June 8, 2024 – Ventura County Sheriff's Office officials report that on March 17, an unidentified individual(s) unlawfully entered an outdoor agricultural business located in the unincorporated area of Ventura. The subject(s) stole a John Deere 5100MH tractor, valued at approximately $125,000 and the attachment tool at approximately $10,000.
On May 30, members of the Homeless Liaison Unit (HLU) were conducting an operation in the Santa Clara River Bottom in the unincorporated area of Ventura where they received information regarding recent Agricultural crimes in the area and the possible whereabouts of what was believed to be a stolen tractor in the Santa Clara River Bottom. HLU Deputies contacted the Headquarters Patrol Station Detectives to coordinate a search of the area.
Based on the information obtained by HLU Deputies and their knowledge of the Santa Clara River Bottom, HLU Deputies and Detectives from the Headquarters Patrol Station conducted a search of the area and located the above listed tractor. The victim responded to the location and recovered their stolen tractor.
Through repeated outreach operations and contacts, the HLU team has been able to build rapport and trust with unhoused individuals throughout the county. These relationships have proved valuable in HLU’s ability to obtain information related to criminal activity and the recovery of stolen property.
The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office is in the process of forming a full-time Homeless Liaison Unit. When fully staffed, the unit will be comprised of 2 Sergeants and 8 Deputies who are tasked with addressing issues related to people experiencing homelessness throughout the county. The team regularly assists unhoused individuals within the Santa Clara River bottom by connecting them with services and resources in an effort to reduce homelessness. The services and resources that are provided include services through the Ventura County Health Care Agency, Ventura County Continuum of Care, Ventura County Behavioral Health, Ventura County Human Services Agency, and numerous other agencies. HLU is committed to engaging with the community to educate and build relationships with the most vulnerable populations within Ventura County.
Source & photo: Ventura County Sheriff's Office
