OAKLAND, Calif. – The Oakland Police Department (OPD) is intensifying its efforts to curb illegal sideshows across the city, tracking down and seizing vehicles involved in the dangerous street gatherings—even weeks after the events take place.
Investigators recently located three vehicles linked to a sideshow that occurred on August 2, 2025, near Adeline Street and Market Street in Oakland. Working alongside law enforcement partners in multiple jurisdictions, OPD seized those vehicles in Redwood City, Petaluma, and Sacramento.
“Just because you got away that night doesn’t mean we won’t find you,” the department warned in a statement. So far this year, OPD has confiscated more than 170 vehicles tied to illegal sideshows in Oakland. According to the department, most of those vehicles are registered outside city limits, showing the regional draw of these dangerous gatherings. Those numbers do not include vehicles towed by officers directly from sideshow scenes.
Police say the reckless stunts and large crowds associated with sideshows continue to threaten public safety. “Sideshows are not entertainment; they are illegal and dangerous,” the department said. “If you participate in illegal sideshows in Oakland, your vehicle may be towed and held for 30 days.”
The department emphasized that its enforcement efforts are ongoing, with a focus on accountability and community safety. “OPD remains committed to holding participants accountable and keeping Oakland’s streets safe for everyone,” the statement said.
Authorities encourage the public to report illegal sideshow activity as part of their continuing effort to make Oakland’s neighborhoods safer.