- The Oakland Police Department is trying to discourage people from taking part in sideshows.
- Authorities reminded drivers that their vehicles could be towed and seized for up to 30 days.
- The move comes after a series of violent and dangerous sideshows in the past few months.
Police in Oakland, California are trying to discourage drivers from participating in sideshows by reminding them of the consequences. As part of the effort, the department took to social media to showcase some of the cars they’ve recently seized.
Unfortunately, the collection isn’t exactly first rate and the pictures were apparently taken by someone who had never seen a camera. Shoddy production values aside, the clip shows several Chevrolet Camaros as well as what appears to be an Infiniti Q50. We can also see a Honda Accord and a junkyard-worthy Lexus IS. They’re joined by a handful of BMWs and a newer IS.
More: Wild Oakland Sideshows See Cars Set Ablaze, Cops Rammed
The clip ends with a message saying police towed 80 vehicles from a sideshow held on May 5. Police also issued 50 citations and made one arrest.
The department doubled down on the message by saying, “If you take part in illegal sideshows, your vehicle could end up … towed and seized with a 30-day hold.” Oakland Police added, “Violent, disruptive, and illegal behavior will not be tolerated. Officers will take enforcement action by issuing citations, making arrests, and towing vehicles.”
Sideshows have been a growing concern in Oakland as a handful have turned violent and destructive. 15 people were shot at a Juneteenth sideshow, while earlier incidents have seen police cars rammed and vehicles set ablaze.
Unfortunately, police are facing an uphill battle as sideshows can draw massive crowds that far outnumber deputies. As a result, authorities are looking to deter events before they occur.