OAKLAND — An Oakland enterprise robbed on Easter morning held a group occasion this weekend to thank clients and double down on their dedication to staying within the metropolis.
Proprietor Taylor Jay stated regardless of the general public security challenges, Oakland is price preventing for.
“I need to present the group that our enterprise is their enterprise and that collectively we are able to actually struggle what's occurring in Oakland,” Jay stated.
Surveillance video confirmed on March 31 that a masked man broke the glass door and looted the clothes retailer.
Jay stated the thief took about $20,000 in merchandise and the iPad used to gather bank card funds.
“That is ridiculous, it's Easter. I used to be so indignant. I used to be actually upset. And I believed, 'Okay, we're executed. Let's go some other place.' That was my authentic thought,” Jay remembers.
He stated it was particularly painful as a result of his small, Black-owned enterprise hosts many group occasions and invests closely in Oakland.
“We’ve got our personal in-house manufacturing unit. So we make all of the clothes in downtown Oakland. That's why Taylor Jay is designed and made in Oakland,” Jay stated.
However what occurred after the theft was what reminded him why he settled right here within the first place: the folks. Neighbors emailed him constructive messages and a few even donated to his GoFundMe web page.
“Some folks despatched us an iPad. I imply, the love is so actual it's simply superb,” Jay stated.
As a substitute of operating away from the issue, Jay stated he’ll keep and be a part of the answer. Many companies have already closed as a result of crime.
“We're not going to let just a few unhealthy apples damage this superb plate of fruit that Oakland has,” Jay stated.
On Saturday he held an occasion to thank neighbors and clients. They employed a DJ with a musician who performed reside jazz. Additionally they offered them with food and drinks. Jay stated it was a technique to remind others to help all of the small companies within the metropolis, as many are fighting much less foot visitors as a result of crime.
“Be very aware of your dollars and the place you spend them. Hold the cash in Oakland. Hold your help in Oakland. I do know it's very simple to go surfing or go away town. However struggle it,” Jay stated.
Their clients agreed, saying town's well being is tied to the success of small companies.
“If all of us need to be part of this collective, all of us need to do our half to verify they preserve them going. But additionally, it's type of a wake-up name to town to actually take into consideration what's happening,” he stated. shopper Crystal Cooper.
Oakland police reported that within the first three months of this yr robberies have been down 45% in comparison with the identical interval final yr. However thefts elevated by 35%.
“It's a problem proper now, however I don't suppose it's throughout for Oakland. I feel we have now to carry agency. It's going to take everybody's effort,” Jay stated.
Jay stated that whereas companies and clients do their half, elected leaders should step up and do extra to enhance public security.