Thief Squatted in Oakland City Hall Before Stealing Mayor's $75K SUV

The suspect was living inside the building for four days before taking the vehicle, authorities say.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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A thief who stole the mayor of Oakland's $75,000 Ford Expedition SUV had been "squatting" inside City Hall for four days before swiping the keys from the mayor's office, according to a source. The suspect remains at large, but the vehicle was recovered hours later in nearby Vallejo, California.

Why it matters

This incident raises serious concerns about security and access at Oakland City Hall, as well as the city's ongoing challenges with property crime and a shortage of police officers to respond to such incidents in a timely manner.

The details

The thief had been living on the 11th floor of the deserted City Hall offices over the Presidents Day weekend and managed to "jimmy" the door to the mayor's office on Monday, making off with the city-owned vehicle from an unsecured parking lot entrance. Security footage has identified the suspect, and a warrant has been issued for their arrest.

  • The theft occurred on Tuesday.
  • The mayor's SUV was reported missing on Tuesday.
  • The stolen vehicle was recovered just hours later in Vallejo, California.

The players

Barbara Lee

The mayor of Oakland whose $75,000 Ford Expedition SUV was stolen from City Hall.

ABC Security Services

The security company with a $35.3 million contract to patrol government buildings in Oakland, whose contract was recently renewed despite concerns about ties to a federal corruption probe.

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What they’re saying

“No one in Oakland should have to worry about their car being stolen, whether they're a resident, a city worker, or the Mayor. Public safety is a priority across our entire city.”

— Barbara Lee, Mayor of Oakland (nypost.com)

“We have to tighten up security around City Hall. A few council members have come to me with complaints about their sense of security in and around City Hall.”

— Kevin Jenkins, City Council President (San Francisco Chronicle)

“If an Oakland resident reports a stolen car or home burglary, it can take up to three days for OPD officers to respond because of the shortage of officers. The mayor and city leadership is practically starving the police department of help. A regular resident can't get or even dream of that level of service.”

— Sam Singer, Spokesman, Oakland Police Officers Association (nypost.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow the suspect out on bail.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing security and public safety challenges facing Oakland, including issues with access to government buildings, a shortage of police officers, and the city's high rates of property crime. It raises questions about the oversight and performance of the private security firm contracted to protect City Hall.