When burglars targeted multiple small businesses in Oakland’s Temescal Alley overnight, security cameras failed to deter them. The alley, located in a trendy shopping area in North Oakland, was left with broken glass and missing merchandise as shop owners arrived on Friday morning to survey the damage.
Among those affected was Liz Thayer, owner of Claflin, Thayer & Co., who expressed frustration at the loss of handmade inventory. Surveillance footage captured thieves scaling a fence and casually choosing which stores to rob. Despite multiple break-ins in the area, including this recent incident, police response times have been slow.
Property manager Danny Paredes noted the frequency of break-ins and lack of action by law enforcement. As shop owners like Thayer awaited police assistance, the sense of resignation to the situation was palpable. Despite the challenges, the community in Temescal Alley remains tight-knit, with Business owners like Wes Allen of Understory expressing mutual support.
The aftermath of the break-ins left shop owners like Isaac Star of Mira Flores Vintage Clothing facing the task of assessing inventory and damage. The recurring incidents have led to discussions about the future of businesses in Oakland, with some considering relocation. For Thayer, a native of the East Bay, the possibility of leaving her hometown is a difficult but real consideration amidst the ongoing security issues.
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