Small businesses in Oakland, California are being hit hard by robberies. The situation is so severe that some of the establishments have decided to refuse cash payments to prevent robberies. The San Francisco Chronicle has reported that since the decision was made, there has been a significant decrease in the frequency of robberies. This year alone, 137 commercial burglaries have been reported in Oakland’s “Police Area 2,” almost triple the number reported in 2021. The losses not only affect small business owners’ finances but also have implications for Oakland’s local economy. The city authorities must put more urgent measures in place to protect the livelihoods of its residents.
