June 24, 2023 - Ventura County Sheriff’s Office officials report that detectives are actively investigating a recent uptick in Organized Criminal Groups focusing on two common trends.  The first involves criminal groups that follow a victim home from a banking establishment. The second involves criminal groups that follow home victims who own small businesses, predominantly restaurants.

Investigators have identified Organized Crime crews who target a victim making large cash withdrawals at banking establishments.  These crews often work in teams of multiple suspects to watch the victim walk out of the bank with an envelope indicative of a large cash withdrawal. Once the victim drives away, the suspects proceed to follow them to their next destination before burglarizing the victims’ vehicle, stealing the cash.

These same type of organized crime crews have also been identified in residential burglaries.  Specifically, the suspects identify small business owners, predominantly restaurant owners, and follow the victims from their business to their residence.  Once the suspects know the victims are away from their residence and are not at their business, the residence is burglarized, oftentimes for large amounts of cash and high-end jewelry.

The Thousand Oaks Police Department wants to remind citizens to be vigilant and aware of your surroundings.  Always secure your belongings, do not keep large amounts of cash inside of your vehicle, and most importantly if you “see something, say something.”  Citizens can report any suspicious suspects, behaviors, or vehicles to Sheriff’s Dispatch at (805) 654-9511 or by contacting 9-1-1.  

Nature of Incident: Organized Criminal Groups Targeting Ventura County Residents

Location: Ventura County, CA

Unit(s) Responsible: Thousand Oaks Special Enforcement Unit – East County Investigations Bureau

Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information, which leads to the arrest and criminal complaint against the person(s) responsible for this crime.  The caller may remain anonymous.  The call is not recorded.  Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477).

Source: Ventura County Sheriff’s Office