In-N-Out, Oakland's only burger joint located near Hegenberger Road, has announced its closure in March due to the increasing crime plaguing the area. The decision to shut down has raised concerns among community members and highlighted the urgent need for action from local leaders.

Denny Warnick, the chief operating officer of In-N-Out, stated that despite their efforts to create a safer environment, both customers and employees have been consistently subjected to car break-ins, property damage, theft, and armed robberies. This disturbing trend of crime has prompted the company to make the difficult decision to close the restaurant.

The closure of In-N-Out has further fueled existing criticisms directed at Mayor Sheng Thao by some Oakland residents. Oakland United to Recall Sheng Thao, a group led by a former Alameda County Superior Court judge, blames the mayor for not addressing the crime crisis effectively. They accuse her of failing to declare a state of emergency on crime, not replacing the fired police chief, and missing out on millions of dollars in grants to combat retail thefts.

In response, Mayor Thao has highlighted her efforts to prioritize public safety in Oakland. She claims to have increased police presence and implemented technological advancements to deter and respond to criminal activities. However, she acknowledges that more needs to be done and vows to collaborate with regional and state leaders to protect the city, particularly the tourist gateway.

However, some city residents believe that the crime problem is largely attributed to state or local laws that hinder law enforcement. Proposition 47 and Proposition 57, which were passed in previous years, are believed to impede effective crime prevention and prosecution. The Oakland Latino Chamber of Commerce expressed sadness over In-N-Out's closure, emphasizing that ongoing crime is impacting businesses and discouraging investment.

This closure is an unprecedented move for In-N-Out, as the company has relocated several restaurants throughout its history but has never been forced to shut down. Warnick emphasized that the frequency and severity of crimes occurring in Oakland have left the company with no alternative but to prioritize the safety of their customers and employees.

The closure of In-N-Out has attracted national attention, with conservative pundits using it as an example to support their claims that the liberal Bay Area is being destroyed by crime. The politicization of the closure became so intense that the largest In-N-Out fan group on Facebook decided to ban posts about the Oakland closure.

City Councilmember Treva Reid, representing the affected district, acknowledges the ongoing crime crisis and regrets that it led to In-N-Out's closure. She has been vocal about the need for a regional interagency public safety task force and has advocated for increased resources and collaborative efforts to tackle the issue. The councilmember's office has implemented measures such as foot patrols, increased police presence, and securing funding for community safety ambassadors.

While certain sections of the city have seen a reduction in crime, overall reports of violence have risen by 21% compared to the previous year. Complicating matters further, the Oakland Police Department has been without a permanent police chief since February 2022, resulting in a leadership vacuum.

Critics argue that the decision to fire former Police Chief LeRonne Armstrong, who fostered community relationships and trust, has eroded public trust in Mayor Thao. The lack of progress in addressing the crime crisis has heightened concerns about the city's future and raised calls for more effective leadership and strategies.

As Oakland grapples with rising crime rates and the loss of a popular establishment, it becomes crucial for local leaders and the community to come together to find sustainable solutions. The closure of In-N-Out serves as a stark reminder of the pressing need to address crime and make Oakland a safe and thriving city once again.