East County Sheriff Watch Alert Re: Catalytic Converter Thefts

Here is the latest "East County Sheriff Watch" alert from the Ventura County Sheriff's Department. This program is designed to target unincorporated neighborhoods in the area, such as Oak Park, Bell Canyon, Lynn Ranch, Casa Conejo and Lake Sherwood. If you would like these updates directly from him via email, click here for more information.

A catalytic converter is part of the emission system on a vehicle.  It is located underneath, near the muffler.  Over the last month, there have been several thefts of catalytic converters in the Thousand Oaks area.   Thieves have primarily targeted Toyota trucks and Toyota SUV type vehicles.  These thefts have occurred in both residential and business areas, during the late night to early morning hours. 

The unincorporated area has also been affected by this trend.  During the early morning hours of 5/26/12, thieves stole a catalytic converter from a vehicle in the Casa Conejo neighborhood of Newbury Park.  

Be aware that it only takes minutes for this type of theft to occur.  It is possible the thieves work in pairs, having one act as the look out.  Investigators believe the catalytic converters are most likely being sold to recycling centers.

Crime Prevention Tips

Park your vehicle in the garage.  If your car is going to be parked for an extended period of time, for instance at a shopping center or commuter transit parking lot, park your car in a well-lit area.  Also, try to park near the entrance of the building or near an access road that is heavily traveled. 

Crime Stoppers

Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information, which leads to the arrest and criminal complaint against the person(s) responsible for crimes.  The caller may remain anonymous.  The call is not recorded.  Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477).

Cell Phone Safety for Children Message from the Moorpark Police Department

During this year’s holiday gift giving, many parents have decided to give their children cellular telephones. Most new phones fall under a Smartphone category, which means they are capable of performing many tasks other than just being a telephone. The commonly used tasks by kids are texting, sending photos, social networking, downloading music, watching videos, playing games and then of course using it as a telephone.

Cell phones can be a great safety feature for your children, and a lifeline. However, it is important that your child is mature enough to understand the hazards of cell phone use. With more advancement in cellular technology, comes the responsibility for parents to manage cell phone use by our children. Sending pictures over the Internet is something that is common for children to do these days. Photo messaging on cell phones is no different. Children need to be aware that not all pictures are appropriate to send and receive. They also need to know that if they receive a message or image that makes them uncomfortable, they should immediately tell you or another trusted adult. Not deleting the inappropriate material before showing an adult is best, so the adult can better assess the issue and present the problem to law enforcement authorities if necessary.

Moorpark Police Cell Phone Quick List of Do’s and Do not’s

1. Send appropriate text, email, or picture messages only.
2. Do not give out your address or other personal information on a phone call, text, or email to
3. people you don’t know, or if others can hear you.
4. Do not respond to an email, text, picture, or voice message from someone you don’t know.
5. Tell an adult you trust if you receive anything on your phone—a call, a text message, an email, a picture, or voicemail message—that makes you uncomfortable.
6. Be aware of your surroundings and understand when talking or texting is appropriate and when it is not.

Finally, for those who can drive, never ever talk or text while driving.

Moorpark Police Department Stranger Danger Basic Rules to Teach Children

Moorpark Police Department Release Dated 12/19/11

On 12/16/11, Andres Lazaro Bautista, a 49 year old Moorpark resident, was arrested after a two week investigation which indicated Bautista had been annoying young school aged children in the area of downtown Moorpark. Bautista had been making lewd and obscene gestures to girls ranging from the age of 9 years old to 14 years old.

These children had been walking to the bus loading area located at Flory Elementary School. Bautista committed these crimes towards the children as they walked from their residences to the bus stop.

The Moorpark School Resource Officer along with Moorpark Detectives learned of these crimes and conducted a two-week investigation on Bautista. At least seven victims of the crime have come forward and identified Bautista as the suspect.

The Moorpark Police Department encourages parents to speak to their children and remind them of the dangers of strangers in their neighborhoods and abroad. Three basics rules to teach children if a stranger approaches:

1) YELL, “GET AWAY!”
2) SAY, “NO!”
3) TELL A SAFE ADULT

Ojai Police Department Reports an Increase in Reported Phone Scams

Ojai Police are warning Ojai Valley residents of an increase in reported phone scams. The suspect(s) have been targeting elderly residents and posing as family members in need of large sums of money or an official calling on the behalf of the family member because they are in jail and need money to bail out. Victims have reported the suspect(s) request the victim(s) to send the money to locations in Vancouver, B.C. Canada, or overseas to countries in the Middle East.

If any area residents receive phone calls of this nature, or any other suspicious nature, they are encouraged to call law enforcement. This type of phone scam is one of many that occur throughout the year and increase during holiday seasons.

Here are some recommendations to protect yourself from telephone scams:

1. Always know whom you are talking to and get information on the business and a call back number.
2. Never provide your confidential information, such as date of birth, social security number, or bank account numbers.
3. Discontinue transactions if someone coaches you on how to send money or respond to questions from money order service employees.
4. Always check with other family members when a suspect calls and poses as a family member requesting money and call the family member the officials are talking about.

Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information, which leads to
the arrest and criminal complaint against the person(s) responsible for this crime. The caller
may remain anonymous. The call is not recorded. Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477).

Four Tailgate Thefts Reported to Camarillo Police Department Yesterday

Last night (12/6/11), the Camarillo Police Department received calls from 4 victims who reported the tailgates on their trucks had been stolen. One of the trucks was a GMC and the other 3 were Dodges. The thefts occurred in the Mission Oaks area of Camarillo.

 

Stealing a tailgate can be done very quickly, especially if the tailigate is left down. A quick search of the internet can show anyone how to remove a tailgate in less than 15 seconds.

 

Tailgate thefts are a not a new crime, however with internet sites such as Craigslist and ebay, it is easier for thieves to sell the tailgates they steal.

 

If you are a truck owner, there are various companies that sell devices that can assist you in securing your taiigate. It can cost $1000 or more to replace a tailgate so making sure your tailigate is secure should be something for you to consider as a truck owner.

Bicycle Thefts Continue in the Conejo Valley - Anyone Recognize This One?

The Thousand Oaks Police Department has been reporting an increase in bike thefts in the area for a number of months now.  This crime frequently happens when garage doors are left open or bikes are left in patios. Here's a recent example along with detailed information from a Conejo Valley Guide Facebook follower. Should you become aware of the whereabouts of either of these bikes, CONTACT US or call TOPD Dispatch at 805.654.9511.

Stolen from garage in Southshore Hills neighborhood, Westlake Village around 5:30PM on Saturday, Sept 24th, area of Triunfo Canyon Rd, Glastonbury Rd, Hillsbury Rd:

Men’s road bike: 2008 Giant TCR Advanced Team Silver/Black, medium-large frame, with Mavic wheels and Ritchey carbon components and accessories. Valued at $10,000. PICTURED ABOVE

Also stolen was a men’s mountain bike: 2008 Giant Trance 1 Mountain Bike, Silver, medium-large frame, valued at $2500. EXAMPLE BELOW

Bike Thefts on the Increase in Northern Portion of Thousand Oaks

There has been an increase in the thefts of high-end bicycles in the northern portion of Thousand Oaks during the months of July and August of this year. The suspects have entered the victims’ open patios and garages. They have used bolt cutters to remove the cable locks to steal the bicycles. Thefts have occurred during the night hours, late morning and into midday hours.

On 8-15-2011, a witness saw two Hispanic males attempt to steal a bicycle.

Suspect 1 was described as a Hispanic male, 25-30 years old, 5’-10”, 160 lbs, slender build, medium complexion with no facial hair. He was wearing a gray baseball cap.

Suspect 2 was described as a Hispanic male, 25-30 years old, 5’-8”, 180 lbs, medium build, medium complexion, and short dark hair.

Both suspects were wearing royal blue T-shirts with “We Will Floor You” written in white letters on the back of the shirt. There were other words written on the shirt, but the victim could not see what they were.

If you have any information about these crimes, please contact Detective Mike Ferguson of the Thousand Oaks Police Department.

Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest and criminal complaint against the person(s) responsible for this crime. The caller may remain anonymous. The call is not recorded. Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477).