Oakland Police Tells Residents to Reinforce Doors Because of Home Invasions

In a public safety advisory issued Wednesday, the Oakland Police Department recommended residents reinforce their doors and install security cameras amid a spate of home invasion robberies in the East Bay city.

“In recent cases, armed individuals forcibly entered the residences by kicking in doors, threatening the victims, and taking the victim’s personal belongings before fleeing the residence,” the department said in a public announcement posted online.

Police offered several tips for residents to reduce their risk of an invasion, including making sure all doors and windows are locked and reinforcing doors with security bars or door braces. They suggested installing security systems with motion detection, surveillance cameras and alarms, as well as outdoor lighting with motion sensors. Another tip included trimming hedges and shrubs around the home to remove places where thieves could hide, SFGate reports.