Three suspected maritime burglars accused of breaking into a business on the Embarcadero in San Francisco were arrested in the Oakland-Alameda Estuary on March 28, putting a stop to almost a year of theft and physical confrontations with the so-called “East Bay Pirates.” These alleged bandits were believed to be from Oakland’s homeless encampments and used small boats to raid large ships, leading to residents fighting back and chasing them across the bay. Law enforcement executed search warrants on the small boats and found stolen property, sending the case to the Alameda County District Attorney for charges.
The Oakland-Alameda Estuary, which separates the two cities, includes multiple marinas with about 3,000 boat slips where a community lives on houseboats and yachts. Last summer and fall, maritime burglars used small boats to steal valuables from large vessels, sinking or dumping them miles away in Oakland Harbor. Residents in the area shared personal anecdotes about the dire situation at municipal meetings, expressing their frustration at the rising crime levels and lack of police support. Many victims had to personally confront the criminals to recover their stolen property.
Several residents chased would-be thieves across the bay, sharing videos of the chases and surveillance footage to raise awareness of the issue. Dan Hill, a leader in addressing the problem, worked with others to bring attention to the issue at municipal meetings, writing letters, and calling officials. Each theft could cost boat owners thousands to tens of thousands of dollars, leading to significant financial losses. While jurisdictional issues and staffing levels complicated the response, the Oakland and Alameda police departments worked together with the Coast Guard, which has a base in the estuary, to address the problem.
Alameda Police Chief Nishant Joshi emphasized the importance of a regional approach to protect the waterway, highlighting the shared interest in dealing with crime in a collaborative manner. The Coast Guard spokesperson also stressed the need for federal and state cooperation to ensure the safety and security of everyone in the estuary. Despite the progress made in arresting the suspected burglars, ongoing thefts in and around the Oakland estuary are still under investigation. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Oakland Police Department’s burglary unit. Overall, the arrests represent a significant step forward in restoring safety and security to the residents living on houseboats and yachts along the waterway.
