Oakland, California, known for its liberal politics and homeless population, is facing a new threat: homeless “pirates” in its bay. These desperate individuals, living on makeshift boats in the estuary, have been resorting to criminal activity to sustain themselves, targeting houseboats and their owners for valuable items to steal.
Concerned citizens have been raising awareness about this issue, as well as the lack of police intervention in the matter. According to ABC 7, thieves are using small, motor-powered dinghies to reach the targeted boats and conducting “smash-and-grab” raids. Tools, engines, and life rafts are just some of the items reported stolen from these boats.
At a recent city meeting, community residents spoke out about the rampant crime and the need for action. Former harbor master Brock de Lappe emphasized the severity of the situation, stating, “the open shoreline of the Oakland-Alameda estuary is littered with sunken wrecks and derelict, end-of-life vessels, and crime has risen to truly intolerable levels.” This alarming statement highlights not only the safety hazards posed by these illegally parked and abandoned boats, but also the dangerous and desperate actions of the homeless pirates.
De Lappe also pointed out that the pirates were targeting specific locations along the channel, further underscoring the need for immediate action. The Coast Guard has since responded, with Captain Taylor Lam announcing plans to increase law enforcement presence in the estuary at random times throughout the day. He also mentioned potentially bringing in “aviation resources” to assist with the matter.
It is both concerning and telling that a Democrat-run city like Oakland is facing such a crisis. With a large homeless population and lenient policies towards them, it is no surprise that these individuals have resorted to criminal activity to survive. The same can be said for other Democrat-run cities facing similar issues, like San Francisco and Los Angeles. These cities’ policies and actions have only exacerbated the homeless problem and created an environment for rampant crime to thrive.
The situation in Oakland’s bay area is a clear example of the consequences of inaction and leniency towards homelessness. It is a wake-up call for Democrat-run cities to reconsider their approach to this issue and take immediate and effective action to address it. The safety and security of residents and their property must always be a top priority for any city, regardless of political affiliation. Neglecting these duties will only lead to more chaos and destruction, as we are seeing in Oakland’s bay area. It’s time for change, and it starts with holding elected officials accountable and demanding real solutions to the homelessness crisis. Otherwise, more cities will continue to fall prey to the consequences of their misguided and ineffective policies.