Thousand Oaks City Watch Alert - April 17th

Here is the latest "City Watch" alert from Deputy Jim DeSoto of the Thousand Oaks Police Department. If you are interested in receiving these updates directly from him via email, click here for more information.

And yet another City Watch Alert care of Jim DeSoto sent out today:

Hi Team,

Here are a few more tidbits of information that you should be aware of. Countywide, there was been vehicle burglaries-- which are not unusual in itself—but what has been taken from the vehicle is important for you to know. Vehicles have been forcibly broken into and DMV registrations have been taken. There are two ideas of thought behind why the registration forms are taken: 1) the crooks want your name and zip code for credit card reasons (many transaction machines ask for your zip code in order to complete a transaction) and 2) auto dealerships, in order to get you a new ignition key for your newer car, will ask for your registration and an identification card—and we all know that it is easy to make a fake identification card. Although I have not heard of this being done, it is still a possibility. I am sure there are many more reasons that I have not thought about on why the vehicle registration is being taken, but your thoughts and input on the matter are always appreciated.

Per the Vehicle Code you do need to have the vehicle registration with the vehicle; however, per VC 4454 you can keep a copy of the registration with the vehicle and not the original registration. I suggest that you keep a copy of your registration and on the back of it write down your insurance company’s name and policy number—this will suffice for proof of insurance. Vehicle Code section 16028(a) only states that driver provides evidence of financial responsibility.

I appreciate all the responses I receive regarding the TO City Watch e-mailings. I am sorry that I cannot respond to all your e-mails but your suggestions, input, and information are all valued and appreciated.

Regarding the catalytic converter thefts, an e-mail stated that it was common for the thieves to choose an area where there were many SUVs and trucks parked together (vehicles of choice for the crooks because of the accessibility of the converters)-easy pickings, big money, and little risk. Thankfully, the catalytic converter thefts in this city and county have not been widespread.

Another good e-mail dealt with identity theft and tax returns. Please be cognizant of e-mail phishing where the bad guys sends you a phony e-mail regarding your tax return in order to get your personal information. Never click onto a link within an e-mail sent to you.

Finally, I frequently get e-mails and telephone calls from residents (not the victims) about crime activity that is never reported. Please, encourage victims to report crime—this is the only way we can document crime trends, crime activity, and put the bad guy in jail. For every criminal caught in the act, he probably did many other crimes—some we know about and many we do not.

Keep the eyes open and alert. You all are doing a tremendous job!  Thank you.

Have a fantastic weekend. Jim (DeSoto)