Oakland Residents Say Caltrans Sound Wall Project Leading To Spike In Crime
OAKLAND (CBS SF) -- Residents in an Oakland neighborhood say a Caltrans construction project is leading to a spike in crime on their street.
A sound wall project along East 8th Street is part of a Caltrans project to replace two freeway overpasses.
Neighbors along the street say now that Caltrans removed street lights, and freeway access is blocked off for the project, they have had to endure sideshows and celebratory gunshots in front of their homes.
"We know that a lot of crime happens in the dark," one neighbor said.
A gas station where CHP officers used to park was recently overrun and looted by an unruly mob.
The manager there who wished to remain anonymous, says his store has been robbed so many times he has stopped reporting the crimes to police.
After KPIX contacted Caltrans, they promised to bring back the street lights.
