Pirates and Vigilantes: Oakland’s Boat Owners Unite Against Escalating Theft

Oakland is grappling with a growing problem that extends beyond its streets into the serene waters of the estuary. Property crime has spilled onto the city’s docks and marinas, where boat owners are becoming increasingly vulnerable to thefts and burglaries.

Some criminals are resorting to using small boats to approach larger vessels anchored along the estuary under the cover of darkness. Reports from marina residents suggest that these thieves have made off with everything from boat engines to entire small boats and dinghies.

Marina residents believe that these culprits may either reside in encampments along the estuary or operate from stolen boats. The situation is causing frustration among boat owners who feel that they are on their own when it comes to protecting their property.

Steven Young’s 40-foot yacht was stolen from its slip at the Embarcadero Cove Marina. When Young spotted it stranded on nearby rocks with people aboard, he immediately called the police for assistance. Unfortunately, Young’s plea for help went unanswered, as the police demanded a formal police report first. Recovered days later, the insurance company declared the boat a total loss. Thieves had ransacked the vessel, taking everything from fishing gear to engine components and even handguns with ammunition, and destroyed the interior. In the same week, two other sizable boats met a similar fate.

The situation has escalated to the point where some residents feel compelled to arm themselves for protection. Michael West, a resident living aboard a ship, paints a grim picture of the deteriorating security situation, describing it as akin to the Wild West. In this unsettling environment, the victims of boat thefts and burglaries are finding strength in numbers, banding together to protect their property and personal safety.