Oakland store owners staged a two-hour strike on Tuesday to protest high crime and retail theft in the city.

Local ABC affiliate KGO-7 reported:

Business owners say the goal of this strike is to send a larger message to City Hall. They want better protection and support so they can safely operate their businesses and make a living.

Many of the participating businesses gathered in front of Le Cheval for a news conference on Tuesday to voice their concerns. The restaurant is closing at the end of the month because of the crime and slow sales post-pandemic.

Participating merchants say, just like Le Cheval, they’re losing customers and foot traffic because of car break-ins, carjackings, robberies and assaults.

Many stores in Oakland post signs on their doors informing the public that they have gone “cashless” due to crime.

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