Smash-and-grab at Lucky's in Oakland's Montclair neighborhood

OAKLAND, Calif. - Several people broke into the Lucky's supermarket in Oakland's Montclair neighborhood on the day after Christmas by ramming their vehicle into the store. 

Oakland police said they are investigating the commercial burglary, which was reported just after 4:45 a.m. on Thursday.

Police said that "multiple individuals" used vehicles to "gain entry" into the store. 

Police did not say what the people stole before making off in their getaway cars.

"Nothing ever happens here so it's kind of a really unusual thing," said Donna, who chose to withhold her last name and was shopping in the area. "But maybe people are desperate these days."

Contractors boarding up the broken windows told KTVU that this is the second time this Lucky's has been burglarized in this manner. Last time, the thieves took cigarettes, the contractors said. This time, the target was the ATM machine. 

Video from the scene early in the morning showed employees picking up fallen items and restocking shelves, with a broken front door in the background. 

This Oakland burglary follows on the heels of a smash-and-grab in San Leandro on Christmas Eve, where suspects broke into Elio's Family Restaurant to steal eggs, food and $3,000, as well as the GameStop at Fashion Flair Place, where they stole gaming consoles. Those burglaries were reported at about 6 a.m.

At the time, San Leandro police had arrested one of the suspects.

Experts said the holiday season could be the reason for the perceived rise in retail crime.

"This is a crime of opportunity in that after hours, holiday season, nobody's going to be there. And so there's an ample opportunity to be able to grab the ATM, break it open, grab the cash and get out of the area quickly," said Ken Gray, a criminal justice lecturer at the University of New Haven.

Officials with the Montclair Village Association said security has been increased during the holidays because many of its member businesses, and patrons, worry about such threats.

"It doesn't matter where you are, it's not safe nowhere," said shopper Quana, who also chose to withhold her last name.

Anyone with information should contact the OPD Burglary Section at (510) 238-3951. If anyone has videos, send them  to cidvideos@oaklandca.gov.