In-N-Out Burger, the popular fast-food chain, has announced the closure of its first-ever location in Oakland, California after experiencing a surge in crime. The restaurant, situated near Oakland International Airport in a bustling business corridor, will shut its doors on March 24th amid concerns for the safety of its customers and employees.

Denny Warnick, the Chief Operating Officer of In-N-Out Burger, stated that despite their efforts to improve safety conditions, both customers and staff members have been regularly victimized by car break-ins, property damage, thefts, and robberies. The frequency and severity of these crimes have forced the company to make the difficult decision of closing the Oakland branch.

Oakland, a city across the bay from San Francisco, has been grappling with a rise in property crimes and robberies throughout the area. The In-N-Out restaurant on Oakport Street has been particularly affected, with the police documenting a staggering 1,335 incidents in the vicinity since 2019, making it the most crime-ridden location in Oakland. These incidents include nine robberies, two commercial burglaries, four domestic violence cases, and a staggering 1,174 car break-ins.

Sean Crawford, a witness who works nearby, revealed that he had personally witnessed two individuals robbing people at gunpoint in the In-N-Out drive-thru lane last year. This kind of brazen criminal activity has deepened concerns about safety in the area.

In response to the alarming situation, Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao has assured the public that additional police officers have been deployed to the area. However, she acknowledged that more needs to be done to combat the rising crime rates. The Mayor emphasized her commitment to address the issue, noting that the city has positioned three cameras to monitor the vicinity and has observed a downward trend in property crimes, including a 43% reduction in car break-ins and a 49% decrease in thefts on Hegenberger Road, a major street connecting the airport to the Coliseum.

In-N-Out Burger, headquartered in Irvine, California, made the difficult decision to close its Oakland branch due to the alarming frequency and severity of crimes affecting its customers and employees. While the closure is disheartening for fans of the popular burger joint, it highlights the urgent need for improved safety measures in Oakland.