OPD warns of residential robbers identifying as police

( KRON ) — The Oakland Police Department issued a safety advisory Wednesday after recent incidents where residential robbers identified themselves to victims as police officers.

Several recent cases have involved one to four suspects breaking into Oakland residences and then either searching or demanding items from victims, OPD wrote in the advisory. When the victims have questioned the suspects' identities, they reply that they are "police" or "OPD" while entering the residence.

In two recent East Oakland residential robberies, the suspects were dressed in plain clothes and verbally identified themselves as police officers, according to OPD.

Police reminded the community that Oakland officers will knock and announce their presence while wearing clothes that clearly identify them as law enforcement. OPD also said plainclothes officers will not force entry into residences.

Other safety tips include not resisting and trusting your instincts. "If in doubt, call 911," police said.

"OPD is actively investigating and tracking this current trend, and commanders have begun deploying additional officers to areas of the city that have experienced this surge," the advisory said.

Anyone who was a victim or has information on the incidents is asked to call the Oakland Police Department at (510)-238-3326.

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