A string of smash-and-grab robberies in Oakland Chinatown left one business owner injured and multiple storefronts shattered this week, rattling the community and prompting demands for improved public safety.
Local business owners met Thursday afternoon with Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee, Police Chief Floyd Mitchell and other city leaders to address the recent spate of crimes, which community members say have frightened off customers and put people on edge.
“This is not just property crime — this is an attack on the vitality of Oakland Chinatown,” said Stephanie Tran, president of the Oakland Chinatown Chamber of Commerce. “Our kids, seniors, families and business owners should not have to live in fear of when the next crime will happen.”…