Overview
- A Sheriff's Office employee discovered that five department vehicles were missing from the Alameda County Parking Garage on 13th Street early Sunday, prompting an immediate burglary investigation.
- Automated license-plate-reader surveillance and other investigative work led officials to recover four of the stolen vehicles by Sunday afternoon.
- The remaining vehicle was described as an unmarked 2025 blue Ford Explorer with exempt California plate 1685265, overhead emergency lights, sirens, radio equipment, and a black front push-bar bumper.
- The Alameda County Sheriff’s Office said there was no information of an immediate threat and warned residents to avoid approaching anyone in a vehicle that matches the description, to verify identity with 911, and to call the tip line at 510-667-7721 if they have information.
- Automated license-plate-reader systems scan plates from cameras and patrol units to find stolen cars, a tool officials credited with the quick recoveries and said will remain central to efforts to locate the missing SUV.