East Ventura County Sheriff Watch Update - June 23, 2011

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.

The following is a summary of recent crimes in the unincorporated areas surrounding Thousand Oaks.

Oak Park

Forest Knoll Drive – Theft from Vehicle 5-31-11 – Unknown suspect(s) entered victim’s unlocked vehicle when it was parked overnight in the street in front of residence and removed property from the center console. 

Dubonnet – Grand Theft from Vehicle 6-02-11 – Unknown suspect(s) entered the victim’s unlocked vehicle when it was parked overnight in the driveway of the residence and removed property from the rear seat and trunk.

Locust Ave – Vehicle Burglary 6-09-11 – Unknown suspects smashed the front passenger side window of the victim’s locked vehicle when it was parked overnight in the driveway of the residence.  Suspect(s) reached in and removed victim’s property.

Aspen Oak Court – Grand Theft from Vehicle 6-14-11 – Unknown suspect(s) entered the victim’s unlocked vehicle when it was parked overnight and removed property.

Casa Conejo

Alice Drive – Theft from Vehicle 6-12-11 – Unknown suspect(s) entered the victim’s unlocked vehicle when it was parked overnight in the driveway of the residence and removed property.

Lake Sherwood

Rosemont Court – Grand Theft from Vehicle 6-02-11 – Unknown suspect(s) entered both of the victim’s unlocked vehicles when they were parked in the driveway of the residence and removed property.

Hidden Valley

West Potrero Road – Burglary 6-14-11 – Unknown suspect(s) entered a locked tack room at the stables and removed property belonging to several different people that had been stored at the ranch. 

Lynn Ranch

Calle Salto – Vehicle Burglary 6-20-11 – Unknown suspect(s) smashed the front passenger side window of victim’s locked vehicle when it was parked overnight in the driveway.  Property was removed from the center console.

Calle Pecos – Grand Theft from Vehicle 6-20-11 – Unknown suspect(s) entered the victim’s unlocked vehicle when it was parked overnight in front of the residence and removed property from the glove box and trunk.

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 805-494-TALK (Thousand Oaks / Moorpark) or 805-385-TALK (Camarillo /  Oxnard / Port Hueneme). 

Graffiti – Oak Park

There has been an increase in graffiti throughout the Oak Park area.  The locations targeted have been schools, residential neighborhoods, and business complexes.  The writings/drawings are consistent with the suspect(s) being juveniles.  Although juveniles are routinely seen at night, please call the Sheriff’s Office at (805) 654-9511 to report any suspicious juveniles loitering at night.  An attempt is being made to identify juveniles out at night during the time frame these crimes are occurring.  With your help, the suspect(s) will most likely be identified by your calls.

Party/Noise Disturbances

Neighbors having loud parties can disturb your time at home with your family.  Patrol officers routinely respond several times to the same party call without having legal authority to disperse the gathering.  If juveniles are consuming alcohol, patrol deputies can take immediate action by enforcing the Social Host Ordinance.  However, in most instances, a citizen must sign a noise complaint for the deputy to shut down the party.  Without a signed complaint, a deputy can only request the homeowner to quiet down unless the noise is heard at least 50ft from the property line (Ventura County Ordinance 6299-1).  If you are calling to report a loud party, please provide your contact information to Sheriff’s Dispatch in order to have the responding deputy obtain a signed complaint from you.  As peace officers, our “peace” cannot be disturbed no matter how loud the party is unless it violates the county ordinance.  Only your peace can be disturbed, so we depend on you to sign a complaint.  It also allows the deputy to document the level of noise heard at your residence.  With your proactive response, the situation can be handled immediately, allowing you to enjoy your time at home.

Residential / Vehicle Burglaries

As a general trend, suspects arrested for these crimes reside both in Oak Park and outside the area.  These suspects have been linked to both vehicle burglaries and residential crimes. 

During past investigations, it has been established that about 90% of the crimes are ones of opportunity and not ones planned out by suspects. Suspects will usually target neighborhoods, which provide opportunities for success.  They usually find neighborhoods in which residents leave items inside vehicles in plain view.  Homes are usually targeted because an access point is found, providing entry into a home.  Usually this is an unsecured door, doggy door, window, or garage.   

Please report any and all suspicious vehicles or persons to the Sheriff's Office at 805-654-9511 or in emergencies cases, 911.  It is extremely important that residents remove all valuable items from vehicles, both day and night.  Residences and vehicles should be secured and alarms utilized if they are available.

By taking these few preventive measures, most crimes will be averted.  It only takes a few seconds from a thief to steal your property.  Residents can also subscribe to Ecsheriff.watch@ventura.org and receive information regarding criminal activity in their area.

Unincorporated Areas of Newbury Park, Lake Sherwood, Hidden Valley

For those of you living in the unincorporated areas of Newbury Park, Lake Sherwood and Hidden Valley, July 1st will bring a change in your Police service. A money saving effort initiated by Sheriff Dean will result in the City of Thousand Oaks Police Department becoming your primary responder to calls for service in your community. The Sheriff and I are committed to ensuring that the transition will be seamless and that your police services will be delivered with the same quality and professional standard as before. Should you have any concerns or experience any issue with your policing service, feel free to contact Captain Frank O'Hanlon at Frank.O'Hanlon@ventura.org.