis, while the Oakland Police Department (OPD) denies underreporting its data.

Sam Mardaie, the owner of an Oakland gas station ransacked by a flash mob, has denounced the city's crime crisis, while the Oakland Police Department (OPD) has refuted allegations of underestimating crime statistics.

The OPD has published data indicating a decline in crime this year compared to 2023, with overall crime decreasing by 33%, burglaries by 50%, homicides by 17%, assaults by 7%, and rapes by 21%.

Oakland Gas Station Owner Calls Out Crime After Flash Mob Ransacking, Questions Police Underreporting

Progressive Mayor Sheng Thao, who is facing a recall due to public safety concerns, and California Governor Gavin Newsom have touted these statistics. However, the San Francisco Chronicle and the Oakland Report suggest that the OPD is not adequately comparing data, leading to an inflated perception of crime reduction.

Timothy Gardner, in his Oakland Report investigation, found that burglaries are the most undercounted, with discrepancies ranging from 20% to 50%. The San Francisco Chronicle estimates that the OPD's reported overall crime reduction of 33% could be overstated, with an accurate figure closer to 20%.

Oakland Gas Station Owner Calls Out Crime After Flash Mob Ransacking, Questions Police Underreporting

The OPD has defended its reporting methods, stating that property crimes, such as burglaries and auto thefts, are accurate at the time of reporting, while there may be delays in compiling complete data.

"Each of these online crime reports must be reviewed and verified by a member of our staff before being included in crime statistics," the OPD statement reads.

Oakland Gas Station Owner Calls Out Crime After Flash Mob Ransacking, Questions Police Underreporting

However, Lt. Barry Donelan, head of Oakland's burglary and general crimes detail, acknowledged shortcomings in the department's reporting system, blaming outdated IT infrastructure.

"Do we know there are shortcomings in the numbers? Yes," Donelan told the San Francisco Chronicle. "Is there a desire among professional law enforcement to fix that? Oh, yes."

Oakland Gas Station Owner Calls Out Crime After Flash Mob Ransacking, Questions Police Underreporting

Amidst the crime crisis, Oakland has also grappled with homelessness, housing costs, and a political corruption probe that has raided the home of Mayor Sheng Thao.

Last week's flash mob ransacking of a gas station mini-mart near the San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport left the store destroyed, highlighting the ongoing challenges facing the city.

The discrepancy between the OPD's crime data and the perceptions of residents raises concerns about transparency and accountability in law enforcement. Oakland residents deserve accurate and reliable information to inform their safety decisions and hold policymakers accountable.