Oakland 7-Eleven Cashier Quits After Back-to-Back Robberies in 24 Hours

OAKLAND — A clerk working at a 7-Eleven close to Lake Merritt mentioned that he has decided to leave his position following back-to-back violent robberies within a span of only one day.

Bishnu Bhandari, who has been manning the night shift at the 7-Eleven on Grand Avenue for three months, mentioned that he now feels unsafe. The convenience store faced two break-ins within days — first on Thursday and then again early Friday morning.

Bhandari remembered the assault from Friday, which occurred around midnight, saying, "They entered straight away and began striking me. They hit my head, then made me unlock the cash register."

The surveillance video examined by law enforcement revealed that around five or six individuals used a stone to break the store’s glass entrance before dashing into the premises. According to Bhandari, they made off with approximately $300 to $400 in currency as well as goods from the inventory.

“I felt terrified. I had no idea what was going on,” he stated, continuing to suffer from a headache several hours following the assault.

On the preceding day, the same store fell victim to thieves who crashed a purloined car into its entrance. Bhandari was also working when this theft occurred.

He mentioned, 'I rushed to the office and then bolted the door from within.'

The Nepalese migrant arrived in Oakland about one and a half years ago, seeking a better life. He made $17 per hour there — barely more than the minimum wage — at the shop.

"It poses too much danger and risk," Bhandari stated. After giving a declaration to the police, he informed his supervisor about resigning.

The Oakland Police Department stated that these incidents are linked to an overall increase in convenience store crimes occurring this week. Authorities suspect that at least three distinct teams have been focusing their efforts on gas stations and small shops across the city as well as nearby areas. Law enforcement apprehended four individuals associated with one gang on Thursday; however, two additional gangs continue to evade capture.

We intend to locate you. We plan to apprehend you. We will obtain the surveillance footage. We'll gather the evidence," stated Oakland Police Assistant Chief James Beere. "Currently, we’re collaborating with the district attorney’s office. Individuals involved will face consequences.

The thefts occurred shortly after the Oakland police reported a considerable decrease in overall crime within the city. The authorities stated that robberies have decreased by 44%, and burglaries have dropped by 36%.

However, Beere recognized that numbers don't provide the complete picture.

He stated, 'If you become the target of a criminal act, regardless of whether crimes are decreasing overall, you may still find it extremely challenging to feel secure.'

A number of patrons at the Grand Avenue 7-Eleven shared this view and were skeptical about the reported crime statistics.

Individuals are exhausted and simply aren’t bothering to report these incidents anymore," stated customer Holly Brooks. "The response from law enforcement can be quite slow for situations like this. In Oakland, you practically have to be at death’s door before help arrives.

On Friday, Bhandari had returned to work again — this time at his secondary position with a food truck. He mentioned that he feels grateful for having made it through the robbery incidents and is currently searching for different employment opportunities.

"For now, I’m alright. It’s just my good fortune,” he stated.

The Oakland Police Department has not yet apprehended any suspects in connection with the robbery that occurred on Friday and is urging individuals who possess relevant information to step forward.