Full Notification

Nature of Incident: Public Service Announcement Concerning Residential/Vehicle Burglaries



Location: Ojai Valley / Ventura County



Date & Time: Ongoing Trend



Unit Responsible: Ventura County Sheriff’s Department / Ojai Valley Station Detectives



Narrative:

In light of ongoing residential and vehicular burglary trends, investigators with the Ventura County Sheriff Department’s Ojai Valley Station would like to remind the public of some very important security tips.



Investigators remind the public to keep their personal belongings and valuables out of view in their vehicles. It is also important to keep vehicle windows closed and doors locked. In the Ojai Valley area, there has been a recent increase in the number of vehicle burglaries and thefts from vehicles. Often, the stolen items have been left in plain sight within the vehicle making them a prime target for thieves. There have also been several other reports of unlocked vehicles being targeted, rummaged through and items stolen.



Another important reminder for citizens during the coming summer is to keep doors and windows secured when they are away from their residences. A recent trend of residential burglars is to target homes where it appears no one is home. If you intend on being out of town or on vacation, remember the following tips:



1. Secure your residence and make sure all doors and windows are locked.

2. Let a trustworthy neighbor(s) know to keep an eye on your house.

3. Stop mail / newspaper delivery or have a neighbor collect it.

4. Request a “house check” from the local law enforcement agency.

5. Talk to your neighbors and report any suspicious subjects or activity in the neighborhood.



Officer Preparing Release: Detective Steve Michalec

Follow-up Contact: Ojai Station Detectives, (805) 646-1414

Date of Release: 5/25/10

Approved By: Sgt. Hookstra