In-N-Out Burger has announced the decision to close the company’s only location in Oakland, California, citing violent crime and thefts affecting employees and guests, according to reports.
Despite being profitable, store #193 will permanently close its doors on March 24 after more than 18 years in business — potentially making it the first eatery to ever be shut down by the wildly-popular West Coast-based chain.
Chief Operating Officer Denny Warnick confirmed the closure in a statement provided to Dion Lim of ABC7.
“We have made the decision to close our In-N-Out Burger location in Oakland, California, due to ongoing issues with crime. Despite taking repeated steps to create safer conditions, our Customers and Associates are regularly victimized by car break-ins, property damage, theft, and armed robberies,” Warnick wrote.
“[T]his location remains a busy and profitable one for the company, but our top priority must be the safety and well- being of our Customers and Associates – we cannot ask them to visit or work in an unsafe environment.”
A longtime customer of the Oakland In-N-Out told Lim he and other local residents have adopted the policy of leaving their car windows open to prevent them being smashed by thieves.
Lim invited other local In-N-Out patrons to participate in interviews with her via Zoom, explaining, “We can’t physically go out to the location for safety reasons, even though we have a security guard.”
Amid a blistering crime wave in Oakland and the surrounding Bay Area, authorities have advised victims to not confront suspects breaking into their vehicles.
“The individuals involved in locked auto burglaries have become extremely brazen. Something that’s typically a non-violent crime has become much more dangerous for police and for the community,” Oakland’s interim assistant police chief Tony Jones warned in October.
“We want to caution the public. Don’t try to engage with these individuals who are breaking into your car.”
InfoWars has been documenting the surge of crime across the United States, including carjackings, ‘street takeovers,’ smash-and-grab loot mobs, home invasions, and physical attacks on innocent victims.
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