Oakland Community Rallies Behind Immigrant-Owned 'Dick's Donuts' After Devastating Robbery

OAKLAND, Calif. — In the face of a devastating robbery, the owners of a beloved Oakland donut shop are experiencing an outpouring of love and financial support from the community they have served for over two decades. Dick's Donuts, a family-owned neighborhood staple located at 3417 High Street, was targeted by a destructive thief in the early hours of Thursday, April 25, 2024.

According to reports, the suspect smashed through the shop's protected glass window to gain entry, causing significant property damage. Once inside, the individual made off with a substantial amount of cash, including the entire cash register containing the store’s daily earnings. The incident left the shop's interior in disarray and threatened the livelihood of the small business.

Co-owner Sovanna Chan and her husband, who immigrated to the United States and have operated Dick's Donuts for more than 20 years, were left shaken by the crime. “We work so hard every day to serve our neighbors and support our family,” Chan said. “To have this happen is very painful, but the community's reaction has given us hope.”

Indeed, the neighborhood did not hesitate to step up. Almost immediately after news of the robbery spread, loyal customers organized a GoFundMe campaign to help cover the costs of building repairs and recover the stolen funds. Within days, neighbors and community organizations contributed thousands of dollars, demonstrating the deep bond between the shop owners and the local residents.

The Oakland Police Department is currently investigating the incident, utilizing surveillance footage from nearby commercial establishments along High Street. While detectives search for the suspect, the owners of Dick's Donuts remain open for business, expressing their profound gratitude for the neighborhood that rallied to keep their doors open.