Thousand Oaks City Watch - February 3, 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,

After reviewing the crime reports for the last two weeks, I have one word for everyone—THEFTS. We are fortunate to have a pro-active and disciplined police force that consistently makes Thousand Oaks one of the safest cities in the country. With all the beat cars, bicycle patrols, traffic units, and our Volunteers in Policing (VIPs), we regrettably cannot stop all crimes.

It seems as though if an object was not locked down or bolted to the ground, that article was unlawfully taken. Yet, if an object is locked and secured, there is no guarantee that it will not be taken. In one incident, a bicycle was chained to a chair but left unattended and surprisingly both the bicycle and chair were taken. Other property that has been recently stolen include: a truck bumper, items from broken into vending machines, unsecured bags, tools, lawn mowers, propane tanks, etc. The list is seemingly endless. Most of these crimes were committed while the victim was nearby but left the stolen item unattended. I am sure some of these crimes were witnessed by bystanders but understandingly did not know that a crime was being committed in their presence. Crooks love to blend in their surroundings and, as any officer would tell you, crooks are good actors and their behavior would make anyone believe that their actions are legitimate and above reproach. Criminals operate in the daylight hours because it is easier to mix in with the people and environment and be inconspicuous.

No discussion would be complete without noting thefts from vehicles. Yes, they are still occurring in different parts of the city but between January 17 and 18, the Newbury Park area experienced a flood vehicle break-ins and thefts from vehicles. Since these crimes are completed within a minute, there are usually no witnesses or evidence. Despite what people view on ‘CSI’ and other entertainment crime shows, fingerprints or any other evidence usually are absent from vehicle burglaries and thefts. Our best weapons to combat crimes are our wonderful residents, education, neighborhood watch programs and HOA meetings, and the relationships between the residents and police departments. You are doing an excellent job as I receive many emails and telephone calls regarding inquiries, crimes, and suspicious activities. Your telephone calls have resulted in great police contacts where people are identified and some arrested for various reasons. I believe my diatribe about solicitors have made many aware of the potential problems with them. I often hear calls go out to officers regarding “solicitors.”

Here is some valuable information from Erin Brockus who is the Assistant Communications Manager and 9-1-1 Coordinator for the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department:

9-1-1 FAQs

1. How come the dispatcher asks me for my address when I call 9-1-1? Don't they already have the address?

Generally speaking, when you use awireline phone, i.e. a traditional home phone, todial 9-1-1, youraddress and phone number should be displayed to the dispatcher. However, there areseveral exceptions to this rule and the dispatchers are required to confirm your address and phone number so they can make sure you receive the help that you are requesting.

2. What happens when I dial 9-1-1 from my cell phone?

When you dial 9-1-1 from your cell phone, your call will most likelygo to the California Highway Patrol instead of your local law enforcement agency. Also, the address that is forwarded to the dispatcherwill be the location of the cell site. Sometimes, not always,an approximate latitude/longitude of your location will be displayed to the dispatcher. In either case, the dispatcher needs you to provide your location and phone number.

3. Is Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) different?

Yes and no. It is considered a wireless call. However, you have the ability to, and you should, register your home address and telephone number with your VoIP provider so this information can be forwarded to the dispatcher when you use VoIP to dial 9-1-1. Of course, it is important to change the address and phone number if you are using your VoIP phone from somewhere other than your home.

Please continue to be your police department’s eyes and ears and, remember, without you we could not do our job so effectively.

Take care my friends,

Jim (DeSoto)