Thousand Oaks Police Department City Watch Update - September 28, 2011

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,

Although I write about the more interesting crimes and incidents in an appealing way, remember the lesson behind each story so that you may keep yourself protected and safe and not fall victim to any of the crimes. I write about serious subject matters with humor but bear in mind that there are far more crimes, mostly property crimes, that occur in Thousand Oaks. Our website at www.vcsd.org has a great deal of useful information including but not limited to a crime/incident/arrest map for you to view, a delayed patrol dispatch that shows what officers are doing in the field, jail information and Sheriff Office press releases from throughout the county. Also, if you would like to know any current or recent activity in your neighborhood, also known as a Calls for Service (CFS) report, just let me know and I will get you the information. Now, here is some entertaining yet important reading.

Saturday Night’s Alright

Recently, it may seem everyone is in a fighting mood. Over the past few weeks the police have responded to fight calls involving two brothers turning against a mutual friend after the brothers fought over a beer can; a fisticuffs over methadone that turned into a bat and belt being used as weapons; a suspect drenching a victim with a beer bath before clanking the victim on the head with the empty beer mug; and other less serious fighting incidents.

Alcohol and substance abuse plays a part in a great majority of fights and disturbances. If you know someone in a situation that is heading down that road of brawls, bashes and bare-knuckle broils, get that person to leave before they spend the evening on the house at the County Bed and Breakfast Inn.

Knock-knock

I receive many complaints from residents who do not want to be pestered by door-to-door solicitors who may or may not be truly legitimate. The Thousand Oaks Police’s bicycle team decided to be a doorknocker for a day and knocked on the doors of a local motel where some of these solicitors were staying. Many of these solicitors come from different parts of the country, get paid minimum wages, and primarily make their income on the number of subscriptions they sell. These solicitors found out how irritating it can be when unwanted visitors come knocking. When the bicycle team finished their soliciting, the team was able to persuade the occupants into acquiring handcuffs. Multiple arrests were made for possession of hashish, under the influence of a controlled substance, possession of a deadly weapon and one for being an interstate fugitive. A great job by the bicycle team!

With a neighbor like you, who needs enemies?

A teenage resident was surprised to hear and see a stranger opening the rear patio door and entering the house. Once confronted, the juvenile jokester stated he was hiding from his mother and nervously walked out the front door after he turned the doorknob using his shirt to avoid leaving prints. Later, as the homeowner was reminiscing about the day’s event with neighbors, the suspect injudiciously rode by on a skateboard. After the police were called, the brash burglar, who lived a few houses away, was arrested and admitted to having an impulsive fetish with women’s clothing.

Another resident also was not happy when his next-door neighbor attempted to break into the resident’s house. The determined crook tried multiple entries into the residence before finally succeeding by forcing open a window and poking his head through the kitchen blinds. Too bad for brazen burglar that the homeowner was inside the residence and called the police. The not-so-skilled and gawky housebreaker had some explaining to give the officers as he left enough evidence, including his bag of tricks with burglary tools, that even Inspector Clouseau would not have overlooked. Both these ideal neighbors were introduced to a patrol vehicle’s backseat.

You’re in the wrong store

A couple of male shoplifters went into a lingerie store with a bag that they thought would defeat the security sensors. After they filled-up the bag with over four thousand dollars of women’s clothing, they walked out the store but the alarms sounded and the daft duo desperately ran through the mall with security officers on their heels. Although they were fast and had a large lead, the thieves were unable to out-run the multiple surveillance cameras. A quick response by patrol officers nabbed one of the undercover underwear hoarders as he tried to hide in an out-of-county stolen vehicle. The stolen property was recovered and the investigation continues to link the lingerie lunatic to other crimes in Ventura and L.A. Counties.

Stealing gets you a beating

Petty thefts from vehicles, unfortunately, occur regularly in all parts of the city and most of the time the culprits escape with their pilfered, portable property. At other times, the thief’s ambition comes to an unexpected end. A victim went out to his vehicle and saw the suspect rifling through the vehicle that was left unlocked. When the suspect was confronted, he ran away but the victim gave chase. Soon other neighbors joined the pursuit and the suspect found himself fighting an angry mob of neighbors. The dazed and battered suspect escaped only after threatening to return to harm others. When the police found the foolish fiend, he was shaking and having an anxiety attack. Next time he might want to re-think about returning to the same neighborhood.

Not a good role model

Six adults with a child in-tow left Chucky E Cheese. One of the adults, not being happy with the food or service, thinking the kid games and activities were too difficult and not what he expected, decided to take an oversized wall decorative token as a consolation prize. When confronted in the parking lot by the management, the large locket looter’s feign reply of ignorance just was not convincing, as he was unable to hide the 4 ½ foot diameter token in his rear pocket. After his court date, I do not think he will be welcomed back.

The number of fraud concerns that I have received is increasing. Numerous residents are getting unsolicited phone calls, e-mails and postal mailings that are wrought with deceitful and criminal attempts to bamboozle the receiver. The methods and types of these scams are truly infinite. From lotteries to lost relatives to opportunities for financial freedom to…well, just name it, as no limit exists to how the criminal will try to dupe you. Be cautious and if in doubt, ask a trusted friend who will honestly tell you, “Don’t do it!”

Bicycle thefts from open garages in both Oak Park and the City of Thousand Oaks have increased. It appears the suspect(s) is scouting out neighborhoods for open garages that have high-end bicycles in plain view. 

It is important that residents close their garage doors (day and night) and ensure all connecting doors are locked and secured.  If you have bicycles, please retain a photograph of the bicycle and record the bicycle's serial number. This information will assist with future investigations if you become a victim.  The Thousand Oaks Police are requesting residents report any suspicious persons who are loitering or casing in neighborhoods. Dispatch can be contacted at the non-emergency number (805) 654-9511 or in an emergency 911.  Please provide a good description of the subject's vehicle, clothing, and direction of travel. As always, your tips provide valuable information.

Lastly, remember that most crimes are crimes of opportunity. When applicable, take the basic precautions of locking vehicle and residential doors, securing residential and vehicle windows, keeping an eye on your property when shopping and being aware of your surroundings. The criminals are watching you and the more attentive and vigilant you are the greater the likelihood that they will target someone else.

Take care,

Jim (DeSoto)