Thousand Oaks City Watch Alert - April 20, 2009

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.

Crime Fighters,

The old adage, “the more things change, the more they stay the same” is very much prevalent. Thefts from vehicles continue despite your efforts and the efforts of the police department. The northern area of the city surrounding CLU and the area east of Moorpark is being subjected to thefts from vehicles. Thefts from vehicles still are occurring throughout the city but we all need to be observant for suspicious activity AND call the police.

The Thousand Oaks Dog Park located on Avenida De Las Flores and the 23 Freeway has been the recent target of several vehicle burglaries. The victims who use the park to walk their dog, often leave their purse, wallet, or electronics in plain view on the front seat. The suspect(s) have been breaking the windows, grabbing the property and leaving. The past six burglaries have occurred between 4pm and 5:30pm, which is usually the busiest time at the dog park. If you use the use the dog park or know someone who does, please watch for suspicious people in vehicles or on foot who are lingering around the area. Always call the police with as much information as possible at 805-654-9511.

A few residential burglaries have occurred because the residents did not lock their side garage door. Criminals do not like making entries to the front of residences and buildings for obvious reasons. Keep all doors and windows locked and secured whenever you leave your residences. These crimes could have easily been prevented.

The weather is pleasant and we will soon be reaching higher temperatures. We all like to cool off by jumping in a swimming pool, the ocean or a lake. The recent tragedy at Mussel Point in Santa Barbara County, however, reminds us to always be alert whenever our young loved ones and inexperienced swimmers are around water. In this case a nine year-old boy was swept off the rocks and his body has yet to be recovered. About a month ago a young child drowned in Lake Casitas, last year a drowning happened in Lake Piru and the list can go on. Please be very safety orientated around water so we can avert these tragedies. Wear life jackets, stay away from rocks where waves are able to knock you in the water, and always watch the children. It only takes a few seconds of a distraction to turn a happy day into a horror. My son almost drowned in a swimming pool accident a few years ago and I was watching him non-stop. For only a few seconds I turned my attention away from him and that was when he went under the water. That’s all it takes, just a few seconds. So, please watch your children around water at all times.

It seems that everyone is computer savvy with either a Facebook webpage or with some other social network. The Thousand Oaks Police Department now has a page on Twitter. Go to Twitter and type ‘Thousand Oaks Police’ and share your comments.** The Crime Prevention Unit maintains the web page and we look forward to hearing your thoughts.  ** NOTE FROM CVG:  VISIT http://twitter.com/ThousandOaksPD FOR THE THOUSAND OAKS TWITTER ACCOUNT (and while you're at it check out http://twitter.com/ConejoJoe).

We had our first night of Parent Project this past Wednesday night and it was a very successful turnout. It is not too late for those who would like to sharpen those parenting skills. We will be meeting every Wednesday at 6 pm at the Thousand Oaks Police Station. Anyone who is interested, please give me a call at 805-371-8362.

Have wonderful and safe week,

Jim (DeSoto)