New type of crime wave sweeps Oakland's waterfront: 'Pirates'

[Auggie]

SNIP

As Oakland police grapple with rising burglaries, robberies and carjackings on land, residents on the water say they’re getting little help and are left on their own to chase out intruders.

Some have discussed arming themselves. Others have ventured out to reclaim their stolen property. Several bemoaned the lack of law enforcement response, saying it’s allowed crime to spiral and encouraged vigilantism. In recent months, a malaise has settled over the kitschy houseboats and lagoons, as boaters who sought an island lifestyle are suddenly finding themselves terrified.

SNIP

“It’s almost the Wild West,” said Steve MeckFessel, managing investor at the Marina Village Yacht Harbor in Alameda. “It’s almost as if you were on a ship and there are pirates out there, and there’s no government, no one to protect you.”

“We’ve all gotten to the point where we know there is going to be no response” from police, DeLong said, noting that some neighbors have watched helplessly as intruders break their locks and swipe their possessions. Some wake up to find their vessels and storage units pillaged.

LINK (paywall): https://www.sfchronicle.com/crime/article/oakland-pirates-boat-theft-marina-18327425.php

[bucolic_frolic]

1. If you can steal an election you can steal almost anything. Look at retailers reporting theft.

Target, Depot, and others attributing earnings misses to theft. It's almost like everything is public property now. Are we moving to an era where people own little? Everything is stolen or leased? Give a penny, take a penny. It's all insured, why worry?

[Auggie]

2. Yes. I think home invasions are coming next

[Irish_Dem]

3. Many Americans adore blatant criminal leaders.

They are following suit.

[Hestia]

4. This whole Police the Police or Defund the Police narrative has backfired tremendously

Cops have left or retired in droves, pretty much stand back now because even if they are called, everyone is carefully editing the filming of the actions of the police when they do try to police the actions of those breaking the law, all everyone sees is a payout, regardless of what the person did to get the police involved in the first place.

I foretell horrible actions happening now that sociologists being called out for mental health challenges and being killed due to the mental health of person waving around a machete or something.