Community Alert 

January 20, 2024 - Ventura County Sheriff's Office officials report that in their continued commitment to safeguard our local community, the Camarillo Community Resources Unit and Camarillo Investigations Bureau would like to advise our community members of residential burglaries occurring during the evening hours. Residents play an important role in safeguarding their homes and neighborhoods.  We ask that residents who observe any suspicious subjects or suspicious vehicles, contact Sheriff’s Dispatch at 805-654-9511 for a deputy to investigate.

In this burglary trend, criminals target unoccupied residences that back up to open spaces such as hiking trails and golf courses. Investigators have noted most of these crimes tend to occur between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.

The Sheriff’s Office offers the following suggestions to deter our residents from being targeted:

Leave indoor lights and/or televisions on during the evening hours to give the appearance the house is occupied.

Close and lock all windows and doors when leaving the house.

Activate alarm systems when leaving the house.  Even if you only plan on being away for a brief period.

Alarm systems should consist of door sensors, window sensors and glass break sensors for all windows and doors on the first and second stories of the house.

Personal safes have been specifically targeted during these burglaries.  Consider permanently securing safes, storing valuables in heavy, well-constructed safes, safe deposit boxes or other secure locations.

Residents know their streets and neighborhoods more than anyone else. We encourage residents to report any suspicious vehicles or individuals immediately by calling Sheriff’s Dispatch at (805) 654-9511.  Pay particular attention to vehicles that drive slowly up and down residential streets, vehicles parked on a street with the engine on and headlights off, and vehicles parked adjacent to hiking trails or golf course access points during hours that are not consistent with hiking or golfing.

The saying, “If you see something, say something,” still holds true. By contacting Sheriff’s Dispatch for a suspicious circumstance, it allows deputies to investigate to determine if criminal activity is occurring and help keep our communities safe.

Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to a $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