Thousand Oaks City Watch Update - 2/11/10

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

Crime Fighters,

Those suspicious persons and vehicle calls are paying dividends as deputies are contacting and arresting people as a result of your involvement in keeping our city safe. Your calls have lead to contacting unwanted solicitors to arresting a would-be-bank robber. A sharp-eyed citizen saw this person sitting in his vehicle for an uncharacteristically long time in a bank parking lot and called the police. By the time the officers arrived, the robber-to-be was about to make entry into the bank with his phony disguise.

We do not want to become a city known for bank robberies and we have had too many recently. With the economy still stumbling, we might see more overall crime and I will continue to preach that we all need to contribute in making our city safer. For example, this almost-robber was in a busy parking lot and many people had to notice him but only one person called in. We all have a duty to fight crime whether it is in our neighborhood or elsewhere.

The recent crime summaries I read were predominately vehicle break-ins. Entry after entry consisted of “unknown suspect smashed…” Vehicle break-ins will continue regardless of how many warnings are given but you can help us investigate, track, and recover any stolen property should you become a victim. Record all your valuables. Record all serial numbers, makes, and models and take photographs of your jewelry and anything else of value that does not have distinct identifiers.

Businesses with storage lots that house vehicles and equipment are being targeted. Recently, there were several of these thefts that occurred at different hours of the day on different days of the week. As you go about your respective days, watch for any unusual or criminal circumstance and call the Sheriff’s Communication Center at 805-654-9511.

From the comfort of your homes I can imagine that many of you read, communicate, and purchase items on the Internet. From years of taking and reading crime reports regarding scams, none seems to be more of a headache to law enforcement and victims than Craigslist. No matter what forum you choose to shop, always do research into with whom you are conducting business. Also be alert for fraudulent e-mails associated with on-line shopping as it is common for crooks to send the victim the phony but authentic looking (typically PayPal) e-mail to lull any skepticism the buyer may have. Remember, the con artist are keeping-up with technology but are using the same old ploys with new twists.

Lastly, I want to reinforce how important teamwork is for both the police and the community and the police and other departments. Our good friends at Camarillo PD helped us solve multiple vehicle burglaries that happened in Thousand Oaks. Over the weekend an astute Camarillo deputy observed an unreported stolen vehicle that had four Oxnard gang members inside. The gang members ran but were all caught, arrested and later booked in the county jail. A search of the vehicle revealed numerous articles belonging to Thousand Oaks residents. The Thousand Oaks detectives conducted the follow-up investigation and assisted with putting these miscreants in their favorite colors—jail blues.

Take Care,

Jim (DeSoto)