Alameda sheriff’s vehicles among those stolen from Oakland garage

OAKLAND — Five vehicles, including some belonging to the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office, were discovered stolen Sunday morning from a downtown garage, authorities said.

Four of the vehicles were later recovered, but the fifth, a sheriff’s office SUV, was still missing Sunday afternoon, authorities said.

The thefts were discovered about 7:16 a.m. Sunday at the Alameda County Parking Garage, 165 13th Street.

The sheriff’s office has not said exactly how many were their vehicles, but did say at least one, a car, was not.

The sheriff’s office also has not said where in the multistory garage the vehicles were taken from or if there is any video surveillance that shows when the thefts actually happened, how entry was made into the vehicles, and how many suspects were involved.

In a news release, the sheriff’s office said “through investigative efforts and the use of Automated License Plate Readers (ALPR) technology, investigators recovered four of the stolen vehicles” but did not say where or if any arrests have been made.

The release says one sheriff’s vehicle remains outstanding. It is a 2025 blue Ford Explorer, bearing California exempt license plate 1685265. The vehicle is equipped with a black front push-bar bumper, overhead emergency lighting, radio equipment and sirens.

No weaspons were inside the vehicle, authorities said.

The vehicle is not marked with Alameda County Sheriff’s Office insignia or emblems, the release says.

The release says the sheriff’s office “is actively investigating this incident and is working diligently to locate the stolen vehicle and identify those responsible. No additional information regarding the recovered vehicles is being released at this time due to the ongoing investigation.”

The release further says “While there is currently no information indicating an immediate threat to the public, community members are urged to remain vigilant. Due to the presence of emergency equipment in the stolen vehicle, members of the public should exercise caution if approached by individuals claiming to be law enforcement in the vehicle matching the above description.

“Anyone who has concerns about the legitimacy of law enforcement contact should call 911 or their local law enforcement agency to verify the officer’s identity and the vehicle involved,” the release says.

The release says “The Sheriff’s Office understands the concern that incidents involving stolen law enforcement vehicles may cause within the community. We want to reassure residents that this case is being treated with the highest priority, and investigators are employing all available resources to recover the vehicles and ensure public safety.

“Anyone with information regarding this incident or the whereabout of the stolen vehicle is encouraged to contact the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office at 510-667-7721. Individuals who observe the vehicle should not approach it and should immediately contact law enforcement,” the release says.

It is the third time in recent months that government-owned vehicles have been stolen in Oakland.

Last month, an Oakland parking enforcement vehicle was stolen in Chinatown. It was later recovered in Mountain View, and a suspect arrested. In February, a Ford Expedition used by Mayor Barbara Lee was stolen from a City Hall garage. It was later recovered by police in Vallejo and a suspect was arrested.