In a recent incident, nearly 100 robbers broke into a gas station in California overnight due to their dissatisfaction with the window service.
The jaw-dropping surveillance footage captured the chaotic scene as dozens of masked thieves raided the 76 Station near the Oakland International Airport in the early hours of Friday.
In the footage, the robbers wreaked havoc inside the store, grabbing anything within their reach and causing extensive damage.
The owner, Sam Mardaie, estimated that between 80 and 100 individuals forcefully entered through the front door. Shelves were torn apart, grocery items were vandalized, and valuable goods were stolen.
During the looting spree, the robbers not only took drinks, food items, boxes, and baskets but also made off with $25,000 in cash from the store's register and ATM.
The magnitude of the incident left the owner devastated, especially after months of hard work and dedication to building his business.
However, he was allegedly instructed to file a report online, which further added to his frustration.
In an attempt to escalate the matter, Mardaie sought to contact OPD Police Chief Floyd Mitchell but was informed that he needed to schedule an appointment.
The Oakland Police Department later clarified that law enforcement was notified after the suspects had already fled the scene, categorizing it as a Priority 2 incident.
An officer went to the gas station to talk to the owner. Investigators are now carefully studying the evidence and helping Mardaie find and catch the criminals.
This shocking incident is just one example of the escalating crime rates plaguing the city of Oakland.
Overall crime has seen an 18% increase in 2023, with violent crime surging by 21%.
The rise in residential robberies by a staggering 118% compared to the previous year has further heightened concerns for public safety.
She mentioned "operation ceasefire" targeting high-risk individuals to prevent violence. However, Thao didn't provide specific crime reduction numbers.
Facing a recall election, she took office in 2023 after serving on the Oakland City Council. Voters are unhappy with rising crime and blame her progressive policies for emboldening criminals and hurting businesses.
Thao has criticized crime increases before her tenure but faces criticism for lenient bail reforms and low prosecution rates for minor crimes.
