Stop signs replace traffic light at Oakland intersection after suspected repeated copper theft
OAKLAND, Calif. (KRON) – Copper theft may be to blame for a major change at an Oakland intersection. Instead of traffic lights, there are now stop signs at 12th Street and 16th Avenue.
Business owners in the area say the traffic lights were always out even when they were in place. The change had many drivers hesitant when going through on Monday.
Business owners in the area say the switch was made in response to frequent copper thefts.
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“The stoplight never worked. It probably worked about maybe 24-48 hours, then copper got stolen and took out the electricity. I guess they got tired of fixing it,” said Bruce Vuoing, who owns Quality Tech Automotive.
Vuoing says surprisingly the new stop signs have made the junction safer, as people slow down and avoid major collisions.
The intersection is covered in skid marks from sideshows. It sits in the midst of a three-block-long encampment.
Vuoing, who has owned his business for more than four decades, says the copper thefts are coming from the encampment. He says the tents and RVs have been there for the last eight years.
“It’s so bad right now. In 40 years this is the worst I’ve ever seen it,” he said.
On top of the encampment, Vuoing says crime has become rampant in the area.
“All the time,” he said. “I got a shotgun pulled to my forehead. People try to rob me when I go to work. My employees, they get robbed. A lot of my associates left. They couldn’t do it anymore. The prostitutes… Oh my God. Children come home from school, they have to close their eyes.”
Vuoing says he makes sure his security cameras are always working to protect his employees, but even when they’ve called for help, he says the 911 system has failed them.
“We had a fire in the alley. I called 911, I was on hold for seven minutes and 54 seconds. Seven minutes when it comes to a fire is a lot,” he said.
He says something has to change.
“We’re at a time in Oakland where citizens need to say enough is enough. Let’s enforce the law. It’s not racist, not gender, it’s you commit the crime you do the time,” he said.
KRON4 reached out to the mayor’s office, city administration and Councilmember Nikki Fortunato Bas but did not hear back in time for this report.
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