Directed Enforcement Operation Related to Agricultural Crimes 

August 23, 2024 – Ventura County Sheriff's Office officials report that as a result of a recent surge in vehicle thefts, burglaries and larcenies in the unincorporated areas south of the City of Camarillo and east of the City of Oxnard, a directed enforcement operation was conducted, arresting 28 subjects, recovering two stolen vehicles and identified potential suspects linked to the reported crimes.

During the month of August 2024, the Sheriff’s Office saw a significant increase in thefts, burglaries and stolen vehicles (tractors) from the farms in the unincorporated areas of Camarillo situated south of the city limits and east of the City of Oxnard.  When the tractors have been recovered, they are often missing batteries, wiring and other electrical components.  Deputies and investigators worked to identify suspects, but due to the rural area and lack of witnesses the investigations went cold.  Patrol deputies and Investigators collaborated to identify potential suspects and stolen property associated to the recent thefts.

During the weekend of August 16-18, 2024, deputies assigned to the Camarillo Police Station, Camarillo Special Enforcement Unit and West County Special Enforcement Unit saturated the areas near the farms and arrested 28 subjects for various violations, recovered two stolen vehicles and obtained information on suspects involved in the farm thefts that detectives will be following up on.  Some of the subjects who were arrested were in possession of suspected stolen property from the farms.  This investigation is continuing, and additional arrests are expected.

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office would encourage members of the farming community remove and hide the keys to their farming equipment, specifically tractors.  Additionally, farmers should utilize the Owner Applied Number system for vehicle parts, batteries, and other valuable farming equipment so they can be easily identified in the event they are stolen.

Anyone with information regarding the crimes, the identity of the suspects, or information about the vehicles are encouraged to contact the Camarillo Investigations Bureau at 805-388-5100.

The Camarillo Police Department and Ventura County Sheriff’s Office encourage witnesses to notify the Sheriff’s Communication Center at 805-654-9511 or 911 of any suspected illegal activity they witness so deputies can investigate these matters as soon as they happen.

Source: Ventura County Sheriff's Office