Oakland car break-ins plummet in blow to local glass repair shops
A recent report from KTVU has revealed that a Northern California city has experienced a significant decrease in the number of car break-ins, much to the relief of car owners in the area. However, this positive news has had a negative impact on local window repair shops, such as Glass on the Move Inc.
According to the Oakland Police Department crime dashboard stats, there has been a 37% drop in auto burglaries between May 2026 and the same month last year. While this is great news for reducing crime in the city, it has led to a decrease in business for auto glass repair and replacement companies like Glass on the Move Inc.
Owner James Serwa stated that the shop has seen a 35-40% decrease in business, leading to layoffs and a reduction in staff from seven installers to four. This downward trend in break-ins was noticed over a year ago, coinciding with a decline in thefts of catalytic converters.
Another local business owner, Raj Singh of Low Price Auto Glass, also confirmed a drop in calls for car window repair and replacement, around 30%. However, he mentioned that calls for glass repairs due to road debris have helped sustain the business during this challenging time.
The decline in car break-ins is part of a larger trend of decreasing crime rates in the city. Carjackings have also decreased by 49%, and violent crime has seen a 22% drop in the first quarter of the year compared to the same period in 2025.
Residents like Melvin Welch, a longtime East Oakland resident, have noticed a positive shift in the city’s atmosphere. Welch mentioned feeling less fearful and no longer rushing home due to crime concerns. The overall decrease in crime has been attributed to prevention programs and targeted policing efforts by city officials.
While the decrease in crime is a positive development for the city, it has had financial implications for local businesses and repair shops. Despite the challenges faced by these businesses, residents like Welch are hopeful that the improvements will continue to make Oakland a safer and more vibrant city.
